FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece, Kalambaka – Day One Report
Cervantes, Nambotin and Renet Victorious On Day One At GP of Greece
Epic battles throughout all classes saw an explosive start to the FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece in Kalambaka. In front of the world famous monastic heritage sites of the peaceful and picturesque Kalambaka, the world’s best enduro riders battled for victory. Remaining unbeaten in the championship to date, the KTM duo of Ivan CERVANTES and Christophe NAMBOTIN won their respective Enduro 3 and Enduro 1 categories. Husqvarna’s Pela RENET emerged from a titanic four-rider battle as the winner of the Enduro 2 class. Beta’s Giacomo REDONDI kept his cool in the Greek heat to win the Enduro Junior class while Yamaha’s Davide SORECA was victorious in the 125 Youth Cup.
Remaining unbeaten in the Enduro 3 category, Spain’s Ivan CERVANTES recorded his fifth victory of the series. Fifth at the end of lap one, the KTM rider charged his way forward to secure a comfortable 15-second margin of victory. “It’s fantastic to win again,” confirmed CERVANTES. “I didn’t have a great start to the day but soon found a faster pace and was able to take the win. I’m delighted with how the day has worked out.” Despite topping Friday’s Super Test, France’s Mathias BELLINO (Husqvarna) found himself in sixth position at the end of lap one. Working hard to recover from his mistakes, the Frenchman rode well to place as runner-up to CERVANTES. For Australian Matt PHILLIPS, the day was one of mixed fortunes. Setting the pace early on to lead, the KTM rider crashed on the second extreme test and eventually placed third. Setting the fastest time in three of the day’s 13 special tests, Portugal’s Luis CORREIA (Beta) took fourth while France’s Jeremy JOLY (KTM) equalled his best result of the series so far with fifth.
The Enduro 1 category again belonged to France’s Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM). Finding the enduro test and the technical extreme test to his liking the Frenchman claimed a comfortable 38-second margin of victory. “I’m really happy to take my fifth victory of the season,” commented NAMBOTIN. “It’s been a good day for me with no big mistakes. Hopefully I can win again tomorrow.” Behind Nambotin the fight for the final steps of the podium was fought out between France’s Jeremy TARROUX (Sherco) and Finland’s Eero REMES (TM). Bettering REMES in the final two special tests of the day, TARROUX forged ahead to secure his first runner-up result of the season. Despite holding TARROUX at bay for the majority of the day, REMES suffered some technical issues and was forced to retire in the closing stages of the race. With REMES out of contention, France’s Anthony BOISSIERE (Sherco) benefited from REMES’ misfortune to take third. Delivering a consistent performance throughout the day, KTM’s Cristobal GUERRERO (S) took fourth. Completing the top five, Spain’s Jaume BETRIU (Husqvarna) ended his day in fifth.
Recording his second victory of the season, France’s Pela RENET (Husqvarna) took the Enduro 2 class win. Involved in a three-rider battle with Johnny AUBERT (F-Beta) and Alex SALVINI (I-Honda), the Husqvarna rider worked his way from third position to the front of the field. Holding off a last minute charge by Antoine MEO (F-KTM), Renet finally took the victory. “It’s been another incredible battle for the victory,” told RENET. “First I fought with Aubert and Salvini and then on the final lap Meo attacked hard. Thankfully this time I made no mistakes and the win was mine.” Recovering strongly from a disastrous start to his day, MEO eventually placed second. Ending lap one over 25 seconds behind the leaders due to numerous crashes, the Frenchman then settled into the race. Improving with each lap he found a way past both AUBERT and SALVINI to take the runner-up result. Enjoying his strongest performance of the series, SALVINI challenged hard for the race win. Losing out on the final lap, he placed third. Despite leading the way for the first half of the day, a couple of mistakes from AUBERT was all it took to miss out on the race win and finish fourth. Rounding out the top five, Spain’s Oriol MENA (Beta) was fifth.
In the Enduro Junior class, Italy’s Giacomo REDONDI (Beta) put an end to Britain’s Danny MCCANNEY’s (Beta) winning ways. Separated by half a second entering the final special test, a perfect run by REDONDI and a crash from MCCANNEY, saw the Italian record his first win of the championship. With MCCANNEY remounting to take second, France’s Loïc LARRIEU (Husqvarna) ended his day just eight seconds behind MCCANNEY in third. Italy’s Nicolo MORI (KTM) comfortably placed fourth while Alessandro BATTIG (I-Honda) was fifth.
Recording his third race win of the series, Italy’s Davide SORECA (Yamaha) was the best of the 125 Youth class. Nicolas PELLEGRINELLI (I-KTM) edged out Chile’s Benjamin HERRERA (TM) to take second. Sweden’s Albin ELOWSON (Husqvarna) and Jeremy MIROIR (F-Yamaha) completed the top five.
Enduro 1 – 1. Christophe Nambotin (KTM) 1:13:51.85; 2. Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco) 1:14:29.83; 3. Antony Boissiere (Sherco) 1:15:18.40; 4. Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) 1:15:27.39; 5. Jaume Betriu (Husqvarna) 1:15:53.26; 6. Thomas Oldrati (Husqvarna) 1:16:32.62…
Enduro 2 – 1. Pela Renet (Husqvarna) 1:12:59.47; 2. Antoine Meo (KTM) 1:13:01.51; 3. Alex Salvini (Honda) 1:13:15.64; 4. Johnny Aubert (Beta) 1:13:19.31; 5. Oriol Mena (Beta) 1:14:41.33…
Enduro 3 – 1. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1:14:30.56; 2. Mathias Bellino (Husqvarna) 1:14:45.98; 3. Matthew Phillips (KTM) 1:14:59.46; 4. Luis Corriea (Beta) 1:15:09.58; 5. Jeremy Joly (KTM) 1:15:44.44…
Enduro Junior – 1. Giacomo Redondi (Beta) 1:14:28.50; 2. Danny McCanney (Beta) 1:14:42.99; 3. Loic Larrieu (Husqvarna) 1:14:51.53; 4. Nicolo Mori (KTM) 1:16:07.41; 5. Alessandro (Honda) 1:16:57.10…
125 Youth Cup – 1. Davide Soreca (Yamaha) 1:16:54.18; 2. Nicolas Pellegrinelli (KTM) 1:17:24.03; 3. Benjamin Herrera (TM) 1:17:26.30; 4. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 1:17:27.74; 5. Jeremy Miroir (Yamaha) 1:17:27.79…
FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece, Kalambaka – Day Two Report
Phillips and Remes Shine Bright In Greece
The FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece in Kalambaka was brought to a thrilling close on day two as the 2013 Enduro Junior world champion Matt PHILLIPS claimed victory in the Enduro 3 category. Eero REMES delivered TM Factory Racing their first victory in Enduro 1. In the Enduro 2 class, KTM’s Antoine MEO returned to the top step of the podium while Giacomo REDONDI (Beta) continued to lead the way in the Enduro Junior classification.
Claiming his debut win in the senior rankings Australia’s Matt PHILLIPS (KTM) topped the Enduro 3 classification at the end of day two. Determined to make amends for his misfortune on day one, the 2013 Enduro Junior world champion led from the opening special test of the day two to secure the victory. “Today was perfect, it couldn’t have gone any better,” confirmed PHILLIPS. “I pushed hard from the word go and led the whole day. It’s an awesome feeling to get my first senior win.” Suffering his first defeat of the series, championship leader Ivan CERVANTES (S-KTM) ended his day as runner-up to PHILLIPS. Recording his second visit to the podium in Greece, Husqvarna’s Mathias BELLINO (F) completed the top three. Improving on his day one result of ninth Finland’s Matti SEISTOLA (Sherco) finished just ten seconds behind BELLINO in fourth. Delivering another consistent ride, Portugal’s Luis CORREIA (Beta) ended his day in fifth.
It was all change in the Enduro 1 class with Finland’s Eero REMES (TM) holding off a late charge from Christophe NAMBOTIN (F-KTM) to take the win. Leading from the off, REMES quickly opened up an advantage as NAMBOTIN made numerous mistakes. Keeping his cool on the final lap, the Finn secured a well-deserved victory. “It’s been a brilliant day for me and for TM,” told REMES. “I’m so happy to take the win but for TM it’s their first victory in E1 so this win is even more special.” After a slow start to his day, NAMBOTIN – despite his best efforts – was unable to reel the TM rider back in and had to settle for second position. Battling with REMES early on, Spain’s Cristobal GUERRERO (KTM) slipped back to third position as the Greek heat began to takes its toll on the riders. Unable to repeat his runner-up result from day one, France’s Jeremy TARROUX (Sherco) finished less than six seconds behind GUERRERO in fourth. Still recovering from his shoulder injury sustained at the GP of Portugal, Italy’s Thomas OLDRATI (Husqvarna) rounded out the top five.
Day two in Greece produced yet another intense battle and drama filled day in the Enduro 2 class. Taking control of the race lead at the end of lap one, Honda’s Alex SALVINI (I) looked back to his winning form following his recent injury, but a crash on lap two forced him out of the race with injury. That opened the door for Antoine MEO (F-KTM ) to regain the lead. Increasing his advantage on the final lap, the Frenchman secured victory. “It’s been a really tough weekend but it’s great to end it with a win,” commented MEO. “The level is really high in E2 and I made some mistakes. I had to push hard to get the win here in Greece.” Battling with Johnny AUBERT (Beta) early on, France’s Pela RENET (Husqvarna) eventually pulled clear of his French rival to secure the runner-up result. Hampered by a few mistakes midway through the day, AUBERT lost touch with RENET and ended his day in third. Equalling his best result of the series to date, former MXGP rider, Jonathan BARRAGAN (S-Husqvarna) continues to adapt well to enduro and placed fourth. Spain’s Oriol MENA (Beta) completed the top five.
Excelling in the hot, dry and dusty Greek terrain, Italy’s Giacomo REDONDI (Beta) secured a commanding victory in the Enduro Junior class. Improving as the day progressed, France’s Loic LARRIEU (Husqvarna) found a way past Britain’s Danny MCCANNEY (Beta) to take second. Unable to respond to the attack by LARRIEU, MCCANNEY slipped back to third. Italy’s Alessandro BATTIG (Honda) and Nicolo MORI (KTM) placed fourth and fifth. Remaining fixed at the top of the 125 Youth Cup class, Italy’s Davide SORECA (Yamaha) claimed his fourth victory of the season. Finishing nine seconds behind SORECA, Italy’s Nicolas PELLEGRINELLI (KTM) ended his day as runner-up. Sweden’s Albin ELOWSON (Husqvarna) took third while Jeremy MIROIR (F-Yamaha) and Chile’s Benjamin HERRERA (TM) rounded out the top five.
The FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship continues with the GP of Finland on June 7/8.
Enduro 1 – 1. Eero Remes (TM) 1:14:30.02; 2. Christophe Nambotin (KTM) 1:14:32.79; 3. Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) 1:15:00.38; 4. Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco) 1:15:06.16; 5. Thomas Oldrati (Husqvarna)…
Enduro 2 – 1. Antoine Meo (KTM) 1:13:20.49; 2. Pela Renet (Husqvarna) 1:13:39.62; 3. Johnny Aubert (KTM) 1:13:58.34; 4. Jonathan Barragan (Husqvarna) 1:15:28.04; 5. Oriol Mena (Beta) 1:15:39.51…
Enduro 3 – 1. Matt Phillips (KTM) 1:13:53.86; 2. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1:14:21.42; 3. Mathias Bellino (Husqvarna) 1:14:51.14; 4. Matti Seistola (Sherco) 1:15:01.16; 5. Luis Correia (Beta) 1:15:24.61…
Enduro Junior – 1. Giacomo Redondi (Beta) 1:14:45.87; 2. Loic Larrieu (Husqvarna) 1:16:01.20; 3. Danny McCanney (Beta) 1:16:17.03; 4. Alessandro Battig (Honda) 1:17:20.63; 5. Nicolo Mori (KTM) 1:17:43.64…
125 Youth Cup – 1. Davide Soreca (Yamaha) 1:17:31.59; 2. Nicolas Pellegrinelli (KTM) 1:17:41.48; 3. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 1:18:11.93; 4. Jeremy Miroir (Yamaha) 1:18:47.13; 5. Benjamin Herrera (TM) 1:19:00.03…
Championship Standings (After Rnd3)
Enduro 1: 1. Christophe Nambotin (KTM) 117pts; 2. Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) 88; 3. Eero Remes (TM) 80… 7. Thomas Oldrati 40…
Enduro 2: 1. Antoine Meo (KTM) 114pts; 2. Pela Renet (Husqvarna) 106; 3. Johnny Aubert (Beta) 86…
Enduro 3 – 1. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 117pts; 2. Matt Phillips (KTM) 99; 3. Mathias Bellino (Husqvarna) 83… 14. Joakim Ljunggren (Husqvarna) 9…
Enduro Junior – 1. Danny McCanney (Beta) 112pts; 2. Giacomo Redondi (Beta) 106; 3. Loic Larrieu (Husqvarna) 92… 8. Jamie McCanney 46…
125 Youth Cup – 1. Davide Soreca (Yamaha) 105pts; 2. Jeremy Miroir (Yamaha) 76; 3. Nicolas Pellegrinelli (KTM) 72… 5. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 69…
Husqvarna Report
Claiming a hard fought victory on day one at the hot, dry and dusty GP of Greece in Kalambaka, Renet continued his battle for championship honours in the Enduro 2 category. Entering Greece having agonisingly missed out on winning at the previous round of the series in Portugal, the Husqvarna rider was determined to secure a race win this time around.
Starting day one inside the top three, the Frenchman upped his pace in the second half of the day to claim the win. Despite pushing hard throughout day two, Renet was unable to make it a perfect 1-1 result in Greece and had to settle for second.
In the Enduro 3 class, France’s Mathias Bellino again figured highly at the sharp end of the results. Gaining confidence in the dry terrain, Bellino recorded his best performance of the series to date. Ending day one in second, the Husqvarna rider produced another consistent ride on day two to place third.
Following his recent shoulder injury, the GP of Greece was about salvaging points for Enduro 1 class rider Thomas Oldrati. Despite riding in pain on the unforgiving terrain, the Italian dug deep to place sixth on day one and then improved one position to fifth on day two.
Returning to top form following his crash at the season opener in Catalunya, Enduro Junior class rider Loic Larrieu recorded a double podium result in Greece. Settling into the tricky conditions well, the Frenchman placed third on day one. Starting day two strongly, Larrieu upped his pace as the day progressed to secure the runner-up result on the final lap.
Fourth on day one before improving to third on day two, Sweden’s Albin Elowson enjoyed a confidence building ride in the 125 Youth Cup.
Pela Renet: “Obviously winning on the first day was great. I rode well and took advantage of mistakes others were making. It was close at the end of the day, with only a few seconds between us, so I was very happy to win. I really pushed to the limit. I can’t explain why I didn’t feel as good on day two as I did on day one, but it was like that for me. I had a few problems at the start of the day, but I came back a little and managed to finish second. I wasn’t too far away from Antoine, so it wasn’t bad at all, but honestly I had no answer for him.”
Mathias Bellino: “It’s been the best GP so far this year for me. I really feel like step-by-step I am returning to my true level. I made some mistakes, but also put in some really good special test times, so overall I am very happy. I made a big, big mistake on the first downhill and thought my day was over. I went off the track and jumped into a creek, but amazingly I managed to ride back onto the track and everything was ok. Thankfully day two was a lot less exciting. A good event.”
Thomas Oldrati: “It’s been a tough weekend for me. The first day was hard because I had a lot of pain in my shoulder after one of the jumps in the extreme test. Day two started well with a good feeling and a good time in the enduro test. I finished fifth, which I’m happy with, and now I have some time to prepare for the Scandinavian events where my focus is to return to the podium.”
Loic Larrieu: “I feel a lot better than I did at the GP of Greece, but my neck injury still isn’t 100 per cent. I made a much calmer start to the event and managed to finish third on day one, where I finished the day with good speed. Day two I started well but crashed on the second test, which affected my confidence a little for the rest of the day. I managed to finish second, which is good, but I can improve my riding so I can fight for victories.”
