Only one week after a very tough Grand Prix of Finland, the EnduroGP moves to Sweden and specifically Enköping for the fifth round of the season.
After a first organisation in 2014, the Göta MS – motorcycle och Snöskoter decided to try again and have the privilege of organising this second stage of the Scandinavian tour. For its part, the Svenska motorcykel – och Snösköterföbundet (SVEMO) will certainly mark the return of the Maxxis FIM EnduroGP World Championship on his land in order to provide a large-scale event. The Moto Club, chaired by Roger AHLEN, in addition to his first world round in 2014, also held seven times a round of the Swedish Enduro Championship (1974, 1975, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 2008) and three Motocross (1964, 1965, 1976).
The Gota MS – motorcykel och Snöskoter have laid out a course of 59 km that the riders will have to ride three times. The paddock will be on the Motocross track of Enkoping, just like the Maxxis Cross Test and the Super Test on Friday evening. The Xtreme Technomousse Test and the Enduro Test will be located on a military field near Bilovningsplan. The stars of the EnduroGP will begin their lap with the Xtreme Test and then they’ll head to the Enduro Test before finishing with the Cross Test.
With over 110 riders entered, the Maxxis Grand Prix of Sweden will begin this Friday, June 17 from 18:00 with the Super Test located on the Motocross track of Enköping.
PHILLIPS & REMES Locked In Battle
Tied on points in the EnduroGP title chase, Matt PHILLIPS (AUS – Sherco) and Eero REMES (SF – TM) have stolen the show during the first half of the series. Entering Sweden and the start of the second half of the championship, the advantage slightly weighs in the TM rider’s favour thanks to more second place results – they both have three wins each. Therefore thisMaxxis Grand Prix of Sweden will be worth its weight in gold. Neither wants to give ground and so with everything to play for, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
However, a lot of riders will want to challenge the current championship leaders. Starting with Steve HOLCOMBE (GB – Beta), the Brit is seeking redemption following an unlucky five-minute penalty sustained on day two in Finland. For his part, Mathias BELLINO (F – Husqvarna) will seek to remember the good memories of Enköping two years ago where he dominated the E3 class.
Rookie Nathan WATSON (GB – KTM) will also aim to bring down Eero REMES from his top spot in E1, while chasing a debut win in EnduroGP. Similarly his competitor for “Rookie of the Year” Taylor ROBERT (USA – KTM) is looking to improve following a tough outing in Finland.
REMES and PHILLIPS will also have to keep a watchful eye on veteran Johnny AUBERT (F – Beta) and Alex SALVINI (I – Beta) who are closing in on the duo. With rain forecast for Sweden they have the talent to play for the win in difficult conditions.
Loic LARRIEU (F – Yamaha) should also be near the podium aboard his WR450F despite a small setback in Heinola after his Greek performance. For Antoine BASSET (F – KTM), a rider not very fond of this type of terrain, his goal is to secure solid points in the race for the EnduroGP Top 10 plus keep his brilliant top three position in E3.
We should still see serious performances from Ivan CERVANTES (ESP – KTM), Danny MCCANNEY (GB – Husqvarna),Jaume BETRIU (ESP – KTM) and Pascal RAUCHENECKER (AUT – Husqvarna) while riders like Gianluca MARTINI (I – Kawasaki) and Manuel MONNI (I – TM) will certainly want to recuperate after mixed performances in Finland.
Finally, we also have the pleasure of seeing double Junior World Champion Joakim LJUNGGREN (S – KTM) return to EnduroGP. Competing on a 500cc 4-stroke, he leads a strong contingent of 37 Swedish riders!
Can anyone stop Redondi?
In the Juniors, Giacomo REDONDI (I – Honda) seems to be edging closer to this title. After only four GP, he already has a 58-point lead on his nearest rival Albin ELOWSON (S – Husqvarna). The question now is whether he can achieve what no one has done before – the perfect season!
Back to his best, ELOWSON claimed a double podium in Finland. And with the added benefit of home advantage this weekend, he could put a dent in Redondi’s winning ways. Unfortunately Josep GARCIA (E – Husqvarna) is likely out with a knee injury.
Along with ELOWSON, only Diogo VENTURA (P – Gas Gas), Davide SORECA (I – Honda) or Kirian MIRABET (E – Sherco) seem able to stop the winning streak of the Honda rider. Oliver NELSON (S – TM) and Kevin OLSEN (S – Sherco) will also aim for top finishes on home turf.
In FIM Youth Cup 125cc, it’s Jean-Baptiste NICOLOT (F – Yamaha) who leads, but with Jack EDMONDSON (GB – KTM)back to 100%, he needs to win again to reduce EDMONDSON’s momentum. Swede Erik APPELQVIST (Husqvarna) will also hope to make some good results at home.
Finally we met a new Nordic revelation in Finland – Antti HANNINEN (SF – Husqvarna). Strong during the two days of racing, he has the right stuff to fight at the top of the category. We must also not forget the Brit Lee SEALEY (GB – Yamaha), Chilean Ruy BARBOSA (Husqvarna) and Spaniard Enric FRANCISCO (ESP – KTM).
DANIELS In Control
Delivering one of the standout performances in Finland, Jane Daniels (GB – Husqvarna) secured a momentous double victory in the Womens Cup. Fast and efficient, the Brit was impressive as she beat four-time champ Laia SANZ (ESP-KTM). With similar conditions expected this weekend, DANIELS is fired up to win again.
But SANZ knows she must react. After a disappointing finish in Heinola, she already is eight points behind DANIELS. Maria FRANKE (D-KTM) who made her first appearance on the World Cup in Finland is a rider to watch for and appears to have the ability to play the spoiler throughout the year.
For their part, the battle will rage between Sanna KÄRKKÄINEN (FIN – KTM), Jemma WILSON (AUS – Yamaha), Emelie KARLSSON (S – Yamaha) and Jennifer SIEKKINEN (FIN – KTM). A strong Swedish contingent will be there too far, led by the sisters REIMANDER (S) or Emmily SMALSJÖ (Yamaha). Also note the participation of the Norwegian Katrine RYE HOLMBOE (KTM) who shown two years ago on this same ground.
No doubt this second Scandinavian stop will be packed with many surprises and twists. See you on 17, 18 and 19 June inEnkoping for the fifth Grand Prix of the Maxxis FIM EnduroGP World Championship.
Information :
– Enköping (Uppsala county);
– 75 kilometers North-West from Stockholm and 46 kms West from Uppsala;
– Friday, June 17th: KTM Super Test : 19h00;
– Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th: Start: 9h00 and Finnish around 16h30;
– Organizer: Göta MS;
– Website: www.endurogp.org;
– Track: 59kms – 3 laps;
– Airport: Stockholm (75kms).