The penultimate round of the Enduro Italian Championship in Pistoia saw the big names of national and international enduro racing in a thrilling challenge.
A very important competition for Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team, in the race for the overall victory with Holcombe against Verona and Freeman. A real challenge between titans that will only be over in the last round in Sanremo.
Steve Holcombe hit another outstanding performance. Always in action with the CRF 250RX Enduro, this time the British rider raced with the CRF 400RX Enduro in preparation for the ISDE – Enduro Six Days, which will take place in two weeks in Spain. Unfamiliar with the new engine, Holcombe proved to be fast, finishing twice second in the classification reserved for foreign riders and second and fourth in the Overall.
Two beautiful second places in the 450 class, with a very fast and determined Samuele Bernardini. The former motocross rider faced a very tough and technical race, managing to set excellent times. At ease on Sunday after some technical changes to the bike, he scored six best times, three seconds and a third, finishing behind Verona by a handful of seconds.
In the Junior class, Manolo Morettini was nothing short of incredible. Uncatchable since Saturday, winning ahead of Rinaldi by almost two minutes, on Sunday he continued to rule. This double victory shortens the gap in the standings, where he is currently second twenty points behind the World Champion, Cristino.
Steve Holcombe #1
“Really good weekend for me, especially on Sunday. On Day 1 we raced in interesting conditions, maybe not the best ones for a big bike as this weekend I decided to ride the 400 in preparation for the Six Days. I’m really happy with my performance: the race was difficult and technical, but I had a good feeling. Big thanks to the team for the job done. I’m looking forward to the last challenge in Sanremo”.
Samuele Bernardini #23
“A real enduro race. I was hoping to win a cross test, but I came close. At the end of Saturday, I made some changes to the bike with the team and on Sunday I had more feeling and managed to finish second in my class and fifth overall 10 seconds behind Verona. Now let’s prepare for the Six Days and then the last Italian challenge in Sanremo”.
Manolo Morettini #38
“Positive weekend. I managed to come close to the top ten of the Overall and won the Junior. The enduro test was very technical and tough, but I am happy with my results. Now let’s focus on the Six Days. See you in Spain!”.