With the first round of the double trip in Portugal, the FIM EnduroGP World Championship got underway this weekend. The town of Fafe, about 70 km from Porto, saw a great show with Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team ruler of the race thanks to an extraordinary Steve Holcombe.
On Saturday the British rider was put to the test by two opponents like Garcia and Verona, with a close challenge right up to the last special test, finishing 2nd in E1 and 3rd overall. After the first experience in the new class, on Sunday Holcombe was superlative, pushing from the very beginning. He set the fastest time in four special tests, finishing second in the remaining five, taking the first Overall and class victory of the season. Thanks to this double success he grabs the top of the E1 standings and the second position in the EnduroGP, just two points from Garcia.
Excellent weekend also for Samuele Bernardini, great interpreter of a hard-fought E2. He ended the Portuguese GP with a double third step of the podium. Decisive and fast, on Sunday he also hit the top five in the EnduroGP, in a promising start to the season.
Podium also in the Junior with Manolo Morettini. The youngest rider of the line-up took the 2nd place in the EJ1 class and the 3rd in the Junior Overall on Saturday, while on Sunday he finished 3rd, touching the top five Overall.
Finally, a good start to the season also for Francesca Nocera. After a tough Saturday, on Sunday she took the third step of the podium, redeeming herself from the 8th position of the first day.
Unfortunately, Thomas Oldrati did not take part in the race as he injured the cruciate ligament in his left knee during a training session before leaving for the Portuguese GP.
Steve Holcombe #1
“The weekend was very good. On Saturday I struggled a bit in the first two laps, while on Sunday I was able to push since the beginning. The feeling was very good both with the bike and the team. I felt really comfortable in the special tests and I was able to push hard. I’m really happy of my first win of the season”.
Manolo Morettini #38
“Good start to the season. On Saturday I pushed right from the start, finding a good feeling with the bike. Sunday was even better, despite a few mistakes. I’m happy with the work we are doing, thanks to everyone for the support”.
Samuele Bernardini #23
“GP with positive results. On Saturday I risked throwing the day away because of a mistake in the extreme test, while on Sunday I was consistent, taking a top five in the Overall”
Francesca Nocera #443
“Quite a challenging weekend. On Saturday I made several mistakes and I struggled to find the right pace. On Sunday I gained more confidence by finishing on the podium”.