Thursday April 16, 2015 at 12:03pm
14 ACU riders made the long trip to Reita an hour or so after Rome to contest Round 1 of the FIME European Enduro Championship. Over 190 riders had entered from 17 Nations with even a Russian rider joining the fray.
The 2015 ACU U23 Enduro squad were ready to start their challenge, and 2014 European Champion Tom Sagar was also present to replicate last year’s excellent results. Seasoned Veteran class campaigner Julian Crimp had also made the trip
The course would be 3 laps of 58km with 3 Special tests per lap for each of the two days.
The going for both days would be mountain tracks which the riders described as goat paths, with some steep and narrow tracks high in the mountains with spectacular scenery thrown in for those who chose to look.
Day 1 was without too much incident. Sensible check times meant all UK riders kept clean sheets and no speeding on roads was required
The results showed Tom Sagar was leading the SE2 class and holding 3rd place overall.
The ACU riders were riding well and picking up points. Lee Sealy was 3rd in the JU20 class. Fraser Flockhart was 8th in Junior E1 with Jake Subachus just behind in 10th. Josh Gotts and Joe Wootton were 11th and 13th respectively in JE2/3 with Frazer Norrie 18th and James Dent and Rob Johnson taking 20th and 23rd in same class. Julian Crimp had got lost for a while but still came in with a clean time sheet in Vets class
Day 2 arrived and the weather was even hotter and riders had to do it all over again. Track and tests were cutting up after such a large entry.
Again the UK riders kept clean sheets, and although Julian Crimp was forced out with machine problems, all reported a hard but enjoyable day.
Jake Subachus improved to 6th in JE1, day, Fraser Flockhart injured a thumb but still managed to claim 9th in same class.
Lee Sealey took the Day 2 win in JU20 giving him runner up spot over the weekend
In Junior E2/3, Joe Wooton claimed 6th despite a serious argument with a bee! Frazer Norrie gained 10th spot with Josh Gotts took 12th to claim more points, and Rob Johnson 17th and James Dent 19th.
The MCC of Wale are mounting a European campaign to give some young riders the vital experience needed for future Internationals and Adam James, Garin Rosser and Aaron Martin and Charlie Evans all riding well and gaining valuable experience with Charlie also picking up points in SE1.
A good start to 2015 European Enduro series and thanks to all crew and supporters.