For the second time in two weeks, the FIM Borilli Enduro World Championship is enjoying a race in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal. On the first day of the 2020 season finale, we saw four riders crowned champions, and above all a magnificent battle in EnduroGP...
Victory seemed promised to Steve Holcombe (GB - Beta) at the end of the second lap as the Brit was almost 20 seconds ahead of title rival Brad Freeman (GB - Beta). But in the EnduroGP class, things are never finished until the last corner of the last special test! In a shock twist, it was Freeman who took 24 seconds out of his team-mate, earning himself a precious victory on Day 1! The gap is therefore narrowing between the two rivals, now only separated by 4 points in favour of Holcombe. For his part, Holcombe made too many mistakes in the last two tests when he was looking to secure victory.
In the E2 class, a very impressive 6th victory of the season for Steve Holcombe also means he also takes his 6th World title, one day before the end of the season! The Beta Factory rider left no chance for Josep Garcia, who was the only one capable of taking victory from him. Behind them Matteo Cavallo (I - Sherco) grabbed the last step of the podium, 14 seconds ahead Danny McCanney (GB - Honda). The 2019 E2 Champion, Loïc Larrieu (F - TM) took 11 points and 5th position.
In the big class, E3, Brad Freeman also collected the World Champion’s crown! The young Brit remains unbeaten and formidable in the category. Once again, he won the day with a lead of more than 1.5 minutes over runner-up Jaume Betriu (E - KTM). This time around it was David Abgrall (F - Beta) who enjoyed the podium Champagne ahead of his compatriot Antoine Basset (F - Beta) and Spaniard Marc Sans Soria (E - KTM).
In Youth 125cc we will see a final day full of suspense since Sergio Navarro (E - Husqvarna) won the day with both Claudio SPANU (I - Husqvarna) and his brother Alejandro Navarro (E - Husqvarna) between himself and the championship leader, Jed Etchells (GB - Fantic), who could only manage 4th today. There is now only a 4 point gap between the Brit and the Spaniard heading into the final day of the season! Harry Edmondson (GB - Fantic) completed the Top 5, just 5 seconds behind his compatriot.
In the Women’s Cup, 2019 Champion Jane Daniels (GB - Husqvarna) won the first day in style ahead of the France’s Justine Martel (F - KTM) and Spain’s Mireia Badia (E - Husqvana). Sandra Gomez (E - Husqvarna) and Nieve Holmes (GB - Gas Gas) completed the Top 5.
What They Said:
Brad Freeman: “I’m really very happy to win E3! It was one of my big goals this season. The 300 is a real gem and I gave everything today to prove that I never give up - that was important to me. Tomorrow is another day and there are 4 points between Steve and I for the EnduroGP title. I know I'm going to need a little help to be Champion, but I'm going to give it my all!”
Steve Holcombe: “Honestly, winning E2 was my main goal this year so to get the title a day before the end of the year is cool! It was a good day for me but unfortunately I fell twice in the last Cross Test and Brad was too strong in the last Enduro Test and he stole the GP victory from me. I’m ready for tomorrow, I had a lot of doubts with my thumb injury but I'm feeling great so we'll see what happens tomorrow!”