The 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship reaches its conclusion this weekend in Brioude for the ACERBIS GP of France. Marking the seventh and final round in what’s been a thrilling championship chase, the outcome of this year’s EnduroGP battle is set to come down to the wire.
- Brioude set to welcome EnduroGP at ACERBIS GP of France
- EnduroGP category yet to be decided
- Spain’s Mireia Badia holds virtual grasp on Enduro Women’s title
After six action-packed rounds, the outcome of the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship is set to be decided at the seventh and final round in Brioude, France. Returning to the calendar after a couple of years’ absence, the ACERBIS GP of France is much anticipated by all. Regarded by many as one of the traditional homes of enduro, the French terrain will provide a fitting challenge to end the year.
Ten years since Brioude last hosted a round of the world championship, organisers Moto-Club Brioude will pull out all the stops to ensure this weekend is a memorable one. Both days, riders will face the ACERBIS Cross Test, MAXXIS Enduro Test and POLISPORT Extreme Test.
As ever, the action begins on Friday with the AKRAPOVIC Super Test. With a 10-point lead, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia looks favourite to secure the winner’s trophy in Brioude. However, supported by the French crowd, CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon will be going all out on home soil to stop him.
Garcia in driving seat for debut EnduroGP crown
With all eyes focused on the overall EnduroGP category, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia arrives in Brioude on the cusp of clinching his debut EnduroGP crown. The Spaniard has delivered one of the best seasons of his career in 2024, claiming a race win at every round.
With a 17-point lead over his nearest rival, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona, and a further six points over Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe, Garcia could take the title with one day to spare if he rides to victory on Saturday.
However, with this year’s title chase proving incredibly competitive, and results often decided by hundredths of a second, winning won’t be easy. Verona, crowned FIM Enduro2 World Champion last time out in Wales, will have the sole focus of beating Garcia in Brioude. He knows he needs to win on Saturday to keep his title hopes alive.
Holcombe, also locked in a battle with Garcia for Enduro1 honours, knows that he’s got to better the Spaniard too. Although out of contention for the EnduroGP crown, Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman claimed a pair of runner-up results in Wales. Yet to win in EnduroGP in 2024, Freeman will be pushing hard in Brioude to do so, meaning a top result from the Beta rider could really shake things up in the title chase between Garcia, Verona and Holcombe.
Badia eyes up debut Enduro Women’s title
The ACERBIS GP of France marks the final round of the FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship. Claiming five wins in as many races, RIEJU Factory Team’s Mireia Badia looks poised to secure her debut world title. The Spaniard holds a 37-point lead over teammate Rosie Rowett. She should be crowned champion on Saturday afternoon if everything goes her way.
The battle for the remainder of the podium is tighter. Rowett holds an eight-point advantage over Team KBS Sherco’s Rachel Gutish in third, who in turn is only 10 points clear of Elodie Chaplot (Beta) in third.
As mentioned already, the Enduro1 class will be decided between Garcia and Holcombe. Garcia holds the upper hand by six points and has seven wins to Holcombe’s five. CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon lies third and will be aiming for a strong result in his home race.
Crowned Enduro2 World Champion last time out in Wales, Verona can enjoy a pressure-free Enduro2 ride in Brioude. Beta Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson is currently second and holds a 14-point advantage over Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Samuele Bernardini in third.
Despite a non-score on day two at round one in Portugal, Freeman arrives at the ACERBIS GP of France with a 37-point lead in Enduro3. Able to wrap things up on day one, the Brit looks set to secure his 10th world title. In second, CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald holds a nine-point lead over TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo in third.
Ahlin within reach of Enduro Junior title
In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Max Ahlin starts in Brioude as favourite for the title. The young Swede has excelled during the second half of the season by finishing no lower than second. A strong ride should see him crowned champion on Saturday.
Fantic Racing Team’s Axel Semb in second is the only rider capable of stopping Ahlin from winning. Semb’s teammate Kevin Cristino completes the top three.
In the FIM Junior1 Enduro World Cup, Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Manolo Morettini has a slender two-point lead over Beta Oxmoto’s Leo Joyon, while Ahlin enjoys a commanding 30-point advantage over Semb in the FIM Junior2 Enduro World Cup.
Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Manuel Verzeroli already took the Enduro Youth title in Wales but will look to finish his year strong with another win. Romain Dagna (Sherco) holds second, but is only eight points clear of Fantic Racing Junior Enduro Team Specia’s Pietro Scardina in third.
The seventh and final round of the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship takes place at the ACERBIS GP of France in Brioude, September 13-15.
Words and Images by EnduroGP
