Building momentum, the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship heads north to Scandinavia this coming weekend for round three of the series, the highly anticipated GP of Finland. Set to mark a welcome return to the EnduroGP calendar, the Finnish event, and the iconic terrain in Heinola, is steeped in enduro history and a firm favourite among riders.
Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman remains unbeaten so far in this year’s title hunt having claimed four wins from four starts. In the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship Fantic’s Jed Etchells leads the way, while Fantic’s Jane Daniels will be aiming to top the Magnorange FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship category.
- FIM EnduroGP World Championship set to return to Finland
- Beta’s Brad Freeman so far unbeaten in 2023
- GP of Finland marks first of two back-to-back Scandinavian races
After two exciting rounds in Italy and Spain, the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship heads to Scandinavia. Set to be a busy couple of weeks for competitors and teams, this weekend’s GP of Finland marks the first of two back-to-back races, with the GP of Sweden taking place the following weekend. With the championship chase in full stride, potential title contenders will be aiming to master the challenging Finnish terrain and hit their peak form in Heinola.
Famous for its lengthy forest special tests and loose, rocky, sandy terrain, Finland will no doubt put riders through their paces. With a full set of special tests – the ACERBIS Cross Test, JUST1 Enduro Test and POLISPORT Extreme Test – to contend with each day, plus Friday’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test, remaining sharp, strong, and mistake-free will be a big challenge.
Freeman aiming to keep EnduroGP win streak alive in Finland
With four EnduroGP victories from four starts, Beta’s Brad Freeman will be aiming to keep his win streak alive. The Brit has so far proved unstoppable this year and having achieved some come-from-behind rides to win, has proved his fitness and speed certainly isn’t in question. Already 20 points clear of his championship rivals, Brad knows that others will be focused on trying to reel him back in.
Tied for second overall are GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona and Beta’s Steve Holcombe. Verona had a strong home round in Italy but didn’t quite hit the mark last time out in Spain. With the competition so tight, the defending EnduroGP champion knows he can’t let his game slip again.
Holcombe on the other hand has been a model of consistency, with four third-place results to his name. However, the seven-time world champ wants to win and will hope to get back on top in Heinola. This weekend’s tests may play to Steve’s smooth riding style, making him a rider to watch for.
Three points behind them, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia sits fourth overall. After a disappointing outing at round one, the Spaniard turned his fortunes around at his home round in Spain by challenging Freeman each day.
CH Racing Sherco’s Hamish MacDonald is fifth overall in points. The New Zealander has been consistently strong so far, but still needs to find that little bit extra to bridge the gap to the top four. Red Moto Honda Racing’s Nathan Watson took his best result of the season last time out in Spain with fifth.
In Enduro1, Josep Garcia is beginning to edge clear with a 25-point lead thanks to his three wins to date. Behind him only five points separate second and sixth in the standings. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) holds second, with TM Racing’s Matteo Pavoni third. Zach Pichon (Sherco), Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna), and Theo Espinasse (Beta) are all in the mix too.
The battle for Enduro2 honours is being played out by Steve Holcombe (Beta) and Andrea Verona (GASGAS). Although tied on points, Holcombe provisionally tops the standings heading to Finland. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) completes the top three. Brad Freeman (Beta) leads the way in Enduro3. With four wins to his name, he’ll prove tough to beat this weekend. Sweden’s Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) is second in points and should figure highly in this Scandinavian leg of the championship. Matteo Cavallo (TM Racing) is third.
Finland set to challenge Junior Enduro riders
The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship has delivered some brilliant racing so far this season. Jed Etchells (Fantic) leads the way with two wins to his name. Class rookie Jeremy Sydow (Sherco) has enjoyed a great start to the season too. Claiming two wins, both on the second day of racing, shows he’s adapting well. Max Ahlin (KTM), Serjio Navarro (Husqvarna), and Albin Norrbin (Fantic) are all locked in a battle for third.
The Youth Enduro category has seen Italy’s Kevin Cristino (Fantic) come out on top every time this year. Thibault Giraudon (Sherco) has challenged him hard but has been unable to gain an edge on the Italian. Leo Joyon (Beta) follows close behind in third.
Bumper entry for Women’s Enduro category
The Magnorange FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship will be racing in Finland. In total 17 riders have entered. Fantic’s Jane Daniels was a double winner at round one in Italy. The defending champion is always a tough rider to beat. Australia’s Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) holds down second overall, with Spain’s Mireia Badia (Rieju) in third.
