Round six of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw the FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales deliver the goods. Spectacular racing, challenging terrain, hordes of spectators, British winners and super slick logistics made for a seamless and very exciting weekend of racing. Here are some of the hot topics everyone was talking about post-race…
Words and Images by EnduroGP
Well done, Wales!
It may have been 15 years since EnduroGP last enjoyed a visit to Wales, but, boy, was it worth the wait. Event organisers Rhayader MC & LCC and Saintswell Events certainly made their mark. From the classic special tests, professionally laid out paddock with trade stands and catering, to the party atmosphere for spectators each evening, it was a very enjoyable and memorable weekend for all. On the calendar for 2025, it will be a round everyone will look forward to.
Debut world title for Verzeroli
At round six, we began to see the first of our 2024 FIM Enduro World Champions crowned. Team KTM Pro Racing Sport’s Manuel Verzeroli was celebrating Sunday evening as the new FIM Enduro Youth World Champion. The young Italian proved super strong this season, in what’s an ultra-competitive category. With six wins and 10 podium results, he was able to pull clear of his classmates and wrap things up with one round to spare. His first world title – you can be sure there is much more to come from this Italian.
A Triumph in Wales
Casually sitting under the Fast Eddy Racing awning was an exotic piece of machinery. The British team had a yet-to-be-released Triumph Motorcycle on display. Triumph made their debut this year in MXGP and Supercross, will we see them debut in EnduroGP next year? Let’s hope so!
Australia’s got talent
You wait for an Aussie winner in 2024, and then two come along in two successive GPs! At round five in Slovakia, Kyron Bacon claimed a double Enduro Junior victory, and now Angus Riordan has won in Wales. Dropping into round six as a wildcard, Riordan grabbed everyone’s attention by topping the AKRAPOVIC Super Test outright, winning day one of Enduro Junior, and coming just half of a second shy of repeating that victory on day two!
Changing of the guard
It was lovely to see reigning FIM Enduro Women World Champion Jane Daniels back in the paddock. Although not competing, as she is expecting a baby later this year, Jane was enjoying the racing from under the Fantic Racing Team awning. In Wales, RIEJU Factory Racing’s Mireia Badia moved closer to becoming her successor to the throne. A double victory sees the Spaniard enter the GP of France finale as champion elect with a 37-point lead.
Team Beta Oxmoto
Team Beta Oxmoto hold a strong presence in the EnduroGP paddock, fielding a high calibre of French riders across the categories. In Wales, they saw Leo Joyon reach the Enduro Junior podium on day one with third. He also won both days of Junior1 to move within two points of the championship lead heading into their home round and season finale next month in France.
Return of the Manxmen
The FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales saw some former world champions and EnduroGP legends return to the world championship paddock. 2014 FIM Enduro Junior World Champion Danny McCanney was out on track. With his Beta decorated in the livery from his championship-winning bike, it was a cool sight to see. Three-time world champion David Knight was also competing in Enduro Open. He was charging too, finishing top four in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test and winning both days of his class. Incidentally, the last time EnduroGP visited Wales was in 2008 and Knight was on the podium then too!
2025 calendar announced
In case you missed it, the 2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship was announced during the FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales. With eight rounds on the cards, it’s looking very exciting for next year. Starting in April and ending in October, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Romania, Wales, France, Italy and Germany will all host a round.
The 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship concludes with round seven’s ACERBIS GP of France in Brioude, September 13-15.
