Round three of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship saw TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo win the AKRAPOVIC Super Test.
Getting the GP of Romania off to a thrilling start, the Italian clocked the fastest time of the evening in Bacau to secure a memorable win. CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia both finished within one second of Cavallo to take second and third.
Marking the first time in 11 years since the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship last paid a visit to Romania, Friday evening’s AKRAPOVIC Super Test treated the passionate Romanian enduro fans to some exciting racing.
The fast-paced grassy course, complete with a mixture of man-made obstacles and natural elevation changes, saw riders immediately get up to speed. As the evening progressed, the racing line had bedded in when the EnduroGP class riders took to the track.
Showing great pace so far in this year’s championship, Enduro3 class leader TM MOTO’s Matteo Cavallo put down a sensational time with just a few riders remaining.
CH Racing Sherco’s Zach Pichon came close to matching Cavallo but was still just over half of a second shy. He would ultimately finish as runner-up on the night.
Thanks to his AKRAPOVIC Super Test wins at rounds one and two, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia was hot favourite to knock the Italian off the top spot.
As the last rider to take to the start, alongside Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe, Garcia attacked hard, but it was not his night.
With Garcia forced to settle for third, Cavallo and his TM MOTO team could celebrate their first AKRAPOVIC Super Test victory of the season.
Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman took fourth, with GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona completing the top five in EnduroGP.
The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship saw Team Beta Oxmoto’s Leo Joyon set the fastest time. Behind the Frenchman, Fantic Racing Team’s Kevin Cristino and Axel Semb were second and third.
Looking to build on his double race win from last time out in Portugal, Manuel Verzeroli (KTM) is the early leader in Enduro Youth. Beta Factory Racing’s twin brothers Maxime and Clement Clauzier completed the top three.
Matteo Cavallo (TM MOTO): “It’s a special feeling to get the overall win in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test. It’s been something I have tried to do for a long time. The feeling was so good on the bike tonight. Starting like this gives me a lot of confidence for tomorrow. Many thanks to my team for helping me achieve this victory.”
Words and Images by EnduroGP
