Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe had a difficult weekend of racing at round three of the FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Romania. Although twice finishing second in Enduro1, the nine-time world champion missed the EnduroGP podium for the first time this season on Sunday.
• GP of Romania delivers mixed results for Holcombe
• Steve secures a pair of runner-up results in Enduro1
• Brit took third in EnduroGP on day one
After a thrilling start to his season in Portugal, Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Steve Holcombe was eager to build on his good form at round three in Romania. Leading both the EnduroGP and Enduro1 standings, Steve was feeling happy and confident in his riding.
However, the first day of racing didn’t quite go his way. Missing out on a chance to fight for the overall victory, Steve raced for a lonely third in EnduroGP, and second in Enduro1, on his Honda-RedMoto CRF 250RX Enduro.
Knowing there was more time to be found on the special tests, he re-walked the tests on Saturday evening to look for any gains possible. That tactic paid off with Steve winning the opening extreme test and ending lap one of four just two seconds off the lead in second position.
Ready to push on and really fight for victory, some errors on the remaining enduro tests saw him lose touch with the leaders. Despite his best efforts, he could not regroup how he wanted too and eventually slipped to fifth overall in EnduroGP, while also taking second in Enduro1.
Naturally feeling a little deflated, Steve’s focus is now on bouncing back in style at round four in Italy next month, which also serves as a home round for his Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Racing Team
Steve Holcombe: “It was exciting to come here with the leader’s gold plate for round three, although I tried not to think about it too much. After such a solid start to the season in Portugal, I really wanted more of that this weekend. But for whatever reason, it just didn’t quite come together the way I wanted it too. My speed was good, but some mistakes, tip offs and inconsistency got in the way of a better result. Next up is the GP of Italy in six weeks. The goal will be to get back to the front there, for sure!”
Results: FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Round 3
EnduroGP – Day 1
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:12:23.92; 2. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:12:37.54; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:13:21.96…
EnduroGP – Day 2
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:11:15.02; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:11:37.61; 3. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:12:15.85; 4. Nathan Watson (Beta) 1:12:19.03; 5. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:12:32.59…
Enduro1 – Day 1
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:12:37.54; 2. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:13:21.96; 3. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 1:14:11.68…
Enduro1 – Day 2
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 1:11:15.02; 2. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 1:12:32.59; 3. Zach Pichon (Sherco) 1:12:36.19…
Championship Standings (After round 3)
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 109pts; 2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 99pts; 3. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 98pts…
Enduro1
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 114pts; 2. Steve Holcombe (Honda) 108pts; 3. Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) 86pts…
Words and Images by Future7Media
