Round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship is nearing its start in Skovde, Sweden for the second leg of the series’ Scandinavian tour. Following hot on the heels of last weekend’s GP of Finland, the Swedish event promises to deliver another tough couple of days of racing for all competitors, beginning Thursday, June 1 with the AKRAPOVIC Super Test.
- No rest as the EnduroGP paddock arrives in Skovde, Sweden.
- Revised schedule sees the regular three-day format begin on Thursday.
- Sweden set to dish out some more epic Scandinavian terrain.
It’s already race week for round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship at the GP of Sweden in Skovde. The hellish mud holes of Heinola, Finland are still fresh in the minds the world’s best enduro riders as they continue to walk special tests and familiarise themselves with what’s in store in Skovde. The addition of an earlier start to the proceedings than normal means riders have one day less to recuperate and prepare. For those who excelled in Finland spirits will be high, while for those who struggled to master the Scandinavian terrain, the Swedish event offers one last opportunity to deliver the goods.
With terrain mirroring that of last weekend, competitors will expect to see more of the typically Scandinavian conditions in Skovde. Predominately forest-based special tests with lose dirt, lots of rocks and for sure the potential for more mud holes, the racing will undoubtedly be ‘true enduro’. The Swedish fans will come out in force to support their riders. It will be a weekend for local talent to showcase their skills.
As usual the AKRAPOVIC Super Test will get the GP of Sweden underway, albeit one day earlier than usual, on Thursday. Friday and Saturday are full race days. With the CrossPro Enduro Test added to the ACERBIS Cross Test, POLISPORT Extreme Test, and JUST1 Enduro Test, it’s sure to create some extra spice.
Freeman heads EnduroGP charge to Sweden
At the head of the EnduroGP class, it’s Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman who has proved himself as the rider to beat in 2023. With an injury-laden 2022 campaign now a distant memory, the former EnduroGP champ is on a mission to win back his crown. Freeman was exceptional on Finland’s JUST1 Enduro Test, serving a hammer blow to his rivals almost every time. With two Enduro Tests on the menu in Sweden, the Brit will be a big threat in Skovde.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia stepped up as the rider to finally put a halt to Freeman’s win streak with victory on day two last Sunday. After missing his shot at his home round in Spain, the Spaniard needed the opening day in Finland to figure the terrain out. On Sunday he came out swinging and should look to keep that momentum rolling in Skovde.
Beta’s Steve Holcombe has proved super consistent so far in 2023. He’s not missed the EnduroGP podium once and on day two in Finland he almost won. The seven-time champ has his mojo back this year and desperately wants to win. Silky smooth and super fit, the increased intensity of this weekend’s schedule may play into Steve’s hands.
Despite a strong opening round in Italy, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona has yet to get up to speed. With two fourth places to his credit, he wasn’t in the hunt for the podium in Finland. Unless he’s been able to find something extra between Heinola and Skovde, it could prove another long weekend in the saddle for the defending EnduroGP champ.
CH Racing’s Sherco Hamish MacDonald had a great run in Heinola. The New Zealander got the better of Verona on day one to take his first fourth-place result of 2023. Beta Oxmoto’s Theo Espinasse was another rider who rose to the occasion and shone in the ruts, rocks, and Finnish mud holes. Home favourite Mikael Persson (Husqvarna) has been waiting all year to race in Skovde. A strong result could leapfrog him a couple of positions up the championship standings.
Can anyone stop Daniels in Women’s Enduro
The Magnorange FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship also heads to Sweden for what will be their third stop of the 2023 season. So far there has been no stopping Fantic’s Jane Daniels with four wins from four starts. The Brit was incredible at the GP of Finland with the harsh Heinola terrain feeling ‘home-like’ for Jane.
Behind Jane, things are harder to call with numerous riders capable of finishing on the podium on any given day. Australia’s Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) lies second overall in points, but only made it into the top-three once last weekend. RedMoto Honda’s Francesca Nocera, Rosie Rowett (Rieju), and Hedvig Malm (KTM) all enjoyed a visit to the podium and will be hoping for more silverware.
Etchells stretches Junior Enduro points lead
The GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship is beginning to see Fantic’s Jed Etchells increase his championship lead. The Manxman has so far been incredibly solid with a 1-2 result at each round to date.
While class rookie Jeremy Sydow (Sherco) still lies second in points, he didn’t manage to add another win to his tally in Finland, earning a pair of fourth place results. However, the German has proved a fast learner and another race in Scandinavian terrain could pay dividends for him. Two riders who will be aiming high are the Swedish duo of Albin Norrbin (Fantic) and Max Ahlin (KTM). A Swedish win would please the home crowd.
In Youth Enduro, Fantic’s Kevin Cristino is proving unbeatable with six wins from six starts. Sherco’s Thibault Giraudon gives chase in second, with Leo Joyon (Beta) third. Daniele Delbono (GASGAS) and Clement Clauzier (Fantic) complete the top five.
Round four of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship takes place in Skovde, Sweden on June 1-3.
