The Enduro European Championship was back in action with the third round in the charming city of Sipoo, in Finland, located about 30 km from the capital Helsinki, which hosted the series in 2022.
The event was organized by the renowned Sipoon Moottorikerho Motorcycle Club, which celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Over 100 riders, including leading names from the world scene such as Eero Remes, Roni Kytonen and Marko Tarkkala, challenged each other in a very high-level competitive context.
The race route foresaw three special tests: the Cross Test designed in the paddock area at the Sipoo Motocross Track, the Enduro -a technical route in the typical Finnish forest-, and the Extreme Test, on a hard and rocky terrain with natural obstacles.
Day 1
Finnish rider Rony Kytonen was back to the European Championship after five years and set the fastest time. Despite a crash in the last special test which cost him precious seconds, Kytonen managed to take the overall victory on his home round, achieving the first step of the podium. Behind him, Anthony Geslin and Diego Haution, separated by just 10 seconds in a hard-fought challenge.
Rony Kytonen won the Overall and the E1 class too. Behind him two Italians: Davide Soreca and Davide Mei.
In E2, the British Alex Walton won ahead of Eemil Pohjola and Daniel Mundell after nine hard-fought special tests.
Anthony Geslin ruled the E3 class ahead of Mattia Capuzzo and Robert Riedel.
The Junior 1 class saw an adrenaline-filled finale with Pyry Juupaluoma overtaking championship leader Killian Lunier in the last special test, taking advantage of a fall by the Frenchman. Tiitus Enjala finished third.
In Junior 2 ruled Diego Haution winning by 1’28’’ over Italian Riccardo Fabris, while Matyas Chlum took P3. Unlucky day for Matej Skuta: the championship leader finished last due to a problem with his bike during the Extreme Test.
In the Youth class, Riccardo Pasquato won a very close battle, beating Gabin Allemand by just 2 seconds. Juho Ahokas completed the podium, while Frenchman Matteo Arrieta missed the top three by just 4 seconds.
In the Senior class, the Italian Maurizio Micheluz achieved his fifth victory in a row. Second position for the Finns Marko Tarkkala and Mika Karma.
Tough day for the women, as the tough route and the demanding special tests put the ladies of the European Championship to the test. Zuzana Unger wins ahead of Viivi-Maria Makine and Mauricette Brisebard. Reigning champion Tanja Schlosser was out of the challenge after breaking her humerus in a crash.
Day 2
Roni Kytonen once again confirmed himself as the fastest rider on the Finnish ground. Second overall was Daniel Mundell and third Matej Skuta. Kytonen also took the E1 class victory ahead of championship leader Davide Soreca and Davide Mei.
In the E2 class, Daniel Mundell beat compatriot Alex Walton and the Finnish Eemil Pohjola.
In E3, Anthony Geslin continued his winning streak, prevailing over Robert Riedel and Mattia Capuzzo, separated by just three seconds.
In the Junior 1 class, Frenchman Killian Lunier returned to the top step of the podium, winning ahead of Finns Tiitus Enjala and Albert Juhola.
In Junior 2, Matej Skuta won ahead of Frenchman Diego Haution and Matyas Chlum.
Another success for Riccardo Pasquato in the Youth class, followed by Gabin Allemand and Juho Ahokas.
In the Senior class, unlucky day for Maurizio Micheluz, as the Italian lost a lot of time due to a technical problem. This time the Finnish veteran rider ruled the podium: Marko Tarkkala won ahead of Juha Puotsaari and Mika Karma.
In the Women’s class, Sara Traini achieved her first European victory ahead of Mauricette Brisebard and Viivi-Maria Mäkinen.
Words and Images by FIM Europe
