Proving to the clear leader in this year’s Enduro 3 class, Nambotin once again led the way at round four of the championship in Torres Vedras, Portugal. Securing victory in all but the Friday evening KTM Super Test, the Frenchman claimed two convincing victories on the dry and dusty Portuguese terrain.
Unfortunately the event proved to be a difficult one for Britain’s David Knight. Unable to find a perfect setting to suit the conditions, Knight ended his weekend with a seventh and 13th place finish in Enduro 3.
In Enduro 1, the current championship leader, KTM’s Antoine Meo had a difficult start to his weekend. Damaging his engine casing on a rock during the extreme test, the Frenchman, who so far had remained unbeaten in this year’s championship, was forced to retire. Determined to make amends for his previous day’s mistake, Meo charged his way to a commanding victory on day two.
Finland’s Eero Remes made an excellent start to his GP of Portugal by claiming second place on day one before ending day two in fourth.
KTM’s Johnny Aubert was back to his winning ways in Enduro 2 on day one. Starting the day strongly on the hard and slippery enduro test, the Frenchman soon opened up a ten-second lead over his nearest rivals. Building on his performance throughout the day, the Frenchman finally recorded his first victory of the season. On day two, Aubert was once again on top form. Engaging in a day-long battle with championship leader Pela Renet, Aubert eventually had to settle for second best on day two, finishing less than nine seconds behind Renet.
Spain’s Cristobal Guerrero also had a solid performance in Enduro 2. Placing fifth on day one, the KTM rider just missed out on a podium result by one-second. On day two he rode a perfect race to secure third place.
It was also a successful weekend for KTM’s Enduro Junior riders with Rudi Moroni and Mario Roman finishing second and third respectively on day one, while Victor Guerrero placed second on day two.
In Enduro Youth Cup Italy’s Giacomo Redondi wrapped up another double victory to claim his seventh win of the season.
The Enduro World Championship continues with round five at the GP of Italy on June 30/ July 1.
Christophe Nambotin – Enduro 3: “I’m really happy with my result today as I managed to win all the special tests bar one. Although I have a 50-point lead in the championship, my goal is to keep focused on each day and try to do the best I can. In Italy I will keep fighting for victory. I must also thank my teammate David Knight for his very generous help. I drowned my bike in the river crossing during the final liaison section on day one and if it wasn’t for his help it may not have been possible to finish.”
Antoine Meo – Enduro 1: “It was unfortunate not to finish day one but day two I needed to make amends for my mistake. I was a little unsure of the conditions during lap one so I was careful not to make any mistakes. After that I began to push hard and was able to win comfortably.”
Johnny Aubert – Enduro 2: “Everything went excellent on day one. I felt very comfortable with my bike and was able to lead the race early on. It’s nice to finally get my first victory of the season. Day two was also a good battle but unfortunately I started a little slow during the morning and had to settle for second.”
