Double delight for Freeman! EnduroGP of Italy – Report & Highlights.
Britain’s Brad Freeman (Beta) had a lot to celebrate at the close of the second round of the Borilli FIM EnduroGP World Championship in Italy having put the finishing touches to a superb weekend with a dominant victory on day two.
Images courtesy of Future7Media
Claiming a double EnduroGP class win in Edolo, the Beta rider extends his lead at the top of the standings over his closest rival, Australian Will Ruprecht (TM). In Enduro Junior home favourite Matteo Pavoni (TM) topped the classification for the second day running, while Sweden’s Albin Norrbin (Fantic) led home a Fantic 1-2-3 in Enduro Youth.
EnduroGP class – Freeman has them covered
After an incredibly close-fought battle for victory on day one in Edolo between Freeman and Ruprecht, all eyes were focused on the duo to see who would have the edge on Sunday. A fast-starting Ruprecht put his TM out front on the opening CHAMPION Enduro Test, but Freeman then hit his stride, topping the next three tests. Pulling nine seconds clear, he broke the spirits of the Australian and kept extending his lead. Picking up another four wins from the remaining eight tests, it allowed the Beta rider to take charge of the proceedings and top the podium by 27 seconds.
While proving super consistent, Ruprecht never quite had the measure of Freeman in the afternoon and had to be content with the runner-up result. But with three podium results from four starts after two rounds, the EnduroGP class rookie is certainly proving himself to be the real deal in 2021.
After a disappointing outing on day one for eighth, Britain’s Steve Holcombe (Beta) regrouped strongly for third overall. The EnduroGP champion looked out of sorts yesterday due to a broken rib sustained last weekend in Portugal. Highlighted by a top time in the ACERBIS Cross Test, Holcombe was back on the pace.
Looking for his first podium of the year in EnduroGP, Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) got close, but just not close enough. Two seconds behind Holcombe, he missed his shot of a home podium with fourth following a mistake on the day’s closing special test. Slipping two places back down the order over his Saturday result, Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) completed the top five.
“It’s been brilliant to pick up a double win this weekend, I can’t ask for more than that!” told Freeman. “After yesterday’s effort I knew another four laps today would be hard work. I rode good this morning and that made the difference for sure , I was able to control things from there.”
Enduro1 – Verona does the double
While an EnduroGP podium eluded him, Verona made it count in Enduro1 by claiming his second victory of the weekend. Best mastering the technical Edolo terrain, the GASGAS rider controlled the proceedings throughout the day. Runner-up for the second time in Italy, Fantic’s Davide Guarneri didn’t get the home GP win he came for. Another consistent ride from Belgium’s Antoine Magain (Sherco) saw him complete the podium with third. Davide Soreca (Husqvarna) and Samuele Bernardini (Honda) ensured Italy locked out four of the top five Enduro1 placings.
Enduro2 – Ruprecht topped the class
With the EnduroGP victory escaping him, Ruprecht added to his Enduro2 win tally on day two. Holding the upper hand over his classmates, the Australian had things under control with a 57-second margin of victory. Feeling more on pace than the previous day, Holcombe ended his day in second, while Garcia completed the top three. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) remained solid as ever taking a fourth-place result for the fourth time, but the New Zealand rider must surely be looking to land that podium finish next time out. After his stunning top-three finish yesterday, Hard Enduro specialist Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) backed it up with fifth today.
“It’s been a tough weekend,” said Holcombe. “I actually came into this race with a broken rib following a crash last time out in Portugal, so it’s been a struggle to be honest. I lacked strength on the bike and that showed yesterday. Today I just accepted the injury and rode for enjoyment, and it definitely helped me to find a better rhythm for third.”
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