Round two of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship got off to a thrilling start on Friday evening in Oliana, Spain, as Josep Garcia secured victory in the AKRAPOVIC Super Test. Spurred on by the support of his home fans, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider set a time that no one could match.
- GP of Spain gets underway with AKRAPOVIC Super Test
- Large crowds gather to watch the racing in Oliana
- Home hero Josep Garcia tops the time sheets
Words and Images by EnduroGP
Guaranteed to deliver an exciting start to any round of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, the AKRAPOVIC Super Test saw the GP of Spain roar into life in Oliana.
With the AKRAPOVIC Super Test located adjacent to the EnduroGP paddock, the atmosphere was buzzing as riders took to the track throughout the evening.
A midday rain storm initially made the track slippery for the Spanish National Championship and Enduro Open categories, but as the leading EnduroGP riders took their positions, conditions were near-perfect.
Showing he’s quickly finding his feet since stepping up to the senior ranks, 2024 FIM Junior Enduro World Champion Max Ahlin put in a time that would hold for the majority of riders. But as the final five began to filter through, the Team KTM Pro Racing Sport rider would eventually settle for sixth.
Setting identical times, Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Samuele Bernardini and Sherco Racing Factory’s Hamish Macdonald finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
With only Garcia and Pichon still left to run, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona momentarily held the race lead. However, he would be unable to keep either rider at bay and ended his night third.
With all eyes on defending EnduroGP champion Garcia and championship leader Pichon going head-to-head, it was an anxious wait to see who would gain an advantage.
A blisteringly fast pace by both riders saw them beat Verona comfortably, but Garcia found an extra bit of speed on home soil to beat the TM MOTO Boano Factory Enduro Team mounted Pichon by 1.57 seconds.
An incredible ride by Leo Joyon (Beta) saw him top the Junior category with a time that also slotted him into ninth overall.
Fantic Factory Racing Enduro Team Specia’s Pietro Scardina was quickest in the Youth class.
After the excitement of the AKRAPOVIC Super Test, attention now turns to the first full day of racing at the GP of Spain tomorrow, Saturday, 3 May.
Josep Garcia (KTM): “Winning tonight was the best way possible to start my home round of the championship. It feels so good to ride like that tonight in front of my family, friends and fans. I feel the energy from them and I’m motivated to keep this going tomorrow.”
Event Information: GP of Spain
Follow results from round two, 2-4 May: LIVE RESULTS
