Rnd 3, World Enduro Super Series – Le Trèfle Lozérien AMV, France
With two rounds of the inaugural World Enduro Super Series already under their belts, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team of Jonny Walker, Taddy Blazusiak, Josep Garcia and Nathan Watson now head to France for round three – Le Trèfle Lozérien AMV classic enduro.
Following two tough hard enduros, the four Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders will now enjoy a change of pace and scenery as they take on one of the world’s most well-known classic enduros. Held over three days, competitors will cover a total of 600 kilometres through the beautiful landscape of the centre of France.
Based around the picturesque town of Mende, the enduro is made up of a number of timed special tests and liaison sections. Riders will aim to post their fastest times in each special test, yet not arrive too early, or too late, at the end of each liaison. The terrain consists mostly of forest trails and grassy tests – a stark contrast to the rock strewn Erzbergrodeo.
Jonny Walker has the honour of leading the overall WESS standings going into round three. The Brit enjoys a 90-point advantage over his nearest rivals but will be aiming to increase that lead at the end of this weekend’s racing. No stranger to classic enduro, Walker has contested both national and world level events with encouraging results. Having shown great pace at the two previous rounds, Jonny will be keen to carry that momentum into France.
Not having had the best of luck so far during the 2018 WESS season, Taddy Blazusiak’s results are a testament to his speed and determination. The multiple World Superenduro Champion holds sixth place in the standings and will also be aiming for a good result at Trèfle Lozérien AMV.
Despite impressing with his performances at the Extreme XL Lagares and Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble hard enduros, Josep Garcia will now feel far more at home competing in round three’s classic enduro. The 2017 Enduro2 World Champion is without doubt aiming for a top-result.
Josep Garcia: “I have been looking forward to Trèfle Lozérien AMV from the beginning of the season. I am happy with my performances at the first two rounds, but I know I still have some work to do on my hard enduro skills. In France, I will feel comfortable straight away and will be able to push. My goal has to be to go for the win. With so many different disciplines in the WESS, I need to maximise my results in the events where I am strongest.”
Nathan Watson, like Garcia, has also come from the EnduroGP World Championship. The format at Le Trèfle Lozérien AMV is one he’s well used to with the young Brit also aiming for the top step of the podium following the three days of competition. With Watson’s motocross background the timed grass tests should suit him perfectly.
Nathan Watson: “I am really looking forward to getting back on my KTM 350 EXC-F and returning to a race format I am more comfortable with. I did a lot of hard enduro training over the winter, but I know I am not so strong in those races yet. Classic enduro is what I am used to and I know I can be competitive. There is a little more pressure on me this weekend and there are a lot of people who will be expecting me to do well, but my plan is to take each day one-by-one and hopefully at the end on Sunday I’ll be up near the top.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Cody Webb will not be contesting round three in France due to an injury sustained on the Erzbergrodeo Prologue at round two. The 2017 Endurocross Champion hopes to be back in action for round four Red Bull Romaniacs in July.
The Trèfle Lozérien AMV, WESS round three, commences June 8 in France.
Photo: KTM Sportmotorcycle