The FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP Maxxis of Greece in Kalambaka was brought to a thrilling close on day two as the 2013 Enduro Junior world champion Matt PHILLIPS claimed victory in the Enduro 3 category. Eero REMES delivered TM Factory Racing their first victory in Enduro 1. In the Enduro 2 class, KTM’s Antoine MEO returned to the top step of the podium while Giacomo REDONDI (Beta) continued to lead the way in the Enduro Junior classification.
Claiming his debut win in the senior rankings Australia’s Matt PHILLIPS (KTM) topped the Enduro 3 classification at the end of day two. Determined to make amends for his misfortune on day one, the 2013 Enduro Junior world champion led from the opening special test of the day two to secure the victory. “Today was perfect, it couldn’t have gone any better,” confirmed PHILLIPS. “I pushed hard from the word go and led the whole day. It’s an awesome feeling to get my first senior win.” Suffering his first defeat of the series, championship leader Ivan CERVANTES (S-KTM) ended his day as runner-up to PHILLIPS. Recording his second visit to the podium in Greece, Husqvarna’s Mathias BELLINO (F) completed the top three. Improving on his day one result of ninth Finland’s Matti SEISTOLA (Sherco) finished just ten seconds behind BELLINO in fourth. Delivering another consistent ride, Portugal’s Luis CORREIA (Beta) ended his day in fifth.
It was all change in the Enduro 1 class with Finland’s Eero REMES (TM) holding off a late charge from Christophe NAMBOTIN (F-KTM) to take the win. Leading from the off, REMES quickly opened up an advantage as NAMBOTIN made numerous mistakes. Keeping his cool on the final lap, the Finn secured a well-deserved victory. “It’s been a brilliant day for me and for TM,” told REMES. “I’m so happy to take the win but for TM it’s their first victory in E1 so this win is even more special.” After a slow start to his day, NAMBOTIN – despite his best efforts – was unable to reel the TM rider back in and had to settle for second position.
Battling with REMES early on, Spain’s Cristobal GUERRERO (KTM) slipped back to third position as the Greek heat began to takes its toll on the riders. Unable to repeat his runner-up result from day one, France’s Jeremy TARROUX (Sherco) finished less than six seconds behind GUERRERO in fourth. Still recovering from his shoulder injury sustained at the GP of Portugal, Italy’s Thomas OLDRATI (Husqvarna) rounded out the top five.
Day two in Greece produced yet another intense battle and drama filled day in the Enduro 2 class. Taking control of the race lead at the end of lap one, Honda’s Alex SALVINI (I) looked back to his winning form following his recent injury, but a crash on lap two forced him out of the race with injury. That opened the door for Antoine MEO (F-KTM ) to regain the lead. Increasing his advantage on the final lap, the Frenchman secured victory. “It’s been a really tough weekend but it’s great to end it with a win,” commented MEO. “The level is really high in E2 and I made some mistakes.
I had to push hard to get the win here in Greece.” Battling with Johnny AUBERT (Beta) early on, France’s Pela RENET (Husq varna) eventually pulled clear of his French rival to secure the runner-up result. Hampered by a few mistakes midway through the day, AUBERT lost touch with RENET and ended his day in third. Equalling his best result of the series to date, former MXGP rider, Jonathan BARRAGAN (S-Husqvarna) continues to adapt well to enduro and placed fourth. Spain’s Oriol MENA (Beta) completed the top five.
Excelling in the hot, dry and dusty Greek terrain, Italy’s Giacomo REDONDI (Beta) secured a commanding victory in the Enduro Junior class. Improving as the day progressed, France’s Loic LARRIEU (Husqvarna) found a way past Britain’s Danny MCCANNEY (Beta) to take second. Unable to respond to the attack by LARRIEU, MCCANNEY slipped back to third. Italy’s Alessandro BATTIG (Honda) and Nicolo MORI (KTM) placed fourth and fifth. Remaining fixed at the top of the 125 Youth Cup class, Italy’s Davide SORECA (Yamaha) claimed his fourth victory of the season. Finishing nine seconds behind SORECA, Italy’s Nicolas PELLEGRINELLI (KTM) ended his day as r unner-up. Sweden’s Albin ELOWSON (Husqvarna) took third while Jeremy MIROIR (F-Yamaha) and Chile’s Benjamin HERRERA (TM) rounded out the top five.