As
the Enduro World Championship heads to Puerto Lumbreras in Spain for round three of the series this weekend it’s back to business for the Husaberg Factory Team and their Enduro 3 class rider Joakim Ljunggren. After brilliant performances at rounds one and two of the championship in South America, which included a hard-fought victory on day one in Chile, Ljunggren currently sits second overall in the Enduro 3 category. With dry, dusty and rocky terrain expected to feature heavily in this weekend’s event, Ljunggren has his sights set firmly on continued success…
Firstly, how satisfying was it to win the opening day of the championship in Chile?
Joakim: “It was amazing to start off the season with a win. I like it when the special tests are tough and technical and they really suited me in Chile. I was able to push hard with Christophe Nambotin in a battle for the win. And then when he made a mistake I capitalised on it to take the victory. The last time I won was in Sweden in 2008 and that was in snow and ice. So to win in completely different conditions was extremely rewarding.”
Were you pleased with your overall performances at the opening two rounds of the Enduro World Championship in Chile and Argentina?
Joakim: “It felt great to leave South America second overall in the Enduro 3 championship. Last year I didn’t have the best start to the season, not like I’d hoped for, so to be much more competitive this time around was a major confidence booster. I really enjoyed both events and I think that showed in my results. Now we will soon be back racing in Europe, I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s race.”
The Enduro 3 class is extremely competitive this year. What’s it going to take to ensure you’re in the fight for the title come the end of the season?
Joakim: “There are about six guys who are all capable of finishing on the podium in E3. The racing in very close as we have seen already this year. I guess it’s like always, making mistakes can easily be the difference between winning and losing. From the first special test until the last one nothing is certain. It is hard racing and you have to keep your focus all day, but I prefer it like that.”
As a rider who grew up riding snow and mud in Sweden you are now one of the world’s best in dry, rocky terrain. How have you been able to adapt and become so strong in dry conditions?
Joakim: “Last year I moved to Spain to improve my riding on those types of conditions. I always felt strong on tough, rocky ground but there were areas I needed to improve. Being able to constantly ride and train on those types of surfaces has lifted my confidence. I now feel like I’m one of the top guys out there when the special tests are tough and rocky.”
This year you are also contesting the Spanish Enduro Championship, how has it been going for you?
Joakim: “At the first round I struggled a little. It was the weekend before the EWC in South America and I’d focused all of my training on that. At round one the tests were very grassy and I wasn’t on the pace. For round two the race was dry, dusty and rocky and I was able to be more competitive. I finished second overall on day one and then won the overall classification on day two. My combined times were the fastest of everybody and I was really pleased about that. We’ve just finished round three of the series and again I won the Enduro 3 class to extend my points lead in the championship. With that race only being less than 60km from the GP of Spain it was perfect training for me.”
What goals have you set yourself ahead of this weekend’s GP of Spain in Puerto Lumbreras?
Joakim: “As ever my goal is to try and win or at the very least finish on the podium. Like I said, E3 is very competitive so I’m sure there will be other guys wanting to do the same. But I know I can fight for the victory. I’ve tasted champagne once this year and I want to taste it again in Spain…”