Bel Ray Husqvarna Enduro Factory team riders Jamie McCanney, Alfredo Gomez, Joakim Ljunggren, Mathias Bellino, and Jane Daniels were all in action at the opening round of the 2014 SuperEnduro World Championship, held in Liverpool, England.
Making his SuperEnduro debut in Liverpool, McCanney ensured it was a memorable one by taking the overall win in the Junior category. Second in Final #1, the Manxman hit the front of the field at the end of lap three in Final #2 and held on to secure the race win while also winning the event outright. Danny now holds an early lead in the SuperEnduro Junior World Championship.
With round one of the series getting underway inside Liverpool’s Echo Arena, Alfredo Gomez made his debut ride aboard the new Husqvarna a solid one. Recently returned from his busy schedule of Hard Enduro, the Spaniard felt a little underprepared but quickly got up to speed. Fourteenth in qualification, Gomez rapidly improved to place fifth in Final #1. Benefiting from a front row start for Final #2, the Bel Ray Husqvarna Enduro Factory rider ended it in third. Fifth in the third and final race of the night ensured Gomez fourth overall at round one.
Joining Gomez in the Prestige class, Joakim Ljunggren ended his night sixth. Competing on the FE 250 for the first time, the Swede delivered his best result of the night in Final #3 by placing third.
In the Women’s class, Jane Daniels bounced back from a disastrous start to take third. Hitting the starting gate, the young Brit was forced to fight her way to the front of the field. Snatching third on the penultimate lap, the Husqvarna rider claimed a well-earned podium result in her home race.
The 2014 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with round two in Poland on December 14th.
Jamie McCanney: “I’ve never ridden SuperEnduro before so it was a whole new experience for me tonight. I was learning a lot throughout the day and managed to improve my lines. In the first Final I rode a little bit too tight and Linusson got away from me. I tried to settle myself, relax a little and not make any more mistakes. It worked out and I got second. In the reversed start for the last race I knew starting from the second row wouldn’t be easy. But I managed to find a couple of clear lines and got into the lead. I felt more confident with the track and was able to control the lead and take the win. It feels great to have won in Liverpool. It’s my home race and my first time on the Husqvarna. Overall it’s been a perfect night.”
Alfredo Gomez: “In all honesty I felt somewhat underprepared coming into this race as I’ve been travelling for four weeks racing Hard Enduro. It took a little bit of time to get used to this type of racing but as the night wore on I continued to improve. I struggled with qualification and only posted the 14th fastest time so to finish third in Final #2 and end the night fourth overall is a really good result. Now – with almost one month before round two in Poland – I’m confident I can build on this result.”
Joakim Ljunggren: “I feel OK about my race. It was tough out there and I wasn’t 100 per cent ready for it. I was nervous about riding the FE 250 as I have been riding bigger bikes for quite a while now but the bike performed brilliantly. It’s easy to ride and not so tiring. In the final race of the night I delivered my best performance. I was fighting for the third position but in the end I had to settle for fourth. I think that with some more time on the bike I can do better in Poland.”
Jane Daniels: “I made a big mistake at the start of my race and actually hit the starting gate. That put me almost last and I had to work as hard I could to recover. I got up into fourth position at the halfway stage in the race and then managed to pass Sandra Gomez in the closing stages to finish third. Despite my bad luck I’m really pleased to have got a podium result in my home race.”