The Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship drew the crowds to Cwmythig Hill in Rhayader, Wales for round six with the Friday evening AKRAPOVIC Super Test.
A fast, dry and technical course, saw competitors push it to the maximum.
Delivering one of the most surprising results of the night was young Australian hard Enduro rider Angus Riordan topping the outright time sheets. Despite it being his first EnduroGP and first AKRAPOVIC Super Test, Riordan didn’t let the occasion faze him. Setting a blisteringly fast time, not even the best in the world could match him.
Helped in part by an early start position, Riordan’s time of two minutes and one second proved almost three seconds quicker than eventual runner-up Josep Garcia.
With Enduro Open first to the course, three-time world champion, and enduro legend, David Knight gave the British crowd plenty to cheer. Showing he’s still got plenty of speed, he put in a time that would be good enough for fourth overall.
Throughout the night, rider after rider tried their best to out do Riordan. Englishman Dan Mundell came close, but not close enough. Zach Pichon then beat Mundell by nine tenths of a second to take up a provisional second.
Steve Holcombe came within six-tenths of a second of disposing of Mundell, while Brad Freeman pushed a little too hard and hit the dirt.
With just Garcia and Andrea Verona remaining, all eyes were on the clock to see if anyone could deny Riordan his moment of glory.
A crash from Verona put him out of contention, while Garcia was unable to get within range and had to settle for second.
In the end, it was Riordan who was the outright fastest from Garcia and Pichon, with Knight and Mundell completing the top five on what was an epic start to the FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales.
“It’s my first ever EnduroGP, so I’m stoked on my result tonight. I think an early start helped as the track was perfect. But it’s an amazing start to this race!” Riordan said.
The FIM Enduro Women World Championship saw American Rachel Gutish get off to a flying start by taking the win. She led home her teammate Nieve Holmes in second by just over three seconds to record a memorable night for the British-based team in Wales.
Justine Martel was third quickest, with Rosie Rowett fourth. Elodie Chaplot rounded out the top five.
