Round two of the 2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship kicked off in style in Oliana, Spain, on Friday night, with Josep Garcia claiming an emphatic win in the Akrapovic Super Test.
Racing in front of an electric home crowd, the Spanish rider laid down an unbeatable time in the evening showdown, giving Spanish fans plenty to cheer about as the championship burst into life.
Held adjacent to the EnduroGP paddock, the Akrapovic Super Test set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling weekend. Despite a midday rainstorm that left the course slick for the earlier Spanish National Championship and Enduro Open sessions, the track had dried out just in time for the top EnduroGP riders to shine.
The action was intense from the outset, with 2024 FIM Junior Enduro World Champion Max Ahlin showcasing his potential in the senior ranks. Ahlin set an early benchmark that stood strong for much of the night, eventually seeing him land in sixth as the heavy hitters came through.
Matching each other’s times down to the decimal, Samuele Bernardini and Hamish Macdonald from the Sherco Racing Factory team finished fourth and fifth respectively, setting the stage for the showdown between Garcia and his main rival.
Andrea Verona briefly held the top spot after a smooth and rapid run, but it was short-lived. With just two riders remaining – Garcia and current championship leader Zach Pichon – the atmosphere hit fever pitch.
Both delivered fireworks on track, eclipsing Verona’s time with blistering pace, but it was Garcia who edged ahead, using the energy of the local crowd to find another gear and clock a time 1.57 seconds faster than Pichon’s.
“Winning tonight was the best way possible to start my home round of the championship,” Garcia said after his run. “It feels so good to ride like that tonight in front of my family, friends and fans. I feel the energy from them and I’m motivated to keep this going tomorrow.”
There were standout performances across the board, with Leo Joyon dominating the Junior category and also placing ninth overall — an impressive effort from the young French rider. Meanwhile, Pietro Scardina was the fastest in the Youth class.
With the Super Test now in the books, all eyes turn to the first full day of racing tomorrow, Saturday, 3 May, as the GP of Spain continues.
