Just as he did a month ago at Bussi sul Tirino, the Australian dominated the first day at Castiglion Fiorentino on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of April. In fact, on Sunday he closed out just 14.18 behind Johnny Aubert (Yamaha), also the winner of the foreigner's class.
Merriman began the race quietly, accumulating a sizable gap in the first lap that he was not able to bridge. Notwithstanding, he marked the best time after the halfway mark but paid the toll in the cross test at the cost of his French rival's experience, gained from years in the motocross. He reduced the gap but wasn't able to overcome it. His performance can be considered very positive as he was able to close out the weekend with 45 points, the same number as Aubert, therefore allowing him to maintain the leadership in both the championship's absolute and foreigner's classes.
Enduro Italian Championship -
April 14-15th, Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo)
FIRST DAY
Overall:
1. Stefan Merriman (Aprilia RXV 4.5) 30:48:01;
2. Johnny Aubert (Yamaha) at 21:83;
3. Mika Ahola (Honda) at 53:54;
4. Simone Albergoni (Yamaha) at 54:54;
5. Maurizio Micheluz (Yamaha) at 55:10;
6. Bartosz Obluki (Husqvarna) at 1:11:16;
7. Rodrig Thain (Suzuki) a 1:21:57;
8. Andrea Belotti (Ktm) at 1:24.83;
9. Oscar Balletti ( Honda) a 1:25.02;
10. Alessandro Botturi (Honda) at 1:27:33;
Foreigner's Class:
1. Stefan Merriman (Aprilia RXV 4.5);
2. Johnny Aubert (Yamaha) a 21:83;
3. Mika Ahola (Honda) at 53:54;
4. Bartosz Obluki (Husqvarna);
5. Rodrig Thain (Suzuki); ;
SECOND DAY
Overall:
1. Johnny Aubert (Yamaha) in 34:21.96;
2. Stefan Merriman (Aprilia RXV 4.5) at 14:18;
3. Mika Ahola (Honda) at 28:72;
4. Simone Albergoni (Yamaha) at 57:84;
5. Maurizio Micheluz (Yamaha) at 1:04:99;
6. Oscar Balletti ( Honda) at 1:08:47;
7. Alessandro Botturi (Honda) at 1:20:63;
8. Andrea Belotti (Ktm) at 1:13:00;
9. Bartosz Obluki (Husqvarna) at 1:31:45;
10. Rodrig Thain (Suzuki) at 1:35:60;
Foreigner's Class:
1. Johnny Aubert (Yamaha) in 34:21.96;
2. Stefan Merriman (Aprilia RXV 4.5) at 14:18;
3. Mika Ahola (Honda) at 28:72;
4. Bartosz Obluki (Husqvarna) at 1:31:45;
5. Rodrig Thain (Suzuki) at 1:35:60;
6. Anders Eriksson (Husqvarna) at 21:16:20;
