More than a week after the first round, that took place in the Echo Arena in Liverpool (United Kingdom), of the Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, let’s have a quick look to a day rich in emotions… and lessons!
Discovery
Last year, after the first Grand Prix of the season, we discovered the young Polish Pawel SZYMKOWSKI (KTM) who surprised everybody in the Junior class. This season, a new face called Andreas LINUSSON (S – KTM) came in Junior. Unknown in the International scene, this Swedish of 19 years old has literally exploded to the eyes of everybody during the Heat 1 that he won easily. He had more difficulties in the second heat with reversed order, but LINUSSON is back home with the 2nd place in the standings, only 4 points behind Jamie MCCANNEY (GB – HVA). After big start, the KTM rider is already one of the favorite for the title…
Family Affair
We already knew Jane DANIELS (GB – HVA) who finished second last season in Tours for the first SuperEnduro Women race and who finished runner-up of SANZ in the EWC. But we didn’t know her brother, Gary DANIELS (GB – Sherco) who entered the Junior class in Liverpool. While Jane (3rd), offered an epic battle with Sandra GOMEZ (E – Husaberg) and Emma BRISTOW (GB – Sherco), her brother secured a nice 9th place for his first participation to a SuperEnduro.
One minute’s silence
After the tragically death of Kurt CASELLI (USA) on Saturday morning, ABC Communication and the organizer Thundersport GB have decided to do a one minute’s silence in his honor before the start of the races. A one minute’s silence full of emotion and meditation that was perfectly respected by the 5 000 spectators of the Echo Arena…
Surprising BRISTOW
During the off-season, everybody announced a big battle between Laïa SANZ (E – Honda), Jane DANIELS, Sandra GOMEZ and Louise FORSLEY (USA – KTM). But nobody bet a cent on the attractive Emma BRISTOW (GB – Sherco). Indeed, the trial rider, three times World Vice-Champion, was unknown in the SuperEnduro and should participate only to the Grand Prix of United Kingdom. But after an intense final where she threatened the queen SANZ, the British has signed a nice second place. We bet that this place gave her the need to participate to the entire Championship!
Dani GIBERT
Astonishing in Tours where he stole a heat win to the king BLAZUSIAK, the Spanish Dani GIBERT (Husaberg) will participate to the entire 2013/2014 season. And while the majority of the observers were thinking that this result was a “one shot”, the Spanish has confirmed by signing a nice 3rd place, only 4 points behind David KNIGHT, with, as highlights, a fantastic come back on the Isle of Man rider in the first heat, and then a big duel with BLAZUSIAK in the second heat… No doubt, the Husaberg rider will be a serious client for the final podium and prove that SuperEnduro is accessible to every talented private rider.
Idols
Rare were the EWC Grand Prix that took place in the United Kingdom and this first round of the Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship has been a perfect indicator to know how much David KNIGHT was appreciate in his country. And it’s not enough to say that KNIGHTER is an idol! Of course, the fans were cheering also the MCCANNEY brothers, WALKER or also SAGAR bur nothing compare with the Sherco rider supported by more than a hundred of Isle of Man fans.
Super Pole powered by Akrapovic
For the first time in SuperEnduro history, the Super Pole made its debuts in the Echo Arena. Sponsored by Akrapovic, it gathered the six best times of the timed practice: Taddy BLAZUSIAK (PL – KTM), David KNIGHT (GB – Sherco), Cody WEBB (USA – Beta), Jonny WALKER (GB – KTM), Joakim LJUNGGREN (S – HVA) and the surprising Danny MCCANNEY (GB – KTM). At the end, it’s the king BLAZUSIAK who scored the best time and a 3 points bonus. No doubt, this very first Super Pole of the season had a great success next to the riders, managers and mainly spectators…
TV
Newcomer in the SuperEnduro, Greenlight TV society based in Isle of Man (GB) became ABC Communication partner for this 2013/2014 season. With numerous Go Pro cameras, a drone and a team of 10 persons, Greenlight TV saw big for the opening round of the season.
Brands
KTM, Sherco, Husaberg, Husqvarna, Beta… it’s the Top 5 of the Prestige class at the end of the round in Liverpool. So 5 different brands occupy the top of the standings!
Passion
The times are hard economically for everybody. But passion and friendship can help to realize their goals. Indeed, Mario ROMAN (E – Husaberg) is not anymore a member of Bel-Ray Husqvarna team and had no any financial help. But with the help of his ex-teammates Jamie MCCANNEY, the Spanish could participate to the first Grand Prix of the season as the Brit lends him his training bike. After an encouraging 10th place in a very tough Prestige class, we hope that ROMAN will have the opportunity to continue the season with the help of a team…
Communication ABC Communication - www.enduro-abc.com
News
A tough start…
