The E3 class is already known for riders with impressive motorcycles….
Formerly, nicknamed "woodcutters" (ERIKSSON, CARLSSON, TIAINEN, POSLEDNI, NICOLI….) has changed in the past years for a new generation of riders less impressive but also talented !!
It is true that the return of 2 strokes motorcycles represented by Sébastien
GUILLAUME (Husqvarna) for 3 seasons changed everything in this E3 class where formerly 560cc, 610cc HVA, Husaberg or 530cc KTM motorcycles dominated !!
As for the E3 Champion (Ivan CERVANTES) he decided to take part in another
class, the E2 class. With him, Marko TARKKALA (E2), the Italian MOSSINI (E1)
left the E3 class while Samuli ARO, Bjorne CARLSSON and Anders ERIKSSON
hung up.
The E3 class offers this year an another image with many 2 strokes motorcycles that has sworn the downfall of the British David KNIGHT and his KTM 530cc.
2 strokes in force
Winner of 2009 ISDE, E3 Vice Champion, the French Christophe NAMBOTTIN will be the main asset of the Catalan firm GAS GAS in the world title. And the GAS GAS 300cc of NAMBOTTIN is very well prepared close to Gerona….
HUSQVARNA CH Racing will engage Sébastien GUILLAUME (F) who will one day win the title missing to his series. But he has also to stop his misfortune that disturbed him in past seasons. Unfortunately, the rider from Normandie has just broken his hand during the opening Round of the Italian Championship and he will begin the World Championship physically much weaker ! What rotten luck for the "veteran" rider of this class…
The Frenchman will be supported by the very speedy Polish Bartosz OBLUCKI (HVA), new in E3 class but will undoubtedly be the outsider of the class.
KTM Factory will also engage a 300cc 2 strokes motorcycles with Simone ALBERGONI (I). The best transalpine Enduro rider will try to do his best on the World Enduro. After so (many ?) years in E1, the rider from Bergamo could find the key that is missing to his immense talent.
Be careful of Marcus KEHR (KTM), German Enduro Champion who improves each
year and is the best in the mud.
KNIGHT revengeful
But for all riders, the leader is undoubtedly David KNIGHT. The British from the Isle of Man fell to a pedestal after a disastrous season with BMW in 2009.
Just winner of world and American titles, "KNIGHTER" did not expect such a disappointment !
Engaged with KTM, he wants to prove his talent and especially his revenge although he could ride in the USA with better allowance and "easy" season.
HUSABERG prefers young rider in E3 with the 2009 Juniors Enduro World Champion, Oriol MENA (Spain) supported by the German Mike HARTMANN.
Do not forget riders as BOTTURI (I – Husaberg), GRITTI (I – Beta), CHERUBINI (I – TM), KADLECEK (CZ – TM), ZANOL (BRA – Yamaha) who try to be in the Top 10.
But, it is true that the trio " KNIGHT – NAMBOTTIN – GUILLAUME" has favoured predictions and that the supremacy of 2 strokes motorcycles in this E3 class is not an utopian idea.