Local hero Vera Pablo Leonel led home the challenge of Quad riders registered for the all-new FIM Sand Races World Cup at Sunday’s second round, the Enduro del Verano in Argentina, though fast Frenchman Michel Trannin maintained his series lead.
Vera ended the race in second behind compatriot Jose Guerra, but Trannin – who was forced to overcome early adversity – fought his way up to third among the registered riders which, when coupled with his maximum points from the season-opening Enduropale du Touquet, ensured he remains at the top of the leaderboard.
Competing against almost three-hundred-and-fifty rivals over a maximum of five laps of the twelve-and-a-half-kilometre course on the Atlantic coast south of the capital Buenos Aires, an early collision pushed Trannin back towards the tail end of the field.
Quickly regrouping, in soaring temperatures he put together a string of passes that carried him all the way up to thirtieth at the flag, but more importantly he was the third rider registered for the series to cross the line. This, coupled with his podium finish at the Enduropale du Touquet, was enough to cement his position as class leader with one round remaining.
“I did not plan to come here initially,” said Trannin. “It was a good idea. I am a bit disappointed with my scratch ranking as I had a contact early in the race. I resumed the race around two-hundredth position. It was tough from that point, and I thought I would do my best with the World Cup standings in mind. I came back strong, but the race is so fast here.”
Guerra won the Quad class the last time the event was staged in 2020 and he was on top again with his total time of forty-three minutes giving him a twenty-eight second advantage over Vera.
Despite his powerful performance, following his early exit from the Enduropale du Touquet at the beginning of February, Vera was unable to make major inroads on Trannin’s series advantage.
“I like both races – France and here,” said Vera. “They are different races and [Argentina] is very fast. I have raced here for twelve years, and I feel very confident. I am so happy to be the first World Cup rider here and to finish on the podium.”
With the series decider scheduled on Monte Gordo Beach in Portugal’s Algarve region, Trannin’s main competition is likely to come from French racer Pablo Violet who finished in fifteenth on Sunday, although was the second registered rider to take the chequered flag.
This performance, when combined with his eighth-placed overall finish at the Enduropale du Touquet, makes him a definite contender for what will be an historic inaugural title.
The top-five of registered riders was completed by the French duo of Axel Dutrie and Frederic Lefebvre.
2023 FIM Sand Races World Cup - Round 2 - Enduro del Verano Classification and Standings QUAD HERE
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