There is no better adjective to describe this first edition of the world event reserved for vintage motorcycles from Regularity, conceived by the International Federation of Motorcycling (FIM) on the proposal of the Italian Motorcycle Federation (IMF). Exciting and adrenaline-filled since the first day of competition, the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy experienced its epilogue today, when the 357 drivers left in competition faced the last race, namely the final heat of Cross. The start from the gate always arouses a certain charm, especially in drivers accustomed to a completely different start in Regularity and Enduro races. The first to try their hand along the track designed a few steps from the 'Buraccio' Cross Test were the drivers of the X1 and X2 classes; to follow, those of the X3, X4, X5 and X6 classes, all individually registered. After the first 59 drivers, those who competed for the victory of the Vintage Silver Vase Club and those deployed by their Federations to win the Vintage Veterans Trophy took to the track, respecting the class order from A1 to C7. One kilometer and two hundred meters to travel four times, for each of the twenty heats that have been able to attract the public. Among the most spectacular, the one that saw the exciting head-to-head between Matteo Rubin on KTM 250 and Stephane Peterhansel on Yamaha 250: the World Champion lined up by the Moto Club Gaerne stood up with the rider from France from the first to the last lap. In the end, coach Paris-Dakar had to settle for the place of honor; the handshake between the two was beautiful and significant after crossing the finish line of the fourth lap, complimenting each other.
After the exciting Cross heats, all the participants returned to the Molo Massimo in Portoferraio to attend the closing ceremony of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy. The awards conducted by the speakers Lorenzo Graziotti and Martina Riboni were introduced by the intervention of the Councilor of the Tuscany Region, Marco Landi who congratulated all the architects of this amazing event, able to enhance the beauties of the Island of Elba in full respect of the environment and the surrounding nature. The Mayor of Portoferraio, Angelo Zini, did him: “I live near the ‘Buraccio’ Cross Test and I have the engines in my blood, but the sensations you have made me feel these days have far exceeded the my best expectations. Many thanks to all of you who have made this extraordinary event possible that will remain forever in the history of our Island”. Excited and satisfied, the President of the Moto Club Elba Island, Daniele Anichini: “It was an intense and tiring year, but the success of this event repays us for the commitment made. I thank the International Motorcycling Federation and the Italian Motorcycle Federation for believing in us by assigning us this first edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy, I thank the IMF Toscana Regional Committee chaired by Alessandro Roscelli for the constructive collaboration put in place, the race director Paolo Buratti, track inspectors Maurizio Micheluz and Stefano Passeri, Monica and Toni Mori of Maxim. Finally, allow me a special thanks to my partner Elisabetta, who supported me from the beginning to the end of this amazing adventure”.
Before rewarding the winners of each class, of the Vase and the Trophy, the public and private bodies supporting the event were mentioned: the Municipalities of Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Campo nell'Elba, Porto Azzurro, Marciana, Marciana Marina and Rio, Acerbis, Blackbird, Barontini Petroli, Bardahl, Moby and the Cosimo De’ Medici.
Charts in hand, 18 out of 20 classes were the prerogative of Italian drivers, testifying to how much the environment of Group 5 of Regularity enjoys excellent health, thanks to the tireless work of the national IMF manager, Francesco Mazzoleni. Federico Fregnan’s victories in A1, Fabio Parrini in A2, Massimo Parrini in A3, Fabio Taborro in A4, Enrico Tortoli in A5, Alberto Gennaro in B1, Mirco Rossi in B2, Luigi Tissoni in C1, Angelo Signorelli in C2, Fabio Casotto in C3, Stephane Peterhansel won the C6 class and Thierry Magnaldi made the X2 his own. Heinrich Schmith and Pedro Mariano of the FIM, Raffaele Prisco and Raffaele Bigioni of the IMF took the stage, among others, to reward them.
The top three individual members were Maurizio Lenzi (X3), Paolo Pellegrini (C6) and Mauro Sant (X6). The five participating women finished in the standings: first Andrea Peterhansel (who also received the award in memory of the young and unfortunate Motorally driver, Sara Lenzi), second Marie Pier Vintaer, third Barbara Bettinelli, fourth Ludivine Puy (the latter three were part of the Gancia Rosè Vintage Team of Scuderia Grumello Beni
Finally, the teams. The unprecedented Vintage Silver Vase was won by team A of Moto Club Pantera, with riders Luigi Mazzoni (KTM 250, A5), Maurizio Bettini (KTM 175, C5) and Mario Graziani (Gori 250, C6). Particularly satisfied and excited for the result acquired were the President of the Moto Club, Giuliano Ghiandelli, the President of the Grand Duchy Racing Team, Matteo Bartalesi and the Sports Director, Paola Bocci.
On the tune of the Marseilles, the Vintage Veterans Trophy saw the French team with drivers Laurent Charbonnel (KTM 400, A5), Stephane Peterhansel (Yamaha 250, C6) and Thierry Viardot (SWM 250, C6) get on the top step of the podium.
The fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy ended with an authentic ovation testifying to how much the event was able to satisfy the desire for Regularity of the 400 participating drivers, visibly satisfied with having been part of this amazing and exciting adventure on two vintage wheels.
Daniela Confalonieri