United States prove nation to beat on day two

In the FIM World Trophy category, race leaders United States were on a charge from the word go. Fastest on the opening test set the tone for what would become another solid day at the office.

Building their lead throughout the day, and with all four riders remaining inside the top ten, saw them secure a three minute and twenty-five second margin of victory. With two days complete, they lead Great Britain by over five minutes.

“The team got off to a great start again today and managed to keep that rhythm going the whole day to take the win,” told Cole Martinez (Honda). “The special tests were pretty chewed up by the end of the day, so I’m looking forward to new trails tomorrow.”

“I think the key so far is to manage the heat as best we can and not look too far ahead into the race. We still haven’t reached half distance yet.”

Day two saw a close battle for second place develop between Great Britain and Italy. The Italians – spurred on by team leader Andrea Verona (GASGAS) who clinched the overall individual victory – placed just eight seconds behind Great Britain in third. Spain and France were fourth and fifth respectively.

In the overall standings, Great Britain lie second. France are third, with Spain and Italy completing the top five overall ahead of day three.

Sweden remain unstoppable in Junior World Trophy

The FIM Junior World Trophy standings saw Sweden strengthen their grip on the race lead with another commanding performance. Once again, all three riders of Albin Norrbin (Fantic), Axel Semb (Husqvarna), and Max Ahlin (KTM) locked out the top-three Junior placings to build an advantage of almost eight minutes over the United States in second.

“Today was much better for me,” explained Semb. “I had a cold and fever up until now, so it was nice to feel more comfortable and be able to ride better.

“With the team going one-two-three in Junior, it’s been an incredible start to the race. Tomorrow is a new course, so we will see if that changes things.”

An exciting battle for the remainder of the podium continues to be played out between the United States and France. The two nations are separated by less than ten seconds. Great Britain sits fourth overall, but will need to keep a watchful eye on host nation Argentina who moved up to fifth on day two. There was also disappointment for Italy, with the two-time defending champions dropping out of contention when rider Manolo Morettini (Honda) exited the race early on.

United States take up Women’s World Trophy lead

Day two saw the United States find their feet in the FIM Women’s World Trophy class. The trio of Brandy Richards (KTM), Korie Steede (KTM), and Rachel Gutish (GASGAS) were unstoppable today. They beat rivals Australia by a sizeable five minutes and in turn, move comfortably into the overall lead.

“It’s been a great day for the team, and we moved into the overall lead,” told Gutish. “The tests got rougher, but a better line developed so we could attack harder. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, there are some interesting special tests ahead of us.”

Australia will hope to fight back on day three and keep the pressure on their rivals. Team FIM LA move up to third overall, but are now over one hour behind the leading nations.

Verona strikes back to win on day two

In the overall individual classification, there was change at the top of the leader board with Andrea Verona (GASGAS) getting the better of his close rival and friend Josep Garcia (KTM) to take the day two win. That victory now sees the Italian claim a small-but-important lead in the race over Garcia heading into day three. United States’ Dante Oliveira (KTM) completes the top three.

“I’ve had a good day,” said Verona. “I managed to find a good flow through the tests today and take the win and the overall result too. Already it’s been a great fight for the victory with Josep and I hope we can enjoy it again tomorrow.”

With his second consecutive Enduro1 class win, Garcia further extends his advantage to three minutes and forty-seven seconds over France’s Theo Espinasse (Beta) in second, with Great Britain’s Jed Etchells (Fantic) slipping back to third.

Verona was the clear winner of Enduro2 on day two. He leads Oliveira in second. United States’ Taylor Robert (KTM) holds third. But with less than thirty seconds separating Robert and Great Britain’s Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) in sixth, means it is all to play for.

Enduro3 is proving very exciting. Swedish Junior Albin Norrbin (Fantic) claimed the win on day two, to move into the class lead. France’s Loic Larrieu is eleven seconds behind in second, with Spain’s Betriu and Chile’s Ben Herrera (GASGAS) third and fourth.