Double Enduro2 podium for Steve Holcombe at EnduroGP of Portugal
By Press Release on 11th Oct 21
Enduro World Championship Steve Holcombe
Beta Factory Racings Steve Holcombe has claimed a double podium result at the penultimate round of the FIM Enduro World Championship in Portugal.
Holcombe rode his Beta RR Racing 4T 350 to a pair of third-place finishes in Enduro2, while also finishing fifth and sixth in EnduroGP.
After a 10-week break, EnduroGP returned to action for the penultimate round of the season in France this weekend.
Steve Holcombe
For Holcombe, the GP of Portugal was one he looked forward to having endured an injury-riddled championship campaign to date in 2021.
Riding injury-free for the first time this year and feeling comfortable on his Beta RR Racing 4T 350, Holcombe was eager to get to Portugal and enjoy his racing. Favouring the soft, sandy terrain of Santiago do Cacem, Holcombe steadily built his speed during the opening day of competition. Battling for a podium result in Enduro2 and sitting top-five in the overall standings, he ended day one with a lot to be pleased about.
On day two, Holcombe looked for more of the same. After a strong start he continued to push hard throughout the day, fighting for another podium result in Enduro 2. Limiting mistakes as the physically demanding conditions took their toll, he hung on for a confidence-building third place, while also taking sixth overall.
Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe: "Its been a successful weekend for me. I just wanted to get an EnduroGP round completed where I wasnt riding hurt or had a problem and I feel like Ive managed that here. I know thats a strange thing to say, but its been a rough year to be honest.
"I really enjoyed my racing this weekend, fighting for top results and getting two podiums in Enduro2. Obviously, I want to get back to winning races, but I know thats going to take a little bit of time. Portugal was good for my confidence. Now I want to finish things out strong in France."
The 2021 FIM EnduroGP World Championship concludes next weekend (October 15-17) with the GP of France, in Langeac.
Enduro World Championship, Round 5, Day 1
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 52:29.53; 2. Brad Freeman (Beta) 53:23.99; 3. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 53:52.17 5. Steve Holcombe (Beta)
53:58.80
Enduro2
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 52:29.53; 2. Nathan Watson (Honda) 53:52.17; 3. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 54:21.77
Enduro World Championship, Round 5, Day 2
EnduroGP
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 51:42.52; 2. Brad Freeman (Beta) 51:45.28; 3. Nathan Watson (Honda) 52:15.85 6. Steve Holcombe (Beta)
52:57.35
Enduro2
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 51:42.52; 2. Nathan Watson (Honda) 52:15.85; 3. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 53:51.92
More like this…
Prime Stadium is EnduroGP promoter in 10-year deal with FIM
The FIM announced today the appointment of Portuguese-based company Prime Stadium as the new FIM EnduroGP promoter.
Nathan Watson exits MXGP competition and returns to EnduroGP
Nathan Watson has officially exited MXGP and announced a return to Enduro competition.
Josep Garcia signs Red Bull KTM Factory Racing extension
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are pleased to announce the signing of a two-year contract extension with Spanish enduro star Josep Garcia.