Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : MAXXIS FIM International Six Days' Enduro

2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship a stand out success

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:16:00 +0100

While it was Poland's Taddy Blazusiak - KTM who sealed the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, it was the series itself that turned out to be the greatest success story for the majority of the competitors. Covering three rounds in Italy, Poland and Spain, the championship delivered thrilling race action, incredible on track battles and practically sold out stadiums at each stop of the tour.

In Italy, the crowd witnessed Blazusiak get his title campaign off to a successful start with three convincing SuperEnduro final victories. In Poland, Blazusiak would win again to the delight of his home supporters, but it was the sensational ride of championship rookie Britain's Jonny Walker - KTM, who claimed second overall, that arguably stole the show.

With the series ending inside the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, the ten thousand plus crowd saw the crowning of the new champion. A titanic battle for second overall in the championship broke out between Walker and Sweden's Joakim Ljunggren - Husaberg that finally ended in the British rider's favour. Italy's Alex Salvini - Husqvarna recorded the podium result he had threatened to claim all year while home hero's Ivan Cervantes - Gas Gas and Alfredo Gomez - Husaberg whipped the partisan crowd into a frenzy as they battled for race wins.

"This has been an incredible season," commented newly crowned champion Blazusiak. "I'm so happy to have won the World championship, but this year has delivered so much more. The tracks at each round were really fun to race and we had some great battles. Racing in front of my home fans in Poland was an emotional night for me and then finally to clinch the title was an amazing feeling. Already I'm excited about returning to defend my title."

Blazusiak secures 2012 title in style

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:23:00 +0100

Poland's Taddy Blazusiak – KTM has been crowned the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Champion following another superb performance, this time at the final round of the series inside the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Winning two of the night's three SuperEnduro finals Blazusiak once again proved exactly why he is the world's fastest indoor enduro rider, doing so in front of 10,000 spectators. The championship's rookie sensation Britain's Jonny Walker - KTM capped off a fantastic end to his year clinching second overall in the series by beating Sweden's Joakim Ljunggren – Husaberg into third overall. Knowing victory in the opening SuperEnduro final of the night would secure the world championship Blazusiak grabbed the holeshot and quickly set about building a lead. However, behind him a small crash by second placed Alex Salvini – Husqvarna caused a pile-up, which with the track blocked forced the race to be red flagged. Following the restart Blazusiak picked up where he had left off and rode to a comfortable race win, securing the 2012 SuperEnduro title in the process. Salvini recovered well in the restart to end the opening race in second but it was behind the top two where the real battle developed. Fighting for second overall in the championship, Ljunggren finished in third, two places ahead of his rival Britain's Jonny Walker – KTM. Walker, who struggled in qualification, eventually finished sixth after starting from the second row on the start. With the start order reversed for the second SuperEnduro final of the night Walker capitalised on his front row start position to steal the holeshot. With a clear track ahead of him he quickly built up a six second advantage over Spain's Alfredo Gomez – Husaberg while Blazusiak and Ljunggren struggled to work their way through the field. With three laps to run, Walker slid out entering the start straight but was able to remount just in front of Gomez. Sensing a possible victory in front of his home crowd a rejuvenated Gomez tried all he could to make the pass but was unable to get the better of Walker, who clinched his first victory of the 2012 season. The newly crowned champion, Blazusiak, rounded out the top three while Ljunggren could do no better than sixth. With Blazusiak already crowned world champion, the final SuperEnduro race of the night would decide who would claim the runner up position in the championship. Again Blazusiak was fastest out of the start gate with Salvini slotting into second. Ten laps later, Blazusiak would eventually win the final race of the championship as Spain's Ivan Cervantes – Gas Gas passed Salvini on the final lap to claim a crown pleasing second. However, behind the leading trio Walker's fifth place result was enough for him to earn the runner up position in this year's championship while Ljunggren's ninth place finish would leave him third overall for the series.

Xavier Galindo to shine in Barcelona?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0100

Sitting fourth overall in the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship classifications, Spaniard Xavier Galindo - Husaberg knows that the third and final round of the series at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, Spain later today will be an important series decider. Trailing the top three in the series by just thirteen points, Galindo still holds a mathematical chance of finishing out the season on the podium. After narrowly missing out on third overall in both Italy and Poland, Galindo is hopeful that his luck will change in Spain. Training hard between rounds two and three of the series, Xavier arrives in Barcelona more focused than ever to secure that elusive podium result. "This has been an incredible championship for me though I was disappointed not to finish third in Italy or Poland," confirmed a motivated Xavier. "Leading into the final SuperEnduro race in Lodz, I knew third overall was possible, but after a bad start and a small crash that result slipped away." "I'm really looking forward to my home race, but there is added pressure to perform," continued Xavier. "A lot of people have come to support me and I hope to reward them with a strong result. I think the track will suit me tonight and if I can get that all-important start then hopefully a top result will be possible. To stand on the podium in front of fifteen thousand spectators would mark an incredible end to what has been a brilliant season."

All to play for in Barcelona

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:23:00 +0100

As the third and final round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship heads to the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, Spain tomorrow - the fiercely contested battle for second position in the overall championship remains to be decided. While current championship leader Poland's Taddy Blazusiak - KTM needs to win just one of the evening's three SuperEnduro finals to secure the World title, it is the race for runner-up spot in the series that is set to deliver some of the most exciting racing. Holding only a slender two-point advantage over his nearest competitor Britain's Jonny Walker - KTM is on the verge of recording his best ever finish in a FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. After a mixed opening round in Italy, the rookie sensation bounced back in Poland to secure second overall on the night behind Blazusiak. Now sitting third in the championship Sweden's Joakim Ljunggren - Husaberg, runner up in the 2011 FIM Indoor Enduro World Championship, will arrive in Barcelona focused on beating his rival Walker. With three SuperEnduro finals and a maximum of sixty-points up for grabs, one thing that's certain is that this battle will go right down to the wire.

Barcelona prepares for season finale

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:11:00 +0100

The Palau Sant Jordi arena Barcelona, will welcome the stars of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship on Sunday 5 February for the final round of the 2012 series. Long regarded as the spiritual home of indoor enduro racing the Barcelona event will provide a memorable location for an exciting championship showdown, where the winners of this year's series will be decided. With the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship making it's final stop of the 2012 series the stage is well and truly set for a final night of thrilling racing action.
Poland's Taddy Blazusiak – KTM is the favourite to secure this year's SuperEnduro World title. Dominating both rounds one and two in Italy and Poland, Blazusiak has so far remained undefeated - winning each and every SuperEnduro final on offer. Earning a maximum of six wins from six starts the question many are asking now is can Blazusiak continue his run of victories and clinch the championship with a perfect season. Loved by fans for both his speed and showmanship, Blazusiak enters the Barcelona event determined to deliver yet more winning performances.
Behind Blazusiak's charge for the number one spot, the race for the remaining championship podium positions is sure to prove electrifying. Britain's Jonny Walker – KTM was the sensation of the Polish event. Finishing second overall on the night, the youngster recorded his first ever World championship podium by beating Sweden's Joakim Ljunggren – Husaberg. That result in Poland now puts Walker into second position in the championship standings where he heads Ljunggren by only two points. With the runners-up result now a realistic possibility, Walker will be determined to finish the championship on a high.
Ljunggren, now an experienced SuperEnduro campaigner who had a difficult night at round two in Poland, will not want to let his chances of finishing as runner-up in the championship slip away. Suffering with poor starts in Lodz, Ljunggren found himself having to pass numerous riders in order to reach the race leaders. Knowing that a fast start in Barcelona will be crucial if he is to overhaul Walker in the championship chase, Joakim will enter Barcelona focused solely on success.
Right behind the top three in the championship comes a group of fast Spaniards led by home favourite Ivan Cervantes – Gas Gas. With home advantage on his side, Cervantes who lives close to Barcelona, could easily become the deciding factor in the expected battle for second in the championship between Walker and Ljunggren.

Narrowly missing the podium in Poland due to a double crash in the night's third SuperEnduro final, Cervantes is hopeful of giving his home crowd the result they want. Cristobel Guerrero – KTM who was third in Italy, Xavier Galindo – Husaberg and Alfredo Gomez – Husaberg are all more than capable of putting in memorable championship ending performances. Adding Italy's Alex Salvini – Husqvarna into the mix, the Palau Sant Jordi stadium is sure to witness an explosive end to what has so far been a dramatic and unpredictable 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.

Home advantage for Cervantes in Barcelona

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:04:00 +0100

With the concluding round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship taking place inside the Palau Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona on Sunday 5th February, the highly anticipated event offers competitors one last opportunity to secure podium success. For those unable to claim a top three result at either of the two opening rounds in Italy and Poland, the Barcelona event is their final chance to shine.

For Spain's Ivan Cervantes – Gas Gas finishing on the podium in front of his home crowd would ensure a memorable end to what has been a mixed SuperEnduro campaign. Struggling to get a result he was happy with in Italy, Cervantes then bounced back at round two in Poland with a strong fifth place result.

Although things could have been better still for the experienced Spaniard as heading into the third and last final in Poland he looked assured of a place on the podium. However while battling with Jonny Walker – KTM and Joakim Ljunggren – Husaberg Ivan crashed, which resulted in the loss of valuable championship points and an all-important top three result.

With his confidence high as he heads into his home round of the series, and knowing that he has the speed to race with the championship's fastest riders, Ivan feels that having the home crowd support behind him will be an important advantage inside the Palau Sant Jordi arena.

"The SuperEnduro race in Barcelona will be a special event for me," confirmed Ivan. "It is my home round and racing there has always delivered some incredible results throughout the years, including a win during 2010. The support from the fans is fantastic and when you begin to feel tired during the race, having almost fifteen thousand people chant your name drives you on – it's like a boost of energy."

"In Poland I felt I had the speed to race for the podium, but was unlucky to crash in the final race of the night," continued Ivan. "I've learned from that mistake and will be completely focused on delivering a result that the Spanish fans have come to see. I want to stand on the podium in front of my team, my family and fans – that is my goal."

The final round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship takes place this coming Sunday, when the 2012 champion will be crowned after three hard fought rounds over a three month period.

Enduro Star Mika Ahola dies

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:14:00 +0100

2011 MAXXIS FIM E3 Enduro World Champion Mika Ahola passed away on 16 January in a Barcelona hospital (Spain), a few days after crashing while training. Mika Ahola won the FIM Enduro World Championship five times and the FIM ISDE Trophy ten times with Team Finland between 1994 and 2009.

Ahola made his debut in the FIM World Enduro Championship on a Husqvarna in 1993, and became a regular title contender after joining the TM factory team in 1997. In 2001, he finished runner-up for the third time, after losing the 500 cc World title to Anders Eriksson by a single point. Ahola took three more wins than Eriksson, but a retirement in the second round in Slovakia cost him the title. After another second place in 2002 and a third in 2003, he briefly moved to Husqvarna before signing for Honda for the 2006 season, finishing second to KTM's Samuli Aro in the E2 class.

In 2007, Ahola took seven wins and finished on the podium in all but one event, beating fellow Finn Aro and Yamaha's Johnny Aubert to finally win the world championship. For the 2008 season, he moved to the E1 class and clinched his second world title ahead of KTM's Iván Cervantes; Ahola went on to win a fourth consecutive title in 2010. In 2011, he moved to the E3 class and became the first rider to win the world title in the three categories.

"Mika was a very talented and charismatic rider. On behalf of the FIM, I extend my deepest condolences to Mika's family, friends and team for this tragic loss." says FIM President Vito Ippolito.

BIO MIKA AHOLA

Mika Ahola - Born in Haameenlinna Finland, on 3 December 1974

5 times World Champion

1993:10th in the FIM 125cc Enduro W.C. (Husqvarna) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
1994:13th in the FIM 125cc Enduro W.C. (Husqvarna) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
1995:15th in the FIM 125cc Enduro W.C. (Husqvarna) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
1996: 9th in the FIM 125cc Enduro W.C. (Husqvarna) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
1997: 2nd in the FIM 125cc Enduro W.C. (TM)
1998: 9th in the FIM 250cc Enduro W.C. (TM) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
1999: 3rd in the FIM 250cc Enduro W.C. (TM) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
2000: 2nd in the FIM 250cc Enduro W.C. (TM)
2001: 2nd in the FIM 500cc Enduro W.C. (VOR)
2002: 2nd in the FIM 500cc Enduro W.C. (VOR) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
2003: 3rd in the FIM 500cc Enduro W.C. (VOR) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
2004: 4th in the FIM E3 WEC (Husqvarna) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
2005: 4th in the FIM E3 WEC (Husqvarna)
2006: 2nd in the FIM E2 WEC (HM Honda) - FIM ISDE Trophy winner (Finnish team)
2007: FIM E2 Enduro World Champion (HM Honda) - 2nd in the Italian Championship
2008: FIM E1 Enduro World Champion (HM Honda)
2009: FIM E1 Enduro World Champion (HM Honda) - 2nd in the Italian Championship
2010: FIM E2 Enduro World Champion (HM Honda)
2011: FIM E3 Enduro World Champion (HM Honda)

British duo Alex Rockwell and Jamie McCanney join Husaberg Factory Team

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:08:00 +0100

Continuing their commitment to youth rider development Husaberg welcomes two new riders into their Enduro World Championship team.

Manx riders Alex Rockwell and Jamie McCanney will compete alongside existing Husaberg Factory team riders Pela Renet, Joakim Ljunggren, Oriol Mena and Mathias Bellino in the 2012 Enduro World Championship, just like Dutch E2 rider Hans Vogels, as Factory supported riders.

As a manufacturer that prides itself on supporting the development of talented up-and-coming young riders, Husaberg will bolster its official presence in the Enduro Junior class in 2012 where Mathias Bellino will be joined by Alex Rockwell. Forming what will be an extremely strong two-rider line up, Rockwell joins the team having previously competed in Enduro World Championship competition in 2010.

Joining the Midwest Husaberg team for 2011 while focusing on the British enduro scene, 'Rocky' made two international outings last year – at the International Six Days Enduro in Finland and at the final round of the EWC series in France. Helping the British Junior Trophy Team claim a solid third place result in what was his first ever ISDE, Rocky spent much of the event knocking on the door of a top 10 Enduro 2 class result. Fracturing a knuckle in a first turn pile-up during his final motocross race Alex was forced to spend time away from racing after the event before competing in the final round of the EWC series where he again showed impressive speed.

"Returning to the Enduro World Championship in 2012 is something I'm really looking forward to," explains Alex. "I know exactly what to expect and can't wait to get going. Being supported by Husaberg is great, and being a team-mate to Mathias Bellino will be both enjoyable and challenging – I know he's going to be extremely fast. I've been with Husaberg in the UK for one year now and have a great bike set-up. I'm just looking forward to getting my season started now."

Jamie McCanney will compete in the 125cc Youth Cup for Husaberg, stepping into the international enduro scene for the first time in 2012. At just 17 years of age Jamie's first full-season of enduro competition follows many years of motocross. As one of the UK's most promising youngsters, Jamie mixed participation in the British Sprint Enduro Championship with his existing motocross commitments during 2011 impressing many with his speed and obvious talents and winning the Under 19 category of the BSEC. In 2012 Jamie will turn his attentions to enduro full-time.

"I'm really looking forward to this year," comments Jamie. "I know that I have a lot to learn as I've not done too many enduros, but being at the EWC events will be great. I'm loving riding my 125 and can't wait to find out what the world
championship events are like." As well as competing in the Enduro World Championship both Alex and Jamie will compete in the British Sprint Enduro Championship and British Enduro Championship for the Midwest Husaberg UK Team in 2012. With an increasingly strong presence within the UK enduro scene Midwest Racing will field a threerider squad with Si Wakely competing alongside Alex and Jamie.

Pictures:
Jamie McCanney and Alex Rockwell from the Isle of Man will dramatically expand the British presence at the EWC in 2012.

'Rocky' will stay aboard a FE 390 in 2012.

Jamie will be racing the new TE 125.

Team Midwest Husaberg UK (left to right): Graham Ward (Technician), Jamie McCanney, Alex Rockwell, Oliver Goehring (Husaberg General Manager), Simon Molter (Team Manager).

Hellsten with TM Racing

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 +0100

This 2012 offseason is really exciting. With the arrivals of Ricky DIETRICH (USA – Husqvarna), Luis CORREIA (P – Yamaha) or Manuel MONNI (I – KTM), the transfers like Antoine MEO (F) and Christophe NAMBOTIN (F) to KTM or Simone ALBERGONI with HM Honda, the new teams (Bordone/Ferrari, JotaGas, Iron Team, Johansson Mpe…) and the surprising retirement of Mika AHOLA (SF), the Enduro fans have everything to stay interested and they can't wait to the next season. In this "arms" race to bring back the top riders still in the free agency, the TM Racing team was really present, looking for a rider in Enduro 1 to face Antoine MEO (F), Eero REMES (SF), Matti SEISTOLA (SF) or Rodrig THAIN (F). After having failed to enlist Thomas OLDRATI (I) and Jeremy JOLY (F), the Italian firm from Pesaro has finally recruited the big Finn prospect Antti HELLSTEN (22 years old) to ride on the new 250cc 4T. The prodigy, who was still expecting to continue with the KTM team support, has finally decided to represent the firm of the Serafini's brothers. It's a big challenge for him, while he could ride on the Junior class, to get on Enduro 1 class. He will want to prove that his bad end of season was just a rough patch after his serious shoulder injury. The Estonian rider Aigar LEOK continues the EWC adventure on TM, but he is changing of class. By finishing 10th in Enduro 2 class last season, the fast Eastern European rider has proved that he didn't come on the MAXXIS FIM Enduro World Championship to be in representation, even going so far by winning a special test during the Grand Prix MAXXIS of Romania. For the 2012 season, Luca CHERUBINI (I), the TM racing team manager, and Aigar LEOK have decided to change of class, passing in Enduro 3 where he will fight with the best of the class (David KNIGHT, Christophe NAMBOTIN, Joakim LJUNGGREN…). Finally in Junior, TM will present the Italian Nicolo MORI. Aged of 20 years old, this rider has already proved a lot in this national championship by winning the 125cc Junior title in 2009. Last year, he finished 5th in 450 4T class. The Italian firm has engaged the services of its compatriot to represent them in the EWC Junior class. The TM Racing team managed by Luca CHERUBINI has made a big "stunt" by signing Antti HELLSTEN which is designated as a worthy successor of Mika AHOLA and Juha SALMINEN (SF).

Jonny Walker - The new young pretender

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:54:00 +0100

Britain's Jonny Walker - KTM, is unquestionably one of the young stars of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. Showing flashes of brilliance at round one of the series in Genoa, Italy while challenging some of the series' most established riders, Walker has now claimed his first world championship podium with an incredible second overall in Poland. Looking a much more composed rider second time around, Walker's evening inside the Atlas Arena got off to a perfect start when he finished no less than four-seconds behind Taddy Blazusiak - KTM during his qualifying heat to finish in second. Walker continued his good form during the SuperEnduro finals by finishing second in the first two races before ending up third in the final race of the night to earn a well-deserved breakthrough result. With this result in Poland, Walker now finds himself sitting second overall in the championship two points ahead of his closest competitor Joakim Ljunggren - Husaberg. With his impressive results, it's clear that Walker is becoming one of the standout riders of the series, challenging the sport's better-known riders. "I'm overjoyed at how this championship is turning out," said an extremely pleased Walker. "I learned a lot from my results in Genoa and came here trying to ride a lot smoother. I think by doing that it really helped my confidence with the track and in turn I was able to push a lot harder. To finish second overall tonight is incredible - hopefully with more time to prepare for the final round of the championship in Barcelona I can finish on the podium and end this series on a high."

Blazusiak continues his winning ways in Poland

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In front of a capacity crowd Poland's Taddy Blazusiak – KTM dominated round two of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Lodz, Poland. With the support of his home fans urging him on Blazusiak continued his winning form, which he started at the opening round of the series in Italy, to remain undefeated so far in the championship having secured three more SuperEnduro final wins. Britain's Jonny Walker – KTM greatly improved his opening round performances to finish second overall ahead of Sweden's Joakim Ljunggren – Husaberg in third. In the opening SuperEnduro final it was Blazusiak who grabbed the holeshot and set about opening up a sizable lead over the chasing pack. It was one he would not relinquish as he maintained a steady ten-second advantage for the majority of the race, going on to comfortably win the first SuperEnduro final. With Blazusiak out front it was Ivan Cervantes – Gas Gas and Joakim Ljunggren that initially fought it out for second before Ljunggren took advantage of a mistake by Cervantes in the rocks to initially hold the runner-up position. After starting badly Walker quickly worked his way past Xavier Galindo - Husaberg to round out the opening lap in fourth. Mounting a charge towards the front Walker passed both Cervantes and Ljunggren to reach second at the halfway point in the race – a position he would hold until the chequered flag. Cervantes finally got the better of Ljunggren to round out the top three. With the starting order reversed all of the main protagonists found themselves on the second row of the start for the penultimate SuperEnduro final. Germany's Mike Hartman – Husaberg, started fastest leading the opening lap over teammate Xavier Galindo - Husaberg while Blazusiak rapidly sliced his way through the field. By the end of lap one, Blazusiak was already third and just two laps later he charged past Galindo to take yet another clear victory. Walker again was recovering from a bad start and by mid distance was challenging Galindo for second. Using the backmarkers to his advantage the British rider pushed his way past the Spaniard to finish in another strong second position. Galindo eventually held on to finish an impressive third just ahead of Ljunggren and Cervantes. Blazusiak was again fastest off the start and grabbed an early lead in the final race of the night. With a clear track in front of him he laid down some of his fastest laps of the event earning himself a comfortable lead from which he once again controlled the race. It was yet another perfect result for the Polish rider and with three wins from three starts Blazusiak showed his home crowd why he is the World's fastest indoor enduro competitor. Behind him a three-rider battle broke out between Ljunggren, Cervantes and Walker for second. Cervantes was the first to falter allowing Walker into third place and also ending his chance of a possible third overall result. Walker pushed Ljunggren hard for second, but with the Swede defending perfectly he would eventually have to settle for third, while earning his first world championship podium with second overall. Ljunggren's second position boosted him to third overall on the night. With an exciting night of spectacular racing inside the Atlas Arena, Lodz, Poland marking the mid-way point of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship the series now takes an eightweek break before the final round resumes on Sunday 5th February 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.

Salvini takes first blood

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:05:00 +0100

The Atlas Arena has come alive to the sound of engines as proceedings get underway for round two of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Lodz, Poland. With riders having just completed their morning's training practice, the feeling is good among the riders as they get to grips with track. A fast and flowing course loaded with numerous obstacles to catch out the unwary has already challenged the talents of the world's best indoor enduro riders. Italy's Alex Salvini - Husqvarna is the surprise of the morning as he sets the fastest lap in training followed closely by Spain's Ivan Cervantes - Gas Gas and Poland's Taddy Blazusiak - KTM. However all three have already tasted Poland's dirt with small falls during training, as they too get comfortable with tonight's SuperEnduro course. Battling the pain barrier before the event even starts is Alfredo Gomez - Husaberg. The Spaniard who finished eight overall at round one in Italy, crashed hard during midweek training near his home in Madrid. Nursing a badly swollen arm, Gomez faces a difficult evening of competition as he tries to match the pace of his SuperEnduro competitors. "Tonight will be difficult," said Gomez. "I crashed hard during the week and hurt my arm. It's swollen and painful but so far I feel ok riding my bike. With a bit more track time I'm sure my confidence will grow and I will be ready for tonight's finals." With the first of three SuperEnduro finals getting underway at 18.00hrs (CET) the stage is set for another thrilling night of racing.

Blazusiak - The home coming

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:02:00 +0100

Following on from the success of the opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Genoa the series now arrives in Poland, marking the final event to be held in 2011. Located in the heart of central Poland, the modern Atlas Arena stadium situated in the industrial city of Lodz awaits the riders with a course fit to challenge the world's best indoor enduro riders. Rock mountains and log jumps coupled with water splashes will ensure another evening of exciting racing. Poland's Taddy Blazusiak - KTM will lead the charge of riders as he prepares to match his dominant round one results. By winning each of the three SuperEnduro finals in Genoa Blazusiak established himself as the strong favourite for the title. With home crowd support behind him there is every reason to believe that Taddy will continue his winning ways, but does the man himself think this wining streak will continue? "The Polish round of the championship is one that I've been looking forward to for a long time," commented Taddy. "I've been racing indoor enduro for a while now, but this is my first opportunity to race in front of my home crowd. For sure it will add extra pressure to perform, but I will do my best to ride as fast as I can and hopefully that will be enough to win again."

Blazusiak aims for home glory

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:34:00 +0100

With just a few days to go before the second round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship takes place in Lodz, Poland final preparations are well underway for what will be the first ever international indoor enduro event held in Poland. Welcoming the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship to Lodz, as the series reaches its half-way point organisers Lodz Automobile Club have built a unique and challenging course that they are sure will deliver racing every bit as close and exciting as at the campaign opener.

For current championship leader Taddy Blazusiak - KTM the Polish event will mark a very special moment in his highly successful career. Regarded as the World's best indoor enduro racer, the KTM star will get his first ever chance to showcase his talents in front of his home fans inside the Atlas Arena. Dominating the proceedings in Genoa by winning all three SuperEnduro finals in convincing style, Blazusiak will be focused on keeping this winning streak alive. With the support of his home crowd behind him, the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship leader is likely to be an even harder rider to beat.

First in line to try and steal some of Blazusiak's thunder is Sweden's Joakim Ljunggren - Husaberg. Runner-up to Blazusiak in Genoa, the Husaberg rider knows that in order to keep his title chances on track he must take the fight to Taddy in Poland. Beating the Polish rider inside his home stadium would prove a critical punch for Ljunggren, but one that the Swedish rider will only be able to deliver if he can remain fast and consistent.

One of the standout performances in Genoa came from Spain's Cristobal Guerrero - KTM who finished third overall on the night. Not known for his speed indoors, orange mounted Guerrero rode to an incredible second place in the opening SuperEnduro final before rounding out the night with two more solid performances. Focused on an improved result in Poland, and with his confidence growing indoors, Guerrero will be keen to improve on his strong start to the championship.

Behind the top three riders in the championship standings comes a long list of competitors all capable of getting themselves on the podium in Lodz. Xavier Gallindo - Husaberg, Jonny Walker - KTM and Alex Salvini - Husqvarna all recorded a top three result in one of the SuperEnduro finals in Genoa, however were also hampered by crashes. If each can improve on their consistency in Poland, the current top three riders can expect a real fight on their hands. Adding into the unpredictable mix Ivan Cervantes - Gas Gas, Alfredo Gomez - Husaberg, Cody Webb - Beta and Dani Gibert - Husaberg the second round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Lodz, Poland looks set to be another night of thrilling and unpredictable racing.

Alex Salvini – A fast learner

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:21:00 +0100

Although it was Poland's Taddy Blazusiak - KTM who stole the show at the opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Genoa, Italy one of the night's most impressive performers was Husqvarna's Alex Salvini. A complete rookie when it comes to indoor enduro racing, the motocross-to-enduro convert got his participation in the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship off to a promising start by finishing within one-tenth of a second of Blazusiak's fastest lap during timed practice.

Although multiple crashes during the night's first and third SuperEnduro finals severely hampered the Italian's overall finishing position, it was his come-from-behind ride to finish as runner-up to Blazusiak in the second SuperEnduro final that quite literally brought the Genoa crowd to their feet. Starting outside the top ten, Salvini had worked his way inside the top five by the mid-way point of the race before starting the final lap in third. Knowing that second was within his grasp he launched an attack on Husaberg's Joakim Ljunggren only moments before the chequered flag was raised and secured the runner-up spot, much to the delight of the Italian crowd.

"The second SuperEnduro final was an unbelievable race for me", remarked a clearly thrilled Salvini after the opening round of the championship. "To finish second in front of my fans was a brilliant result. I was hoping for a similar result in the last race, however I got hit by another rider when I was in third position and the crash damaged my bike. But I really enjoyed the opening round of the series. Coming from motocross racing against other riders bar-to-bar is something I enjoy. You have to really think about where you will pass riders because going away from the main racing line can be dangerous – you never know what will be there."

"I want to better my results in Poland and have been working hard to be one-hundred per cent ready. I know my speed is good so I just hope for a little bit of good luck. Taddy showed in Genoa that if you get a good start you only have to think about the track, not the other riders. Good starts will again be important, but I will focus on improving my consistency and hopefully in Lodz I can finish with a podium."

Round two of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship takes place in Lodz, Poland on Saturday 10th December.

Blazusiak dominates at Italian opener

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:57:00 +0100

The opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro Championship held in the Palasport Fiera, Genoa, Italy witnessed the perfect to start the series for KTM's specialist enduro star Taddy Blazusiak. Pre-race favourite, Taddy dominated the event taking victory in each of the three SuperEnduro finals. After a steady opening race Husaberg's Joakim Ljunggren improved during the course of the evening to secure second overall, followed closely by KTM's Cristobal Guerrero who took third. Recording the fastest time in qualification, Blazusiak was quick out of the starting gates and grabbed the holeshot in the opening SuperEnduro final. As he quickly set about distancing himself from the rest of the field, an exciting race for the remaining podium positions developed behind him. Ljunggren, who topped the opening final twelve months ago in Genoa, struggled to recover from a poor start while Xavier Galindo - Husaberg initially held second. Under pressure Gallindo fell back into third as Guerrero began to work his way forward. By mid distance Britain's Jonny Walker - KTM had charged his way from outside the top ten to challenge Gallindo for third. Finding his way past in the log section, Walker closed the gap to Guerrero and with less than a lap to go had passed the Spaniard, but lost the runner-up position just metres from the chequered flag. With the start order reversed for the second SuperEnduro final, Blazusiak again claimed the holeshot, although this time from the far outside gate. Quickly stretching his lead to over six seconds, the Polish rider held his advantage to enjoy another start-to-finish victory. Behind him home favourite Alex Salvini – Husqvarna recovered quickly from a poor start to record his best result of the night as he snatched second position away from Ljunggren in the dying moments of the race. With Ljunggren making a mistake in the water splash section it was all that was needed for Salvini to find a way past for second, much to the delight of the Italian crowd. With two convincing wins to his credit Blazusiak began the night's third final in exactly the same way he started all others – by claiming a convincing holeshot and quickly establishing himself as the rider to beat. Instantly opening up a commanding lead Taddy put the finishing touches to a perfect night and having made no mistakes claimed a well-deserved third final win to end the opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship with a perfect score of sixty points. Swede Joakim Ljunggren claimed his best result of the night to place as runner-up behind Blazusiak, claiming the same position in the event's overall results. Third went to Xavi Gallindo, who like Ljunggren claimed his best result of the three finals. Third overall went to Spaniard Cristobal Guerrero, who placed one-point ahead of countryman Xavi Gallindo. The 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship now moves on to Poland, where round two takes place in Lodz on Saturday 10th December.

Genoa welcomes the first ever FIM SuperEnduro

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:10:00 +0100

Anticipation and excitement is building inside the Genoa Palasport Fierra stadium - Genoa, Italy as the World's best enduro riders prepare for the opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.

With the track prepared, riders are getting ready to face a tough and challenging course. One that includes numerous boulder gardens, sand sections and the customary water crossing, which is filled with slippery logs to ensure a night of unpredictable racing.

One rider keen to get things underway is multiple Trials World Champion and current extreme and indoor enduro specialist Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas). "I'm looking forward to the start of this FIM SuperEnduro World Championship," remarked Dougie. "The track looks really good - both technical and fast flowing, so it should make for some exciting racing. As it's the first round of this championship the line up of riders is very strong. I think the start will be crucial for success so my main goal is to try to get a top five start and see how the race will go from there. Hopefully if I can do that then a podium will be possible

Joakim Ljunggren - Going for gold

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:59:00 +0100

One rider determined to do well at the opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship is Swede Joakim Ljunggren. A rider that likes nothing better than the intense, close contact, hassle and bustle indoor enduro sport delivers, Joakim knows all too well what it takes to win.

Topping the opening final in Genoa 12 months ago, the factory Husaberg rider went on to place as runner-up in the 2011 FIM Indoor Enduro World Championship. With Taddy Blazusiak the only rider to finish ahead of him, Joakim knows that going one better in 2012 will be anything but easy.

"I was really happy with how I rode in Genoa last year," confirms Joakim. "The whole night went almost perfectly. From winning my heat race to battling at the front of pretty much all the finals, it was great. I didn't know exactly how well things would go because it was my first indoor race on a two-stroke, but it couldn't have gone better really."

Can Joakim return to the podium in 2012? "I certainly hope I can. I've been working hard to get ready for this race. Good starts make things much, much easier so I just hope I can get out of the gate well in all races."

FIM SuperEnduro - Italy awaits the first encounter

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:23:00 +0100

The countdown to the opening round of the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship begins in earnest this week as the World's best enduro racers prepare themselves for the longawaited series opener in Genoa, Italy. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting and challenging indoor enduro competitions, on Saturday, November 26, this long standing event will again welcome a distinguished list of enduro riders all ready to give their all in the hope of making a winning start to the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.

Formerly known as the FIM Indoor Enduro World Championship, the new for 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will bring together riders from all across Europe with notable additions from the United States. Topping the list of expected European front runners is Poland's Taddy Blazusiak, the rider widely regarded as the World's best indoor enduro racer. Reigning FIM World Indoor Enduro Champion Blazusiak, who recently secured a third consecutive AMA Endurocross title, knows what it takes to win in Genoa despite only managing to place third overall last November.

Among those determined to finish ahead of Blazusiak are Joakim Ljunggren and Mika Ahola - the two riders that placed behind the Polish champion in the 2011 FIM Indoor Enduro World Championship. The 2011 FIM E3 Enduro World Champion Ahola will be hoping for a repeat of his Genoa victory twelve months ago, knowing all too well that both speed and consistency are needed in order to win. Ljunggren, who emerged as one of the stand out performers of the 2011 indoor series, has his sights set on just one thing – winning the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.

FIM Enduro World Championship regulars including FIM Junior Enduro World Champion Jeremy Joly (France), former World Champion Ivan Cervantes (Spain), Rodrig Thain (France), Cristobal Guerrero (Spain), and leading Italian rider Alex Salvini will all play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the event's results, as will British competitors Dougie Lampkin and Jonny Walker. US racers Cody Webb and Ricky Dietrich, who both have considerable experience when it comes to indoor enduro competition, will be focused on mixing it up with their European rivals and earning themselves an end-of-night podium result.

From three qualifying heats and two last chance qualifying races, sixteen riders will proceed into the nights finals. With three finals each offering a maximum of twenty points the Genoa event is set to deliver explosive racing and a memorable start to the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.

FIM SuperEnduro is go

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:13:00 +0100

The FIM is delighted to announce that it has now taken control of the management and promotion of the recently renamed FIM SuperEnduro World Championship (previously known as the FIM Indoor Enduro World Championship). With its bold new logo setting the tone for this exciting series, the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will kick off in Italy next weekend.

The well-established event in the city of Genoa will host the opening round of the new series on Saturday 26th November with reigning champion Tadeusz Blazusiak – KTM headlining an entry packed with real pedigree. No less than ten different nations will be represented, with a strong European contingent facing a stiff challenge from their American counterparts.

After a familiar start to the campaign, the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will venture into new territory as the series moves swiftly on to Poland for the second encounter on Saturday 10th December. The venue in the city of Lodz should provide a noisy welcome for their home-grown hero Blazusiak and will bring a fresh element to the title race.

The imposing Olympic arena that overlooks the city of Barcelona will bring the 2012 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship to a close on Sunday 5th February, and will see the 2012 champion crowned in front of what promises to be another packed house. So whilst we must wait until then to see who will eventually claim the title, in just over a week another thrilling edition of this relatively new discipline will get underway.

Commenting on the new FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, Olivier Godallier, FIM Marketing & Communications Director stated. "This is an exciting new era for SuperEnduro and the FIM is committed to making sure that the series gets the support it deserves. Over a relatively short period this sport has grown into a strong product and one that we believe will continue to develop in the right direction under the control of the FIM."

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local organisers, the national federations, riders and teams for their continued support and to wish them every success in this new series." Ended Olivier Godallier.