Beta mounted Danny McCanney took a convincing double win at the opening round of the 2014 ACU Edmondson Racing British Enduro Championship in Tetbury.
Images: Amped
Getting his title aspirations off to a perfect start, Danny McCanney was on top form during round one of the BEC by winning both days. Leading the way early on day one, the Manxman only lost out on one of the day’s eight special tests to secure a comfortable 30-second margin of victory.
Starting day two strongly, defending champion Tom Sagar (KTM) led early on. Holding a slender advantage over the Manxman during the first three special tests, a mistake midway through the day allowed McCanney to take control of the race lead. Once out front, the Beta rider hung on to claim his second victory of the weekend.
“Coming away with a double win and a first victory for Beta in the BEC is more than I could hope for,” told McCanney. “Overall the weekend went well with no major problems. On day two I didn’t have things my own way during the morning but I was able to improve and get stronger as the day progressed. It’s great to win both days and now I’m looking forward for the rest of the season.”
Offering a decent fight to McCanney, Sagar kept the Beta rider honest in Tetbury. Topping test three to end day one second overall, the KTM rider came out swinging on day two. But with McCanney finding the edge over his rival as the day progressed, Sagar was forced to settle for the runner-up result.
“Second overall both days is a good result,” remarked Sagar. “I’m pleased with how the season has started. I knew Danny would be hard to beat but during the morning tests I was able to give him a run for it. With the first race of my season now complete I feel like my riding is good. My pace is decent, my fitness is better than it’s been for a long time – I just need more bike time. There’s still time to work on a few things and keep improving.”
In only his debut ride in the Championship class, 125cc mounted Brad Freeman was the revelation of the weekend. Holding his own against a wealth of experienced riders, the young KTM rider placed a surprising fourth on day one. Proving the result was no fluke, Freeman charged his way to third overall on day two while easily topping the Enduro 1 class.
More than pleased with his weekend’s work, Freeman confirmed…
“Moving into the Championship class was a big move for me so to come away with third overall against riders with a lot of experience is an amazing result. I knew it would be a steep learning curve but I tried to ride smart. I put in some steady tests times from the beginning of the day and build from there. I think not falling off or making any major results made the difference for me this weekend.”
Delivering a solid set of results, KTM’s Steve Holcombe ended day one in fifth before improving to fourth on day two. Daryl Bolter (KTM) secured a 6-5 scorecard.
Despite ending day one in third overall and setting the fastest time on the fifth special test on day two, Husqvarna’s Jamie Lewis ran into trouble on the final lap and dropped back to 20th.
“Day one was awesome,” explained a disappointed Lewis. “Third overall and then actually winning a special test outright on day two was the best start I could hope for. Unfortunately running out of fuel midway during day two put a dampener on things but it is what it is and we’ll learn from the mistake. Looking at the positives I’m happy with how I rode. I’m confident I can improve from here on out.”
The 2014 ACU Edmondson Racing British Enduro Championship continues with round two in Helmsley on May 3/4.
Results – ACU Edmondson Racing British Enduro Championship, Rnd1
Day One
Championship
1. Danny McCanney (Beta) 54:57.7; 2. Tom Sagar (KTM) 55:26.7; 3. Jamie Lewis (Husqvarna) 55:55.0; 4. Brad Freeman (KTM) 56:09.9; 5. Steve Holcombe (KTM) 56:42.2; 6. Daryl Bolter (KTM) 57:04.4; 7. Jack Rowland (Husqvarna) 57:25.3; 8. Alex Rockwell (Husqvarna) 57:45.1; 9. Ryan McLean (KTM) 58:15.5; 10. Robert Johnson (Husqvarna) 58:27.9…
Expert
1. Joe Wootton (Husqvarna) 48:03.2; 2. Lee Sealey (Husqvarna) 49:12.7; 3. Fraser Flockhart (KTM) 49:52.0; 4. Scott Austin (Honda) 50:07.4; 5. Charles Evans (KTM) 50:08.9…
Clubman
1. Harvey Dark (KTM) 44:57.8; 2. Jon Hunt (Sherco) 45:18.1; 3. Lee Green (KTM) 45:49.6; 4. Tom Ellwood 45:57.6; 5. Daniel Price (Yamaha) 46:12.3…
Ladies
1. Jane Daniels (Husqvarna) 47:16.0; 2. Katie Walker (KTM) 49:50.2; 3. Rhian George (Husqvarna) 54:02.1…
Day Two
Championship
1. Danny McCanney (Beta) 57:53.4; 2. Tom Sagar (KTM) 58:12.2; 3. Brad Freeman (KTM) 58:54.4; 4. Steve Holcombe (KTM) 59:24.9; 5. Daryl Bolter (KTM) 59:46.8; 6. Jack Rowland (Husqvarna) 1:00:04; 7. Robert Johnson (Husqvarna) 1:00:34; 8. Mark Roberts (KTM) 1:00:59; 9. Alex Rockwell (Husqvarna) 1:01:40; 10. Josh Gotts (TM) 1:02:38…
Expert
1. Joe Wootton (Husqvarna) 1:01:11; 2. Fraser Flockhart (KTM) 1:03:15; 3. Charles Evans (KTM) 1:03:34; 4. Lee Sealey (Husqvarna) 1:03:48; 5. Brad King (Kawasaki) 1:04:07…
Clubman
1. Jon Hunt (Sherco) 49:20.7; 2. Harvey Dark (KTM) 49:55.9; 3. Lee Green (KTM) 50:01.7; 4. Daniel Price (Yamaha) 50:12.6; 5. Tom Ellwood 51:06.0…
Ladies
1. Jane Daniels (Husqvarna) 52:42.9; 2. Katie Walker (KTM) 56:30.4; 3. Rhian George (Husqvarna) 58:55.2…