Meo and Nambotin Crowned World Champions

The Maxxis Enduro World Championship GP of Greece ends in joy, as KTM’s Antoine Meo and Christophe Nambotin are crowned world champions in Kastoria.

With both riders claiming victory on day two in their respective classes, Meo secured the Enduro 1 World Championship while Nambotin claimed the Enduro 3 World Championship. Moving one step closer to winning his first world title, Alex Salvini (Honda) won the Enduro 2 class while Loic Larrieu (Husaberg) recorded his debut EWC win with victory in the Enduro Junior category.

Enduro 3

Despite needing to place 14th or better to secure the E3 title, Christophe Nambotin quickly took control of the race lead at the end of the first lap. Setting the fastest time in nine of the day’s 12 special tests the Frenchman rode into the Parc Ferme at the end of the day as victor and world champion.

“It’s incredible to win the championship again,” told Nambotin. “I knew that I didn’t need to win the race in order to secure the title but I was so comfortable in my riding that I wanted to take the title with a victory. I’m so happy to be a world champion.”

Nambotin is the E3 world champion… © Lynn / Enduro21.com

While Nambotin secured the race win the battle for the runner-up position was fought out between Mathias Bellino (Husaberg) and Aigar Leok (TM). Overcoming a big crash on the final cross test, Bellino held on to take second. Unable to capitalise on his rival’s mistake, Leok completed the top three.

Placing just two seconds behind Leok, Luis Correia (Beta) was fourth with Deny Philippaerts (Beta) rounding out the top five.

Enduro 1

In the Enduro 1 class the day belonged to Antoine Meo. Topping all but one of the day’s special tests, Meo claimed his 11th win of the season. Placing over one-minute clear of his nearest rival, the KTM rider clinched his fourth consecutive enduro world championship.

“Aside from one small mistake it was a perfect day for me,” told Meo. “It feels great to win the title. It’s been a great season for me. I worked hard all year for this moment – I’m so happy right now.”

Champagne shower for Meo… © Lynn / Enduro21.com

In the fight for the runner-up result Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) edged out Maurizio Micheluz (Suzuki) to take the position. Returning to the podium for the first time since the GP of Italy in 2008, Micheluz placed third.

Losing out on the fight for a podium result, Matti Seistola (Husqvarna) finished just one second behind Micheluz to end his day in fourth. Sherco’s Jeremy Tarroux rounded out the top five.

Enduro 2

Securing victory by the narrowest of margins, Alex Salvini beat Pela Renet (Husaberg) by three tenths of a second to take the Enduro 2 class win. With the duo locked in a fierce battle for the duration of the day it was the Honda rider’s time in the final extreme test that ultimately secured him the win.

“I fought all day long with Renet for the victory,” remarked Salvini. “Entering the final test there was nothing to separate us. Thankfully I just managed to do enough to win – that was one of the best races of the year.”

Salvini is one step closer to winning the E2 title… © Lynn / Enduro21.com

Despite his best efforts, Renet was unable to secure a double E2 victory at the GP of Greece and had to settle for second position. Completing the top three Ivan Cervantes (KTM) took third.

KTM’s Johnny Aubert ended his day in fourth with Victor Guerrero (KTM) completing the top five.

Enduro Junior

In the Enduro Junior class a new winner emerged as Loic Larrieu (Husaberg) fended off Giacomo Redondi (KTM) to take the win. With Redondi finishing second, Matt Phillips (Husqvarna) placed just four tenths of a second behind the Italian to complete the top three.

Manxman Danny McCanney (Gas Gas) was fourth with Nicolo Mori (Beta) ending his day in fifth.

Larrieu won his first EWC race in Greece… © Lynn / Enduro21.com

Enduro Youth Cup

In the Enduro Youth Cup Albin Elowson (Husaberg) took his first win of the season. Benefiting from the retirement of day one winner Jamie McCanney (Husaberg) the young Swede held off Davide Soreca for victory. Chile’s Benjamin Herrera (TM) rounded out the top three.

The Maxxis Enduro World Championship concludes with the final round of the season in St Flour France on September 7/8.