WESS: Josep Garcia star storms to victory at Trefle Lozerien
By Team TMX on 19th May 19
Spains Josep Garcia has won round two of the World Enduro Super Series, storming to victory at Frances Trefle Lozerien AMV.
In testing conditions, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider became the first non-French winner in the 33-year history of the race. With Yamahas Jamie McCanney and Nathan Watson (KTM) finishing second and third respectively, it also marked the first time a French rider placed outside the top three.
For 2019, the second round of the WESS championship proved a challenge for the 600-plus riders competing. Continuous rain and occasional fog throughout the three days of racing at Frances most-prestigious Enduro - Trefle Lozerien AMV - ensured the 719 kilometres of riding were both physically and mentally demanding for all.
Garcia makes history in France
With victory on days one and two, Garcia entered the third and final day of racing as the rider to beat. Holding a 30-second advantage over McCanney and Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco), the race was his to lose.
Second fastest to McCanney on the opening test, Garcia then won tests two and three. With victory almost his, another second fastest time on the penultimate test set things up for the 15th and final special test of the three-day race.
With rain falling heavily, he kept things safe to cross the finish line as a first-time winner of Trefle Lozerien AMV and victor of round two of the WESS.
Behind him, the battle for the remainder of the podium places was fierce. Helped in part by setting the quickest time on the opening test this morning, McCanney held his ground over his rivals to take the runner-up result.
All to play for third
Entering the final special test it was all to play for between Watson and Julien Gauthier (Yamaha) for third. Gauthier had just one tenth of a second in hand over the KTM rider. With both riders putting it all on the line, Watson edged out Gauthier by just over one second to snatch the final step of the podium in the last few moments of the race.
For Gauthier it was not to be and with his fourth place result it also marked the first time in the events history that a French rider wasnt present in the top three positions. After a strong ride on day two, Tarroux slipped down to fifth, with teammate Theo Espinasse (FRA) completing the top six.
The eight-round WEES continues with round three at Austrias Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble on May 30 - June 2.
Josep Garcia (KTM)
To get my first WESS victory of 2019, and also to create a little piece of history by being the first non-French winner here at Trefle Lozeien, is amazing. The conditions really didnt suit me Im not really a big fan of wet, slippery mud. But I pushed hard on all special tests and, well, everything went perfectly.
"Coming here straight from Extreme Lagares wasnt easy but I knew this race was going to be important to my WESS championship.
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha)
Right from when I started walking the special tests here in France I knew Josep Garcia would be the rider to watch. When conditions werent too wet, or when they suited the 450 more, I managed to win some tests.
"And Im really pleased about that. But Garcia was really strong throughout the event. Ive been away from enduro racing for some time now, firstly getting over a shoulder injury and surgery and then focusing on rally.
"To come here and get the result Ive got is really great. Despite the weather its been a great event. I cant say if Ill be back for more WESS racing, but Id love to compete at Hawkstone if my schedule allows it.
Jamie McCanney showed his pace all weekend to place as runner-up
Nathan Watson (KTM)
Im really happy with third overall. This is the first Classic Enduro Ive raced since this event 12 months ago, so I came into it a little unsure what to expect but also confident that it would suit me. I had a consistent three days and kept things upright over the 15 special tests, which was really important.
"Ive really enjoyed racing the 450 being able to keep things smooth in these conditions has really helped me. Things were really close coming into the final test, just half a second between third and fourth overall. Thankfully, I managed to jump up one position to third, which was a great way to end the race.
Nathan Watson charges across the finish line for third
Results
1: Josep Garcia (KTM - ESP) 01:03:07.557
2: Jaime McCanney (Yamaha - GB) 1:03:49.586 +42.029
3: Nathan Watson (KTM - GB) 1:03:55.612 +48.055
4: Julien Gauthier (Yamaha - FR) 1:03:57.013 +49.456
5: Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco - FR) 1:04:10.136 +1:02.579
6. Theo Espinasse (Sherco - FR) 1:05:04.311 +1:56.754
7: Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas - FR) 1:05:10.817 +2:03.260
8: Emmanuel Albepart (Yamaha - FR) 1:05:21.908 +2:14.351
9: Jonny Walker (KTM - GB) 1:05:31.888 +2:24.331
10: Joe Wootton (Husqvarna - GB) 1:05:52.828 +2:45.271
More like this…
Erzberg 2019: Graham Jarvis sets sights on fifth Iron Giant victory
British extreme enduro specialist Graham Jarvis is going for his fifth Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble win this weekend.
Mario Roman: How I won Extreme XL Lagares
Explaining the keys to his success, Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman tells how he won round one of the World Enduro Super Series at Portugal’s Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares…
Perfect start for Mario Roman at opening WESS round - Extreme XL Lagares report
Spain’s Mario Roman drew first blood as the opening round of the World Enduro Super Series got underway in spectacular Portuguese Hard Enduro style at the Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares.