Holcombe makes strong Beta debut at Italian enduro opener
By Team TMX on 15th Feb 16
Making a memorable first outing as an official Beta Enduro Factory Team rider, Steve Holcombe finished sixth and ninth overall at the opening (two-day) round of the Italian Enduro Championship, held in Lignano.
Taking place on the beach at Lignano, the first event of the Italian series brought together many of the Enduro World Championship's top riders with Steve holding his own throughout the event despite limited time back on a bike following a lengthy winter break.
The event's cross test proved to be Steve's strong point where the official Beta rider secured six top-three times over the two days, going on to place an eventual sixth overall on day one.
Day two saw heavy rain and a number of crashes from Steve. Breaking his brake lever he nevertheless pushed hard to the finish, securing another top-10 result. Getting to grips with his new Beta RR 300 Holcombe also celebrated two podium finishes in the ‘Stranieri' class for foreigners contesting the Italian enduro series.
Continuing his preparations for the upcoming EWC season, Holcombe will be back in action on March 5/6 at the opening round of the British Enduro Championship.
"It was a great weekend and two good days in rough conditions ahead of the Enduro World Championship.” Said Holcombe. I didn't come to Italy with any real expectations. I just wanted to get a better feeling of my new RR 300, and to work with the Beta team in race conditions for the first time.
To be honest I'm really pleased with everything, especially considering it's only my third week back on a bike. I'm happy with my speed in the cross test, which was more like the average test in the world championship. I performed pretty well there putting in times inside the top five.
The enduro test was on the beach, but it just wasn't my thing.
I love riding sand but the top guys were incredibly fast. I changed my approach during day one and as the test got more technical I got closer to the top. I was surprised to get fifth overall. In the night motocross race I got a decent start but I got stuck in a log and had to continue from dead last. I lost a position and finished sixth. I struggled more on day two under the rain.
The day started with me crashing twice and snapping my brake lever. We have seven weeks before the EWC opener in Morocco and I'm really looking forward to that.”
