Holcombe's Happy return
By TMX Archives on 20th May 15
Steve Holcombe picked up his debut Enduro World Championship win at the GP of Portugal in Gouveia.
Literally coming of age, Holcombe celebrated his 21st birthday in style by hitting the top step of the Enduro Junior podium on day two. The GP of Portugal was one to savour for British interest.
Maintaining his lead in the Junior championship, Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) joined Beta rider Holcombe on the podium on both days, taking the wrunner-up result each time.
Jane Daniels (Husqvarna) had an eventful weekend of racing but still managed to place second and third in the Women's class while Danny McCanney put his Husqvarna back onto the Enduro 1 podium with third overall on day two.
In the Enduro Junior class the action remains hot and heavy with both McCanney and Holcombe battling it out at the sharp end.
Impressing everyone with how well and quickly he's adapted to the EWC, Holcombe proved his double podium in Spain was no fluke. Fast from the outset, he claimed a strong third on day one and growing stronger as conditions deteriorated, Holcombe stepped up his game the following day to secure his debut win.
"I don't know what to say really, I honestly can't believe I've won – it's an amazing feeling,” said Holcombe.
"This weekend has just been incredible and to win my first race has me lost for words.
Sharing the podium both days with Holcombe, McCanney – still not 100 per cent healthy following his illness in Spain – maintained his championship lead with a pair of second place results.
Trailing day-one winner Giacomo Redondi (Beta) by 12 seconds, the Husqvarna rider got the better of his closest championship rival on day two. And with round four in Greece marking the halfway point in the series, McCanney holds a 14-point lead.
FOR FULL REPORT & PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS, THURSDAY, MAY 21 (ISSUE 1972