Jamie's double top
By TMX Archives on 13th May 15
Back in Europe following round one of the series in Chile last month, the EWC got going in earnest at Jerez, Spain where hot weather and some extremely dusty riding greeted the competitors.
Entering Jerez as the current Enduro Junior class leader, Jamie McCanney kept his Husqvarna on top with a terrific double win while being joined on the podium by newcomer Steve Holcombe (Beta).
In the Enduro 1 ranks, Spain didn't deliver another podium result for Danny McCanney while Jane Daniels kick started her season off with a pair of top three results.
For Jamie McCanney the GP of Spain was both kind and tough in equal measure.
Suffering from a sinuous infection and feeling under the weather, the Manxman was unsure if he could take the start.
Gritting his teeth, he dug deep into his reserves and decided to get on with the job. Showing no weakness to his classmates, he clinched the win on day one before holding off a determined Holcombe on day two to win again.
"I honestly can't believe that I've won both days,” told McCanney. "I felt terrible before the race so I just decided to take things steadily and ride smooth. To say things turned out well is a massive understatement. I certainly wasn't expecting it.
"I made a few silly mistakes during both days but generally going a little more steadily paid off as it was easy to push too hard, especially on the enduro test. I knew there were a few riders that would be strong on day two. I took a similar approach to day one and things went well.”
Producing a head turner of a ride, Holcombe's pace in Spain certainly got a few tongues wagging. Despite hampered by starting at the rear of the pack, Holcombe excelled on the dusty terrain.
Third on day one, he pushed McCanney hard for the victory only to place just two seconds short of winning. With a double podium, the Beta rider is one to watch from now on.
"Finishing both days on the podium is way more than I ever expected in Spain,” remarked Holcombe. "It's been a hell of a way to properly start out in the EWC.
FOR FULL REPORT & PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS, THURSDAY MAY 14, (ISSUE 1971)
