The penultimate round of the EnduroGP World Championship saw GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona take an Enduro2 win on day one and land on the EnduroGP overall podium on both days in Valpacos, Portugal.
Fired up to put in a strong showing at round six, Andrea Verona wasted no time on day one getting settled in at the front of the pack. The Italian had been working overtime with his EC 350F during the lengthy summer break and was hungry to reap the rewards.
From the off the fight for the EnduroGP overall win developed into a three-way battle between Andrea, Josep Garcia and Steve Holcombe. Staying in the hunt and claiming three special test wins along the way, Andrea never dropped outside the top three times during the 12 special tests. Unfortunately missing out on the EnduroGP overall to Garcia, he was able to narrowly beat Holcombe by two seconds to top the Enduro2 podium.
GP of Portugal – Day 1 – Enduro2
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:12:08.24
2. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:12:10.45
3. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 1:13:42.94
Waking up on Sunday eager for more, Andrea got back to work in the intense heat and beaten up special tests. Clearly enjoying his racing and having fun, the defending EnduroGP champ kept the pressure on. As the day wore on he won the penultimate enduro test to set up a thrilling showdown.
GP of Portugal – Day 2 – Enduro2
1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:11:53.52
2. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 1:12:50.45
3. Nathan Watson (Honda) 1:13:16.32
Putting it all on the line chasing the win, he unfortunately overcooked it a little on the final enduro test and took a heavy tumble. Dusting himself off, but with no time to recover, Andrea had to settle for third in EnduroGP and second in Enduro2.
Andrea Verona: “Wow, that was a big weekend of racing. The pace was incredible. I’m super happy to take the win in Enduro2 on day one and finish on the EnduroGP podium both days. On Saturday there was nothing in it between myself, Josep and Steve. We were pushing hard, but Josep just got me at the end for the overall victory. We were all fighting again for the win on Sunday. I felt ready to go for it, but on the final enduro test I hit a tree and crashed. I was pretty sore from that so I just did what I needed to do to finish on the podium. The championship finishes up next weekend and I just want to give my best again and see where we can finish up!” (source: gasgas)
STORY: Double Enduro-GP Victory For Josep Garcia In Portugal (October 2023)
STORY: Andrea Verona Fired Up For Enduro GP Title Defense (March 2023)
photos (c) GasGas