The Euro-centric FIM enduro championships wrapped up last weekend with races in France, with hardware going to some familiar faces.
In the premiere EnduroGP class, Brad Freeman took home the title, his seventh. The British rider went into the event with a healthy points lead; he wasn’t the confirmed champ, but all he had to do was phone it in to clinch the title. That’s not Freeman’s style, though, and he pushed for the race win as well as the championship.
“I knew ninth place would be enough to get the job done, but that’s not my style or how I like to ride, so I just went for it,” Freeman said.
“With two tests to go I had a good lead and then rode it home. I’m so happy with this year and how it’s gone. I feel like there’s a massive weight lifted off my shoulders now. I’m the EnduroGP World Champion and that’s an awesome feeling!”
Freeman rode a Beta, and no doubt the niche Italian brand is very happy to take home some hardware as well.
And, guess who won in the women’s category? Laia Sanz, who’s coming off a TrialsGP championship as well. After years of focus on Dakar’s Moto category, Sanz is once again proving her versatility as a rider, just before she moves to Dakar’s car series this winter. This is Sanz’s sixth FIM enduro title, helping establish her reputation as the female moto racer GOAT. She wins at everything she does, and the car series is lucky to have her come this January.