The eagerly awaited Enduro21.com ACU British Sprint Enduro Championship, powered by Husqvarna Motorcycles begins this weekend with the series’ opening round taking place at Canada Heights.
One of the most prestigious off-road venues in Great Britain, the Kent based circuit will see a world-class entry tested on a course that will feature a mixture of sandy motocross tracks, woodland trails and fast flowing grass fields. A firm favourite among competitors and spectators, Canada Heights always delivers action packed racing.
In the Michelin Comp VI Elite class it’s 2012 Enduro 2 World Champion Pela Renet that heads the line up. Deciding to contest rounds one and two of the BSEC in preparation for the opening round of the Enduro World Championship next month, the Bel-Ray Husqvarna Factory Racing rider is a welcome addition. Taking a guest ride with Freestyle Husqvarna – the team who guided Finland’s Matti Seistola to the title last year – Renet is expected to set the pace this weekend.
Third overall in 2013, Manxman Danny McCanney leads the British contingent of riders most capable of success. McCanney, who has been on an impressive form since switching to Beta for 2014, is looking to continue his winning ways following his victorious result at the British Enduro Championship opener two weeks ago.
No stranger to BSEC success, 2011 champion Tom Sagar is back for more in 2014. Fast, focused and as determined as ever, the KTM rider is keen to deliver a strong result.
A match for both McCanney and Sagar, Jamie Lewis is in confident mood since moving to Husqvarna and has the ability to begin his BSEC campaign with a top three result. Always in the hunt for a top five performance, Daryl Bolter (KTM), Mark Roberts (KTM) and Lee Edmondson (Beta) can never be counted out. Husqvarna’s Jack Rowland – the 2013 Under 23 champion – and Steve Holcombe (KTM) both make the move into the Elite class and won’t waste any time settling into things.
After sampling some BSEC action at round six last year, Sherco’s Fabien Planet is back for more. Set to contest the entire series, the Frenchman will be keen to make it a successful start to the season. With his eyes locked on the podium, Planet is hungry to make it a winning result.
With both Rowland and Holcombe moving into Elite, the Husqvarna Under 23 category is wide open. Third overall in 2013, KTM mounted James Dent should be the successor to Rowland but he faces a wealth of competition. Husqvarna’s Robert Johnson – the Under 19 champion – steps up a class and will want to continue his winning form. He’s also joined by TM’s Josh Gotts, runner-up to Johnson in 2013. However, Scotland’s Fraser Flockhart (KTM) and Frazer Norrie (KTM) plus Max Varney (Yamaha) won’t be pushed aside easily.
As the only rider unbeaten in 2013, the 125 Youth champion Brad Freeman (KTM) joins the Motul Under 19 class. Already enjoying a winning start to his season at the BEC, Freeman has high hopes of ensuring his BSEC win streak continues in Canada Heights. Determined to put a dampener on Freeman’s plans, Freestyle Husqvarna’s Joe Wootton will no doubt give him a run for his money. Add in Lee Sealey (Husqvarna), Charlie Frost (KTM), Harvey Dark (KTM), Jon Hunt (Sherco) and Luke Flack (Beta) the class will be as competitive as ever.
Looking to take over from Freeman in the Enduro21.com Under 19 category, Jack Staines (KTM), Jordan Ridgway (Husqvarna), Rob Armitage (Husqvarna), Robbie Wallace (Yamaha) and Ben Churchill will scrap it out for the top step of the podium.
In the Amped Expert class, the competition is too close to call. Narrowly missing out on the title in 2013, Kawasaki’s Brad King starts as favourite. But with Dan Beaven (KTM), James Burroughs (Husqvarna), Tim Forman (KTM) and Antoine Criq (Beta) all in contention this one is set to go down to the wire.
In the Acerbis Expert Veterans Andrew Reeves (Beta) starts as the defending champion. Neil Bowker (KTM), Phil Lewis (KTM) and Dave Coles (KTM) will all be pushing for a podium result.
Defending champion Tim Cotton (Husqvarna) is favourite for victory in the USWE Clubman Veterans class and will be hoping to make the long trip from Cornwall worthwhile. Third in 2013, Keith Jones (KTM) is back in the mix and will have Andy Mariner (Husqvarna), Simon Ellway (KTM) and Joe Beard (KTM) to deal with.
With a bumper entry in the DEP Pipes Clubman category the competition is wide open. Third and fifth overall last year, Richard Holmes (KTM) and Tony Revell (KTM) have form in the BSEC and will be determined to secure the top step of the podium at Canada Heights.
In the TCX Women’s class, Bel-Ray Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jane Daniels is the rider to beat. A two time champion of the class, Daniels is the rider Katie Walker (KTM), Hannah Styles (Sherco), Rhian George (Husqvarna), Nieve Holmes (Honda) and Jade Gordon (Husqvarna) will be trying to beat.
Directions: Situated off Button Street, Swanley, Kent, BR8 8DX, which is off the A20 between Farningham and Swanley. Leave the M20 or M25 at the Swanley Inter-change (Junction 3 M25) following the brown Brands Hatch chequered flag signs. On the roundabout underneath the motorway pick up the event signs.
Postcode: BR8 8DX.
Entry Fee: Adults £10.00 each. Under 14 year olds free.
Parking: Vehicles will be parked on site, close to the rider’s paddock and start/finish area.
General info: Racing starts at 9.30am both days. A sighting lap (starts 9.00am) and eight timed laps will be followed by the event prize giving ceremony on Sunday. Catering and toilet facilities will be available on site.
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