Stepping up another gear the Enduro21.com ACU British Sprint Enduro Championship, powered by Husqvarna Motorcycles heads to Chavenage Farm, near Tetbury this coming weekend for rounds five and six of the 12-round 2014 series.
Taking the championship to the halfway point, the always-popular Chavenage Farm venue, which hosted the opening rounds of the BSEC series in 2011 and 2013, will again utilise the vast mix of woodland, grassy tracks and cross-country trails on offer to ensure a challenging but enjoyable course. Notably different to previous BSEC events at Chavenage, for 2014 the track will predominantly feature woodland going.
With a double win last time out in Mid Wales, Beta’s Danny McCanney enters Chavenage Farm as the points leader in the Michelin Comp VI Elite class. Enjoying one of his strongest seasons to date, McCanney has been a force to be reckoned with both in the BSEC and the Enduro World Championship and will be looking to continue his winning form this weekend.
KTM’s Tom Sagar offered up a serious challenge to McCanney in Saints Well. Leading round four for the majority of the day, Sagar almost stole the win away from his Manx rival, only to lose out on the final test. Ready to do battle once again Sagar will be eager to fight for victory at Chavenage.
Behind the leading duo the battle for third in the championship is a close affair between Husqvarna’s Jack Rowland and KTM’s Steve Holcombe. Both riders are enjoying a successful debut season in the Elite class. A model of consistency, Rowland hangs on to third overall. But with Holcombe just one point behind in fourth, having recorded his debut podium result at round four, this battle is set to continue.
Currently five points behind Holcombe in fifth, Daryl Bolter (KTM) won at Chavenage Farm in 2013 and is not to be counted out for a strong result this time around. Husqvarna’s Jamie Lewis is keen to make up for his non-score at round three and will be a strong bet for a podium result and enters the event off the back of strong international performances.
Making a welcome return to BSEC competition Jamie McCanney will be looking to mix things up at the head of the Elite class, and firmly put his injury woes behind him. The Husqvarna star, who battled with Finn Matti Seistola for the 2013 Elite title, is certain to challenge for a top three result.
Claiming four wins from four starts, Husqvarna’s Rob Johnson has been the rider to beat in the Husqvarna Under 19 category and has his sights set on keeping his win streak alive at Chavenage Farm. Behind Johnson the fight for the runner-up result has been a four-rider affair. Scotland’s Frazer Norrie (KTM) holds the advantage in second but with both James Dent (KTM) and Fraser Flockart (KTM) recording their best results of the series at Saints Well, the pressure will be on Norrie to stay ahead.
After a strong start at Canada Heights TM’s Josh Gotts endured a difficult outing in Wales and will be looking to get back into the mix of things at rounds five and six. Sherco’s Gary Daniels sits close behind Gotts in sixth with Jonathan Rowlands (Beta) seventh.
In the Motul Under 19 class things heated up at Saints Well with Husqvarna’s Joe Wootton breaking through to claim his first win of the series at round four. Growing in confidence, Wootton will be out to try and win again and close the gap on championship leader Brad Freeman (KTM). With four third place results, Husqvarna’s Lee Sealey sits third in the Under 19 championship standings while Beta’s Antoine Criq is fourth. Separated by just one point, Charlie Frost (KTM) holds off Jon Hunt (Sherco) for fifth.
By recording his debut BSEC win in Saints Well, Husqvarna’s Jordan Ridgway also took control of the Enduro21.com 125cc Youth championship lead. Brimming with confidence, the 16-year old will be hard to stop at Tetbury. KTM’s Alex Walton sits behind Ridgway in second with Robbie Wallace (Yamaha) in third. Rob Armitage (Husqvarna) completes the top four.
In the Amped Expert category it’s Carl Brogden (TM) who leads the way. But with Charlie Evans (KTM) winning last time out, Brogden’s advantage has been reduced to just four points over Evans in second. Jamie Paget (Husqvarna) is third overall in the championship standings but with Carl Jones (KTM) one-point behind in fourth, it’s all still to play for. Third at round three, Beta’s James Jackman completes the top five while Sean Eckersley (KTM), Aaron Smith (Beta) and Kalem Hick (KTM) are not too far away.
Beta’s Andrew Reeves leads the Acerbis Expert Vets from Phil Lewis (KTM) and Lee Cornish (KTM).
KTM’s Keith Jones tops the USWE Clubman category from Dai Beer (KTM) and Steve White (KTM).
In the DEP Pipes Clubman class Husaberg’s Jack Penhaligon took control of the championship lead with victory at round three. Struggling in the Saint’s Well mud Yamaha’s Reece Morewood will be pushing hard to return to the top of the class in Chavenage Farm. Ross Bainbridge (KTM) and Sherco’s Chris Bennetto will continue to fight it out for third while Dean Reid (KTM) and Bradley Williams (KTM) – round four winner – will be keen to get in the mix at rounds five and six.
Unbeaten in the TCX Women’s class Husqvarna’s Jane Daniels leads the way. Twelve points behind Daniels, Katie Walker (KTM) is second while Husqvarna’s Rhian George is third.
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