The GH Motorcycles Muntjac Enduro on Sunday 20th November has a cracking entry for the final round of the 2016 ACU British Enduro Championship. Over 200 riders have entered with a large reserve list of disappointed riders.
Whilst the event is only one day, the compact nature with a 20 mile route over terrain that is normally rideable in all weather conditions, means it appeals to a number of non BEC contenders. The special test next to the start area and running commentary also means support crews and spectators can get really involved in the overall excitement of the event.
One change for this year’s event is that championship riders will be starting at 08.45 to enable them to ride the first special test back-to-back before riding the test again on laps 2 and 3 and then 3 times on lap four! A total of seven tests before going into to the final check of the day which as normal will be tight but achievable - at least for the top ten riders in each class. The special test has also been changed in a few places to slow it down.
Expect intense competition from the first test with lots of the extremely talented field looking for victory. With Steve Holcombe already the overall BEC champion a non-starter the focus will be on the battle for the remaining BEC podium places. Danny McCanney, third in the Enduro World Championship in E1 leads the battle for runner up in the 2016 BEC on 105. Close behind him is Jack Edmondson the 2016 World Youth Champion on 103. Brad Freeman, 2016 overall European Enduro Champion snapping at his heals is on 102 and Jamie Lewis currently in fifth on 94 has a strong chance to finish in the 2016 BEC top three.
There are lots of other riders equally capable of riding at the sharp end at this final BEC round for 2016 including under 23 riders Josh Gotts and Lee Sealey, the other two members of the ISDE UK junior team who were in the hunt until mechanical problems knocked Lee out on Day four. However don't ever discount any of the other established stars including Tom Sagar 2014 BEC champion and Daryl Bolter who always goes well at the Muntjac. As ever motocross fans will be interested to see how Lewis Tombs, Luke Parker (2016 Eastern Centre and MX Nationals Champion) and Stuart Edmonds mix it with the enduro elite.
The clubman championship will also see strong competition with the current top three, Jack Ditchfield (94 points), Ted Bailey (91) and Ryan Comer (86) all fighting for the 2016 BEC clubman crown.
As Thomas Ellwood has already won the ACU Expert class he has decided to make the move to championship class to test his speed for the 2017 season.
Experts will be timed on 3 tests and clubman on the first two tests. One of the reasons why these classes do not ride more tests is to reduce the overlap of riders due to the short course. Never the less the last check provides the greatest challenge.
For safety reasons all riders are reminded that the refuelling area is a walking speed area – no exceptions unless you are riding within the bypass provided. Even then, from the yellow flag into the control, is walking speed. It is also important that all refuelling is carried out on an environmental mat, so bring one and use it.
Everyone is asked to park sensibly as some of the parking area has now been fenced off. Please do not obstruct the forest track entrance / exit to the event as this is a first aid route.
Many thanks to event sponsor GH Motorcycles and G&B Finch Aggregates of Colchester for their support and also for generously supporting the 2016 Eastern Centre Enduro Championship. See you there!