The World Enduro Super Series enjoyed an old school revival with a Vintage Trophy class outing at round seven, the BR2 Enduro Solsona in Spain. Machinery from the golden era of Enduro were rolled out with pride and ridden side-by-side on the same course as the championship’s modern-day motorcycles. The paddock was filled with the smell of premix as iconic manufacturers from the 1960s through to the late 1990’s revved up. From Bultaco to BMW, SWM, Peugeot, Cagiva, TM Racing, Montesa and many more, competitors rode the liaison section from Solsona to Bassella to battle the high-speed Cross Test before returning to Solsona on the second liaison section, signing off with the head-to-head Super Test. Attracting riders from all across Europe, it also brought motorcycling stars of old out of the woodwork. 1000cc Of Harley Davidson Former World Superbike competitor from the late 1990s, Giovanni Bussei used the WESS outing to dip a toe in Enduro waters for the very first time. On arguably one of the most unique pieces of machinery at the event, the Italian raced in style on a custom-built Harley Davidson.
“Motorcycles are my passion – it’s in my blood,” told Giovanni. “I’ve raced World Superbikes and World Supermoto, but I never tried Enduro until now. “I wanted to do something different, so I built a Harley Davidson. With 1000cc and weighing 250 kilograms it’s a little crazy, but it’s cool and I love it. “There are some amazing motorcycles here and lots of passionate people – it’s been a lot of fun to be a part of it.”
An Enduro legend in his own right, four-time Enduro World Champion – and course director for BR2 Enduro Solsona – Ivan Cervantes was impressed with both the vintage revival and the capabilities of the machinery on a course designed to test today’s world-class Enduro riders.
“It’s amazing to see all these vintage bikes come out to race,” said Ivan. “I think it’s important to show today’s stars the motorcycles of our past and how Enduro has evolved into what it is today. “You can also really feel the passion of these guys. They love what they do and want to keep that old school magic alive. “I was amazed by how capable the bikes were, especially Giovanni’s. When I first saw it I had no words. I followed him on the trail and thought ‘now he will have trouble’, but no! That was so cool to see.”
Leading the race to become this year’s ULTIMATE ENDURO WORLD CHAMPION, Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) watched with interest the classic machinery raced at BR2 Enduro Solsona. “When I think of the tracks we’re riding I have so much respect for these guys,” commented Manuel. “There are sections of the trail that are really gnarly, so to ride these bikes takes a lot of skill.” “I love the vibe too. Everyone is chilling, chatting and having fun. And at the end of the day, that’s – whether new or old – why we ride bikes. It will be interesting to see in 20 years from now, how my KTM compares to what is being raced!”
The World Enduro Super Series continues with the eighth and final round at GetzenRodeo on November 2.
Watch the crowning of this year’s ULTIMATE ENDURO WORLD CHAMPION live on Red Bull TV.
Championship Standings (After Round 7 of 8)
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 5110pts; 2. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 4240pts; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4165pts; 4. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4034pts; 5. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 3920pts; 6. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 3881pts; 7. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3850pts; 8. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3070pts; 9. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2725pts; 10. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 2520pts…
