Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe has courageously battled his way through two demanding days of FIM Enduro World Championship racing in Greece to maintain his Enduro 3 class points lead.
After a five-week break, EnduroGP returned to action for the fourth stop of the series, in Serres, Greece. Ending his previous outing in Spain fighting an energy-draining viral infection, the four-time world champion was forced to down tools as part of his ongoing rehabilitation and so arrived to Serres knowing a tough challenge awaited.
But determined to solider on and keep his championship hopes alive, the Beta rider put in a truly gallant performance as the heat and dust ensured a high rate of attrition among competitors.
Delivering his best ride of the weekend on Saturday, Holcombe valiantly put himself at the sharp end of the result sheet. Taking a confidence-inspiring win in Enduro 3, he also figured strongly in EnduroGP to place as a deserved runner-up.
Starting Sunday low on energy, Holcombe took things one lap at a time. Leading the Enduro 3 category at the end of lap one, he continued his close battle with rival Danny McCanney to eventually finish in second and importantly maintain his lead in the championship. Finishing seventh in EnduroGP, Steve sits second in the overall standings.
Steve Holcombe: “I knew coming into this weekend that it would be a test of mental strength and physical condition for me. After my illness, from the GP of Spain onwards I’ve been unable to train and ride, so I knew I was far from prepared for two tough days of racing in Greece. But I’m a fighter and I never want to give up, so I gave it all I had. Saturday was good and I’m proud of how I rode. Second overall and a win in Enduro 3 really put a smile on my face. But it was still a long way from my best. The heat was certainly a factor this weekend and like a lot of riders it took its toll on me too during Sunday. I’ll be honest, there were moments I questioned continuing, but I pushed on, finishing second in Enduro 3 and just missing that victory by 14 seconds. Leaving Greece, I’ve maintained my lead in Enduro 3, which is much more than I could have hoped for a couple of weeks ago.” (source: steve holcombe communication service)
EnduroGP Championship Standings (After round 4 of 7)
1. Brad Freeman (Beta) 149 pts
2. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 130 pts
3. Danny McCanney (TM) 110 pts
Enduro 3 Standings
1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 154 pts
2. Danny McCanney (TM) 142 pts
3. Anthony Geslin (Beta) 112 pts
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