The 2023 Paulo Duarte FIM Enduro World Championship resumes business this weekend, with the series reinvigorated as the long-awaited start of the Italian ACERBIS GP season begins. Setting the scene for the first of seven exciting races in 2023, the mountains surrounding Arma di Taggia / San Remo will ensure an unforgettable first test for the fastest enduro racer in the world.
GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona enters his home turf as reigning EnduroGP World Champion Competition, eager to start his title defense in style. With a big target on his back, countless riders lined up to kill him, and the Italians will give nothing.
- Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship is off to an exciting start
After a long winter, people are very excited about Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP The start of the World Championships is full of excitement. The ACERBIS GP in Italy has always been a fantastic event and 2023 will be even more special as it marks the first round of the new championship. In addition to the anticipated fireworks for the senior class, the GALFER FIM Junior Endurance World Championships and the Magnorange FIM Women’s Endurance World Championships will also take place.
Just a stone’s throw from the French border, along the Ligurian Sea, Arma di Taggia and San Remo will provide a stunning backdrop for the first round. Offering typical Italian terrain, the surrounding mountains will ensure challenging paths leading them to the JUST1 Enduro test and the POLISPORT limit test.
Then return to the heart of the Sanremo Riviera for a contrasting mix of Riviera specialties using the ACERBIS Cross Test and the AKRAPOVIC Super Test. During the race weekend, the MILWAUKEE parc ferme in the center of Sanremo will be located within the central paddock area.
With many team changes, mechanical changes and new drivers, the first round will be full of excitement. Naturally, as defending EnduroGP champion, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona is looking to deliver a decisive blow to his rivals on home soil. For 2023, Verona has moved from Enduro1 to Enduro2, which means we will also witness the crowning of a new Enduro1 World Champion this year.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia is runner-up to Verona in the title race despite an injury in 2022. The Spaniard finished the season with four wins in a row and will aim to keep that number growing at Alma di Tagia/Sanremo. As a former quarter-class champion, the switch to Enduro1 in 2023 also adds momentum to the KTM rider.
Australia’s Wil Ruprecht finished third in last year’s tense EnduroGP race while also winning the Enduro2 title. A busy offseason saw him switch to Sherco Factory Racing while staying in Enduro2. Ready to show that he has adjusted to his new colours, Wil will aim for a strong start to the year.
San Remo’s terrain is probably best suited for Honda Racing RedMoto’s Nathan Watson. World class beach racing, the sandy ACERBIS Cross Test should suit the Brits. Along with his Italian teammate Thomas Oldrati, the Honda-mounted pair will feature prominently in the result.
Beta Targets Strong Opener 2023
After a difficult 2022, Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman and Steve Holcomb are looking to put in a good performance at the team’s home games this weekend. Freeman started defending the Enduro3 World Championship, while Holcombe competed in the Enduro2 race. Both are former EnduroGP World Champions and are among the most experienced riders in the series.
In a further change for the upcoming season is Australia’s Daniel Milner joining TM Racing alongside Italians Matteo Cavallo and Matteo Pavoni. Milner is hoping to do well for his team in their hometown.
There are a lot of drivers to watch in the senior class and the one everyone will be keeping a close eye on is Frenchman Zac Bichon. The Sherco Factory Racing rider is dominating his efforts to win the 2022 Enduro Junior title and will move to the senior ranks in 2023. Competing in the Enduro1 race, he’s sure to add some excitement to the race.
A new champion emerges from the junior ranks
on Zach Pichon’s departure Finally, the GALFER FIM Junior Enduro World Championship has now opened its doors, laying the groundwork for the emergence of the next world champion. Sweden’s Max Ahlin (KTM), Great Britain’s Jed Etchells (Fantic) and Sweden’s Albin Norrbin (Fantic) were among the top riders in the junior division. However, Enduro Junior World Champion Harry Edmondson (Fantic) and Finland’s Samuli Puhakainen (Beta) have joined the ranks and hope to make their presence felt.
Edmondson’s runner-up In 2022, Italy’s Kevin Cristino (Fantic) starts the Junior Enduro as a driver. The Italian only missed the podium twice last year and, after pushing Edmondson all the way, he knows what it takes to fight for the world title. With more than 30 Junior Enduro riders heading into the opening round of the 2023 World Championships, the class is full of future talent eager to showcase their skills.
Daniels is starting to be a favorite for women’s enduro
Great Britain Jane Daniels will be looking to defend her Magnorange FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship title in Sanremo. The Fantic driver had a perfect season in 2022, with wins in all races. The women’s division featured 15 competitors in the first round, with Spain’s Mirea Badia (Rieju) and Great Britain’s Nieve Holmes (Sherco) and Rosie Rowett (Rosie) Rowett) (Rieju), who are among the favorites to end Daniels’ undefeated run.
The opening round of the 2023 Paul Duarte FIM Enduro World Championship will be held on the evening of Friday, March 31st with the AKRAPOVIC Supertest in Sanremo.
Round 1 – Italy – San Remo/Arma di Taggia – March 31 to April 2 Round 2 – Spain – La Rín – May 5-7 Round 3 – Finland – Heinola – May 26-28
Round 4 – Sweden – Skovde – June 1-3
Round 5 – Slovakia – Guernica – 30 June to 2 July Round 6 – Portugal – Valpacos – 29 September to 1 October
Round 7 – Portugal – St Andre/Santiago do Cacem – 6-8 October
