KTM’S JOSEP GARCIA WINS THIRD ENDUROGP TITLE

At last weekend’s final round of the 2023 FIM EnduroGP world Championship, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia wrapped up the Enduro1 world title. That makes a total of three world titles for the lightning-fast Spaniard; this new title complementing his Enduro2 victories from 2017 and 2021, respectively.

Garcia clinched the E1 title after a dominant performance on Saturday – when he took both the E1 and EnduroGP class (Outright) victories – but wasn’t about to rest on his laurels during Sunday’s racing. Showing his class in the dry, dusty Portuguese terrain, Garcia topped seven of the day’s 12 tests and ultimately took the win by over 18 seconds. And with that fourth consecutive EnduroGP win aboard his KTM 250EXC-F, Garcia elevated himself to second place in the Overall EnduroGP standings, just 12 points behind Beta’s Steve Holcombe.

But Garcia’s 2023 season wasn’t without its challenges. A crash at Sweden’s Round 4 resulted in him posting a DNF. And with Round 5 coming just weeks later, the 26-year-old was far from 100 percent fit, but battled through to finish both days. Taking the long summer break to recuperate and build his strength, Garcia came back fighting, and subsequently won the final four days of racing.

Josep Garcia now looks ahead to the 2023 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), where he hopes to claim his third consecutive individual victory at the iconic event. The 2023 ISDE will be held in Argentina from November 6-11.

Josep Garcia: “I couldn’t have asked for a better end to my season. Winning four days in a row, and also being the rider with the most victories during the year, with six, makes it extra special. I just wish we had a few more races this year to earn more points! No, I’m happy to have taken the Enduro1 title and to finish the season in second place in the EnduroGP class. Of course, it would have been nicer to finish one step higher on the podium, but considering the tough year I’ve had, I’m super happy. Thanks again to all my team. I will rest a little bit now and then focus on the Six Days in Argentina.”

2023 ENDUROGP CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (FINAL)

ENDURO1

1. Josep Garcia (ESP), KTM – 249 points

2. Theophile Espinasse (FRA), Beta – 203 points

3. Jamie McCanney (GBR), Husqvarna – 200 points

4. Zachary Pichon (FRA), Sherco – 197 points

5. Matteo Pavoni (ITA), TM Racing – 154 points

ENDUROGP

1. Steve Holcombe (GBR), Beta – 222 points

2. Josep Garcia (ESP), KTM – 210 points

3. Andrea Verona (ITA), GASGAS – 209 points

4. Brad Freeman (GBR), Beta – 169 points

5. Hamish MacDonald (NZL), Sherco – 143 points