EWC – Australia’s Matt Phillips continues his dominance

It was a near perfect weekend for Australia’s Matt Phillips at Portugal’s round of the 2013 FIM Enduro World Championship (EWC), winning six special tests on the opening day in the Enduro Junior (EJ) class to claim a 33-second margin of victory. The EWC new-comer then went on to top the EJ class on day two, and in doing so, moves 17 points clear at the top of the championship standings.

On Day 1 the young Aussie stamped his authority in the class early on. Quickly building a commanding lead, he maintained his position at the head of the class to claim a much-deserved win. Day 2 saw Phillips deliver another solid opening lap, from which he was able to keep ahead of his rivals before building a 15-second advantage on his way to claiming his fifth Overall win of the year.

The CH Husqvarna rider believes he’s really starting to find his feet on board the TE 310. “I’m really happy with how the weekend has turned out,” said Phillips. “Getting another two wins has been great but more importantly I’ve been able to extend my lead in the championship. I think I’m starting to find my feet in this championship. I felt a lot more comfortable with my bike and the track this weekend than I have done all season. I was able to hit all my lines almost every time I rode the special tests and could see an improvement in my riding as the weekend progressed. I feel like everything is starting to come together now as we start the second half of the season so I’m hoping to keep building on this momentum at the next round in Romania.”

In the Women’s category, Australia’s Jessica Gardiner took her first win of the year in Portugal, claiming the Overall victory on the first day before taking second on Day 2.

For full results from the event, click here, and don’t forget to check out the highlights below.