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All content © Bob MuIIins | |||
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Steve Holcombe kicks off 2021 in style with Italian Enduro win Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe has begun his 2021 season in the best possible way, claiming victory at the opening round of the Italian Enduro Championship. Getting the new season up and running, the opening round of the Italian Enduro Championship in Passirano proved a positive first shakedown for Steve as he gradually begins his preparation for the Enduro World Championship opener in June. The single-day race, which featured no fewer than 18 special tests, proved the perfect event for the seven-time world champion, and reigning Italian Enduro Champion, to get back into competitive action on his Beta RR Racing 4T 350 following the off-season. After a steady opening lap, Steve quietly began to improve both his pace and position. A strong push during the second half of the day saw him work his way to the top of the standings. Holding strong, he raced on, remained out front and claimed an eventual 14-second margin of victory. The Italian Enduro Championship continues with rounds two and three in Custonaci on March 27/28.
Brad Freeman “The first race of the season went well, the feeling with the bike is excellent and I achieved excellent times during the day of the race. Also this year will be a great challenge with my teammate Steve Holcombe for the final title." Results - Italian Enduro Championship, Round 1 1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 1:16:09.13; 2. Brad Freeman (Beta) 1:16:23.86; 3. Hamish MacDonald (Sherco) 1:17:31.17; 4. Wil Ruprecht (TM) 1:17:32.76; 5. Antoine Magain (Sherco) 1:17:34.87…
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Steve
Holcombe: “I can’t think of a better way to start off 2021 than with a
win. I honestly came here aiming for the podium, so to hit the top step is
more than perfect. Today was good to be honest. I didn’t feel like I did
anything exciting, I just played it steady really. It took the opening lap to
knock the race rust off and get back into the swing of special tests again. As
the day progressed, I increased my pace little by little, picked up a few test
wins and got the job done. I’m not trying to make it sound boring or
anything, it just all sort of worked out. I think I’ve surprised myself with
the win. But it’s great to be back racing. Twelve months ago everything was
so different, so being back in the paddock, having fun with the team and just
being back in race mode like we planned is brilliant. Aside from a little bit
of testing before coming here, I’m really only just getting back into riding
again after the off season. But with EnduroGP not starting until June, we’ve
time on our side to keep building on what we achieved today.”