He did it. Andrea Verona is the 2021 Enduro1 World Champion! Putting in a strong ride on the demanding special tests at the EnduroGP of France, our seriously fast EC 250F racer took the E1 class win on the first day of racing, securing himself and GASGAS the coveted quarter liter world title.
Andrea Verona: “It feels amazing to win the Enduro1 world championship! It wasn’t an easy day for me today, but in the end, I did what I needed to do to take the E1 victory. It’s been a really good season, we’ve been strong at all the rounds, in all the different conditions, so I’m really happy with that. I want to thank the whole GASGAS Factory Racing team, everyone puts in a lot of work, so this win is for them. It’s great to celebrate, but there’s still one more day to go, so I’ll come back tomorrow and fight for the last day.”
Following his double victory at the GP of Portugal, Verona was on form, and keen to carry his winning momentum into the final round in France. Fastest in E1 during Friday’s Super Test, Andrea showed he meant business right from the off. A fall on Saturday’s opening test put him slightly on the back foot, but the Italian soon fought back, going on to top five tests during the day and ultimately claim the E1 win by close to 12 seconds.
Signing for GASGAS Factory Racing at the beginning of the season, Verona had one major goal – to successfully defend his Enduro1 title – and what a season he’s had! So far, with one day left to go, the 22-year-old has won nine of the 11 days of racing and never finished off the podium, claiming a second place in Portugal and a third in Sweden.
Andrea can’t relax just yet though, as the EnduroGP World Championship is still undecided, and with him lying third, just one point ahead of the fourth-placed rider, the fight for third place on the EnduroGP championship podium will go right down to the wire on the final day in France.
Also competing today, Laia Sanz increased her tally of wins in the EnduroGP Women class by claiming victory on day one. Going into the final day of racing, the incredible all-rounder enjoys a 12-point lead in the standings, but still needs to deliver a solid result to secure her sixth enduro world title.
Vamos Laia!
Results – 2021 EnduroGP World Championship, Round 6, Day 1
Enduro1
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 59:15.60
2. Matteo Cavallo (TM) 59:27.35
3. Theo Espinasse (Honda) 59:28.72
Championship Standings – 2021 EnduroGP World Championship, (after Round 6, Day 1)
Enduro1
1. Andrea Verona (GASGAS) 212 points World Champion!
2. Davide Guarneri (Fantic) 189
3. Samuele Bernardini (Honda) 139