Claiming another podium result, GASGAS SRAM Racing’s Alex Marin has charged his way to a brilliant runner-up finish at round four of the UCI E-Enduro World Cup in Loudenvielle, France. Following his debut podium at round three in June, Alex returned from the summer break on top form, going on to cement his top-three position in the series standings on his ECC prototype.
After a lengthy summer break, the GASGAS bicycles crew returned to action for the fourth and penultimate stop of the UCI E-Enduro World Cup in Loudenvielle, France. With the GASGAS SRAM Racing and GASGAS MOTOREX Racing teams having achieved some solid results in the series ahead of round four, everyone was fired up for a strong outing high up in the French Pyrenees.
Despite it being his debut E-Enduro World Cup season, GASGAS SRAM Racing’s Alex Marin seems to be proving a quick learner. Second at round three, he backed that up with another runner-up result today in France.
Loving the big mountain stages, but not so much the power stage climb, he overcame a slow stage one to get right in the mix. With a couple of top-two stage times, he went on to win the sixth and penultimate stage to secure second overall in Loudenvielle.
Teammate Johannes Fischbach admitted to having an up and down day despite finishing a strong 14th overall. After a mix up on stage one, he battled through a puncture and then a crash before coming home inside the top-15.
Fired up to put in a strong showing on home soil in France, GASGAS MOTOREX Racing’s Alex Fayolle’s end result of 18th was not a true reflection of his day. After a big crash on stage two, he claimed a great run of top-10 times, including twice placing top-four, to race his way back into the mix. Unfortunately, another crash on stage six resulted in him limping home for 18th.
Luck was not quite on GASGAS MOTOREX Racing’s Simon Carlsson’s side today. The Swede was feeling good after practice and eager to impress on race day. Banging in a top-10 time on the opening power stage put him in the mix, but two technical issues ultimately hindered his day, finally finishing 24th.
Only one round of the UCI E-Enduro World Cup remains with the fifth and final race taking place in Haute-Savoie, France on September 16-17.
Alex Marin (GASGAS SRAM Racing): “It’s awesome to be back on the podium! I didn’t start out too good on the first stage, which was the power stage, but after that I felt good and was able to build into the race and gain some time. On stage three and five I finished second. Then I managed to win the sixth stage and that put me in the hunt. Backing it up by going second quickest on the final stage was cool and enough to see me finish runner-up. I feel really happy on the bike and more comfortable with every ride. Today was also the first time I rode with a coil shock. With one round left I’ll keep pushing to finish out this season strong.”
Johannes Fischbach (GASGAS SRAM Racing): “Overall, it was a tough day. I didn’t start out too good when a change of course stages nearly saw me miss the first stage. I then got a puncture and midway through had a big crash. It was one of those days were every time I got into a good rhythm I hit trouble.”
Alex Fayolle (GASGAS MOTOREX Racing): “It’s been a hard day on the mountain. I crashed heavily on stage two and that knocked me down the running order. I fought to regroup and get back into the top 10. I went 4-6-3-9 on stages three, four, five, and six, which also included a crash. I was a bit sore after that so had to roll down the final stage to make it home. I’m disappointed, but know the speed is there and that I can race with Alex for the podium, for sure.”
Simon Carlsson (GASGAS MOTOREX Racing): “I got a top-10 result on the first stage and was feeling good about my day. But I had a technical issue on the following stage. I managed to nurse my way back to the pits and keep going, but it was difficult to come back from that.”
Results: UCI E-Enduro World Cup, Round 4
Elite Men
1. Fabien Barel (Canyon) 29:26.500
2. Alex Marin (GASGAS SRAM Racing) 30:05.280
3. Tiago Ladeira (Miranda) 30:13.110
14. Johannes Fischbach (GASGAS SRAM Racing) 31:26.660
18. Alexandre Fayolle (GASGAS MOTOREX Racing) 31:48.830
24. Simon Carlsson (GASGAS MOTOREX Racing) 32:50.310