This weekend kicks off the international enduro season with round one of the Italian Enduro Championship in Cavaglia, northern Italy. EnduroGP riders Steve Holcombe, Josep Garcia, Andrea Verona, and Brad Freeman will size each other up for the first time in 2024.

It feels like an age since we last saw the top guys and girls in the EnduroGP World Championship pitching against each other. The winter doesn’t get shorter that’s for sure. But it has been a busy time for some as they get used to new bikes, new teams and new classes.

Cavaglia in Northern Italy will play centre stage for the main act ahead of us this season as the 2024 Italian Assuluti (Absolute) Enduro Championship brings those riders together for the first time. March 9 and 10 will see 184 riders, including 34 international riders from 15 countries, making their first major race kilometres alongside each other.

The Italian championship is the domestic series for many of the enduro world championship teams and as such has become the pre-season stomping ground for most of the best riders on the planet.

The punditry is pointing at this weekend more than usual because it will be the first time we get to see reigning Italian Enduro Champion, and World Champion, Steve Holcombe racing his new steed, the Honda RedMoto CRF 250RX.

Add to that the first time he will be in class with Josep Garcia as the Red Bull KTM rider is also journeying across Europe to race his rivals.

 

2022 World Champion Andrea Verona heads the homeboys, Beta’s duo of Brad Freeman and Nathan Watson now also on the Italian machine plus Hamish Macdonald stretching his legs on a two-stroke Sherco for the first time…it’s going to make fascinating viewing.

The action starts with a Friday afternoon Super Test at the RedMoto Cross Test, setting the tone for the weekend. Three tests designed by the Azeglio motorcycle club: the 24Mx Enduro Test, the Bardahl Extreme Test, and the Red Moto Cross Test.

Cavaglia weekend schedule: 

_assoluti_cavaglia__programme

In addition to the main event, national competitors will vie for victory in the Italian Cup across various classes, ensuring non-stop action and excitement throughout the weekend.

That includes Kevin Cristino who moves onto the 250 four-stroke Fantic this season, while Thomas Oldrati and Andrea Verona will aim for repeat titles in the 250 4T and 450 classes, respectively. Davide Soreca, Matteo Cavallo, and Manolo Morettini also left their mark in their respective categories.

Check OffroadProRacing social media channels for updates across the weekend.

 

Photo Credit: Honda RedMoto | Future7Media | Andrea Belluschi + Beta