Entering into the third round of the French Enduro Championship in Chabreloche, KTM’s Christophe Nambotin had stamped his authority all over the Enduro 3 class. Claiming a flawless three wins from three starts, the Frenchman netted himself a healthy 15-point advantage over his nearest rivals.
Even midway through day one in Chabreloche many regarded it a forgone conclusion that he would remain at the top of the standings. Powering his way to an early lead it seemed Christophe was on course for win number four.
However, those thoughts soon vanished when the KTM rider became horribly stuck during the cross test. In a matter of moments his lead was lost.
Losing upwards of one-minute trying to fight his way out of the quagmire, Christophe ended his day in an unfamiliar third place.
“It was my own fault,” remarked Christophe at the end of day one. “I didn’t choose a good line and got stuck right in the middle of it. It’s a shame not to have won but tomorrow is another day – I’m focused on coming back stronger.”
Determined to regain control of proceedings, the Frenchman set a blisteringly fast pace on day two. Grabbing the E3 victory by almost two minutes, he also comfortably topped the overall standings – normal service had resumed.
Christophe bounced back to win day two in France... © Romain Bourdelain
“I felt I had a bone to pick with myself on day two. I was still annoyed with my mistake from day one and so I tried my best to win. Aside from two small crashes on the enduro test I managed to remain super concentrated all day to secure victory – day one’s result is already forgotten!”
Combining his overall point’s tally for the weekend, Nambotin’s brief lapse of judgment has done him no wrong. Maintaining his 15-point advantage, Christophe now enters the summer break at the front of both the French Enduro Championship and also the Enduro World Championship.
And with over one-month until the EWC heads to the GP of Sweden in Karlsborg on August 25/26, how does he plan to spend his free time?
“With a vacation,” he laughs. “It’s been a physically tiring start to the season and I’m looking forward to a few days of rest. To date this year has been very rewarding and although it’s far from over I feel I have reached some of the goals I’ve set for myself. I know it will be a big push to finish out the year so right now it’s time for a holiday!”
Expect a fully recharged Christophe Nambotin to arrive in Sweden next month…
