KTM Enduro Factory Team rider David Knight made a dominant start to the opening round of the 2012 ACU Doodson British Enduro Championship with victory on days one and two Abbey Enduro in Powys, Wales. Using the event as part of his ongoing preparations ahead of his upcoming assault on the 2012 Enduro World Championship, Knight rode to two convincing victories in very difficult conditions. Facing heavy rain on day one, riders awoke to snow the following morning to ensure a testing start to the series.

Finishing next to Knight on both days was Fast Eddy Racing Honda’s Tom Sagar. Continuing to improve with each passing test, Sagar eventually finished second overall just one second ahead of Gas Gas UK’s Danny McCanney while also calming the E2 class win. Finishing the opening test just three seconds behind Knight, McCanney maintained second midway through the day until a crash in the final test dropped him down to third. The Midwest Husaberg pairing of Alex Rockwell and Jamie McCanney rounded out the top five with Jamie topping the E1 classification in what marked his first ever timecard enduro.

Revelling in the changing conditions, Knight topped day two to mark a perfect start to his 2012 BEC season. Battling through the snow, Sagar once again faced his closest challenge from Danny McCanney. Trading positions throughout the day, Sagar finally got the better of the youngster by three seconds following the fourth and final special test. Again Rockwell was fourth overall, while Lee Edmondson (KTM) improved from his day one finish of sixth to beat Jamie McCanney by three seconds.

“This was the best start to the championship that I could have hoped for,” confirmed a tired but happy Knight. “The conditions made it difficult at times but overall the event was a good one. The course was excellent each day and the check times were set right. I’m very pleased to get the double win and hope to keep improving at each round.”

“Even thought the conditions weren’t ideal I’m pleased to come away with second overall both days,” remarked Sagar. “It was tough at times but I think the organisers coped well with the conditions. It’s hard to beat David when he’s on top form like this but I know I’ve got room to improve at round two.”

“That was a tough weekend's racing,” said McCanney. “It was a good event, well run and the course was good, but the weather was very harsh. I'm pleased with my two rides, everything went well, the only thing I'd change was the stupid crash in the last test of the weekend.”

“I've come away third overall, second E3 and I'm leading Under 23. For a season start – and bearing in mind just how tough it was out there – I'm pretty happy with that. There's a long season ahead.”

In Experts it was Gethin Humpherys (KTM) that found the conditions to his liking with victory on day one followed by third place on day two. Steve Holcombe (KTM) struggled to match the pace set by Humphreys on day one to finish second but improved during day two to claim the Expert win.

In Clubman, both Aled Price (KTM) and Reece Emson (KTM) shared victory with Price winning day one. Lee Green (Husqvarna) rounded out the top three both days.

In the Vets Richard Hay made the long journey from Scotland worthwhile to claim victory on both days while Rhian George topped the Ladies class.

The 2012 ACU Doodson British Enduro Championship continues with round two in Helmsley, North Yorks on April 14/15.

Results - 2012 ACU Doodson British Enduro Championship, Round 1

Day One

1. David Knight (KTM) 49:48; 2. Tom Sagar (Honda) 51:17; 3. Daniel McCanney (Gas Gas) 51:18; 4. Alex Rockwell (Husaberg) 52:09; 5. Jamie McCanney (Husaberg) 52:45; 6. Lee Edmondson (KTM) 53:11; 7. Daryl Bolter (KTM) 53:13; 8. Jamie Lewis (Husqvarna) 53:17; 9. Edward Jones (KTM) 53:54; 10. Ashley Wood (KTM) 53:59…

Day Two

1. David Knight (KTM) 21:36.0; 2. Tom Sagar (Honda) 22:18.8; 3. Danny McCanney (Gas Gas) 22:21.1; 4. Alex Rockwell (Husaberg) 22:32.5; 5. Lee Edmondson (KTM) 22:48.4; 6. Jamie McCanney (Husaberg) 22:51.1; 7. Edward Jones (KTM) 22:57.9; 8. Ashley Wood (KTM) 22:59.1; 9. Jordan Rose (TM ) 23:06.4; 10. Simon Wakely (Husaberg) 23:10.3…