5 minutes with Marc Fernandez, 2025 FIM Junior SuperEnduro World Champion
Heading a Spanish revolution indoors this season, Marc Fernandez won the 2025 FIM Junior SuperEnduro World Championship at the final round in France – Enduro21 catches five with the TTR Squadra Corse team rider.
The 21-year-old rider from La Juncosa del Montmell, Tarragona, Marc Fernandez demonstrated exactly how you should win the Junior SuperEnduro World Championship: with maturity and consistency in such a technical and explosive discipline, and in a class which can be fiery, he shone brightest across the season which concluded with an emotional victory.
Despite being only 21, Marc can already count on a lot of experience and has taken a path to the top marked by consistency, one of his strengths as a rider.
Fernandez began in Hard Enduro, training without competing until 2021, when he made his debut in the Spanish National Championship. A year later, his talent led him to win the Junior title, which allowed him to train with big names like Alfredo Gomez and race against the likes of Mario Roman.
Since then, he has progressed to the Senior category of the Spanish CEHE before establishing himself as one of the most promising riders in the paddock and claiming podium finishes.
Enduro21 talks with Marc about his dream indoor season, his signing with the championship-winning TTR Squadra Corse team (that’s three in a row now for Junior titles), and his close relationship with Xavi Leon, his trusted man at the races.
Congratulations, Marc. You’ve earned this title with eight wins in 21 heats and never missing a podium all season.
Marc Fernandez: “Honestly, we prepared really well during the preseason, although you never expect to win a world championship like this.
“From the first race, I realised that I was one of the strongest riders and that the others were making a lot of mistakes. Thanks to my background in Hard Enduro, I had that consistency and calm that helped me at the end of each race. I could see the others’ mistakes while I kept my pace without crashing.
“After realising that, everything just fell into place. I managed to be on the podium in every race, and in the second GP, I took the leader’s plate and held onto it until the end.
“Everything went perfectly. The bike didn’t fail once, and it was flawless, with two Grand Prix wins, four second-place finishes, and a third.”
The Junior category is like a rollercoaster though sometimes…
“Yeah, totally. When the championship ended and I reflected on the season, I realised that I was the only rider who also competes in Hard Enduro. The others come from motocross—they’re faster, more aggressive, and more explosive during the race.
“I think that was the difference because they would go all out from the start and eventually make mistakes.
“I wasn’t necessarily the fastest, even though I managed to get some pole positions. But I just stuck to my pace on every lap, using the same lines, while they gradually dropped back. It’s that simple—the key was consistency.”
You arrived at the last GP in Lievin with a solid lead and nearly everything wrapped up…
“Yes, at the Newcastle race, I knew I had to stay focused and finish ahead of my main rival, Milan [Schmüser], to be able to take it easy at the final race in France. And I did exactly that.
“I think that’s where I really sealed the championship. In reality, I won it in Britain, not in Lievin. In France, everything was in my favour—I only needed to finish eighth in each heat, even if Milan won them all.
“Even so, the prospect of winning my first title made the minutes before the race feel like an eternity. It was the longest day of my life. I was super nervous, trying to manage all that excitement and stay calm.”
“On the starting grid, I was practically shaking. And in the final laps, when I knew I was about to win the championship, I could barely remember how to ride. I was telling myself, ‘What are you doing? Focus!’ [laughs]. But in the end, it all worked out. I’m thrilled to have won the championship, especially by taking the second heat.”
What was it like crossing the finish line?
“It was incredible—like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders! More than anything, it was the pressure I put on myself. It’s an enormous feeling of happiness, like fulfilling a dream. You know that so many people try to do this, but only a few actually succeed.
“It’s hard to explain; I’m still processing it, but at that moment, the only thing I thought was, ‘Phew, it’s done. Now you can relax.’ That’s the best way I can describe it.”
You race with the Italian TTR Squadra Corse, a team known for producing champions.
“When I left Alfredo’s team, I had to race as a privateer. I had always noticed this Italian team in the paddock because they seemed like the best—they were super professional. I asked if I could race with their support, not as an official rider, just to have their backing.
“After that year, we talked and agreed that for 2025, I’d compete in the Junior World Championship as part of their official team.”
How did you adapt the bike to your style?
“I raced with a Husqvarna TE 300 2025, a fuel-injected TBI. We started with a stock bike, and the team helped me develop it by testing different setups, changing a ton of things… if I told you everything, I’d have to kill you [laughs].
There’s nothing left of the original bike. The team is incredibly professional, and they've helped me so much. They know exactly what they’re doing, and their world titles speak for themselves.
The bike is amazing. I’ve never ridden anything like it—you can really feel the difference. It’s a truly incredible machine.”
Did you focus the changes on suspension and engine?
“Actually, on everything—suspension, engine, frame, wheels, triple clamps… We changed almost everything; there’s nothing left of the original.”
Xavi León (former top level Spanish hard enduro rider) has been with you all year. What role has he played in your success?
“Xavi has always been like an older brother to me. We’re super close, both on and off the track.
“I knew he wasn’t racing this year, and since he’s always been one of the best in his field, I suggested that he join me in SuperEnduro as a kind of manager or advisor.”
As a trusted partner?
“Yes, and honestly, I can’t thank him enough. He’s helped me tremendously—mentally and technically.
“Thanks to his experience, he always knew how to guide me and help me find better lines. He’s been a huge asset. Everything worked out perfectly. I only have good things to say about him.”
What’s next for you? Hard Enduro and a move to Prestige next year?
“Well, right now, the Hard Enduro World Championship is up in the air because no one knows exactly what’s happening. We’re all waiting for FIM’s decision.
“But I’ll definitely race the remaining rounds of the Spanish Hard Enduro Championship. If there’s a European Hard Enduro Championship, I might race that too… but for now, only the national races are confirmed.”
Are you required to move up to Prestige next year?
“Technically, yes. But I think the rule has changed. Either way, I’m planning to move up—it’s the natural next step. I want to keep progressing.”
Do you see a future in SuperEnduro?
“Yes, it’s the most promising discipline for sure. The level of entertainment and media coverage is unmatched.”
Photo Credit: Future7Media | Andrea Belluschi