Enduro21 catches five with EnduroGP World Champion, Red Bull KTM’s Josep Garcia, as he arrives at round one of the 2025 season sporting the number one plate – less than a month after undergoing collarbone surgery.

A professional rider’s worst nightmare can be getting injured right before the start of the season. For our reigning EnduroGP World Champion it could be worse, but breaking a collarbone just a month before the first GP of ’25 was a tough one after such a stellar 2024 and a very positive preseason.

The EnduroGP world title, a record fourth-straight ISDE outright victory, a bit of time off and then straight into training on the same EXC250F which he’d taken so much success – this is how Garcia’s calendar unfolded.

After committing early with the Farioli KTM factory team to continue in E1 with the bike he so clearly gels with, Josep took a confident victory at the Spanish enduro festival Basella Race 1.

But not long after Josep crashed, breaking his collarbone. It was the same bone he previously broke and had only recently had metalwork removed from in January.

A tough pill to swallow then but one month was just about enough time to get the plate put back in (3D printed to his exact bone dimension BTW), get back training, and be as fit as possible to start the season with teh number one plate on his KTM.

Enduro21 catches up with the Spaniard at home as he packs his bags to head to Portugal for round one…

Hello Josep, the first question is almost mandatory… how are you, and how is your recovery going?

Josep Garcia: “The truth is, I don’t feel any pain, although at times I notice some ‘different’ sensations since it hasn’t even been a month since the surgery. But when I’m on the bike, it doesn’t stop me from doing anything. No pain, no lack of mobility, nothing.

“So, physically, I’m in a good place, though not yet at the perfect level to start the World Championship right now. I’ve been on the bike for five or six days before the first race.

“It’s true that I’ve noticed a big improvement day by day, but I still need a little more time to be back at 100%. I’ve been working hard at the gym and cycling, but I’d say I won’t be at my peak until the second round. However, I’m full of motivation and determination to race in the first round– that’s for sure.”

Dr. Mir told me I could start training on Tuesday, obviously then I trained on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday…. rested on Saturday and got back on the bike on Sunday and Monday.

You started the year as you wanted, winning in Bassella and training well. Were you fully prepared, both physically and in terms of the bike?

“In January, I had surgery to remove a plate I had in my left collarbone for some time because it was bothering me. But I started pre-season strong, in good shape, and with a clear idea of how I wanted the bike to feel. We made almost no changes, and I won the Bassella Race. It was an ideal start, but that’s how this sport is – everything can change from one day to the next, very quickly. And that’s exactly what happened.

“I missed the first race of the Spanish Enduro Championship, but mentally, I feel good. I’ve managed to handle it as best as possible, thanks to my support team, who always make everything easier. They’re always by my side, and that helps during times like these. So now, I’m just looking forward to giving it my all again.”

In Bassella, you told us that you felt more connected to the bike than ever. Have you regained that feeling during training?

“Before Bassella, we did some testing, and honestly, I felt just like last year. Right now, the bike and I are like one unit. Now that I’m back training, I feel that way again more and more each day.

“And if I don’t feel that connection at any moment, it’s due to my physical condition – not yet being at 100% strength on the bike. But I wouldn’t say I’m below 85%, so I think we’re on the right track. I feel great on the bike, I’m having a lot of fun, and we are in sync, which is the most important thing.”

After winning EnduroGP, E1, and the ISDE with the 250 EXC-F, is it a case of not sticking with what works best?

“Last year was an incredible season with the 250, and staying with it this year felt like the right decision – especially considering everything that’s happened.

“Luckily, since I didn’t have to make big changes, I was able to stay calm during my injury. When you switch bikes, there’s pressure to adapt quickly.

“But the adjustments we’ve made have been minimal. The bike runs perfectly. In the end, you only make changes when they provide an immediate and clear improvement.

“When you’re comfortable with your setup, if you start having doubts, it’s not worth changing things. Especially after last year and everything we achieved. It was a season to remember. Of course, we’ve improved a few small details, but we haven’t made any drastic changes.”

What improvements have you made to the bike this year… if you can share?

“We’ve been testing the suspension because there are always small things to refine. However, my injury stopped me from doing some of the tests we had planned for the following week. Those are still pending before the World Championship round in Oliana. But essentially, we worked on the suspension and a few adjustments to the ECU.

“Since last year, a new regulation has come in regarding sound levels, so we’ve been working closely with the Akrapovic team and KTM to meet those requirements. Actually, last year we were already within the allowed limits. But as I said, these aren’t major changes.”

You’re staying in E1 with the 250 4T, but some riders have changed. How do you see your category and EnduroGP after so many bike and team changes?

“Last year, when the season ended, I sat down with Fabio Farioli, my team manager, and right from the start, without knowing what the others would do, I told him I’d be staying the same. It was an almost instant decision after the Six Days.

“Naturally, changes have happened – everyone looks out for their own interests. I can’t say exactly why Holcombe moved to E2 – perhaps he wanted more power. Pichon has changed brands. 

“At the end of the day, we all fight to win our respective categories and claim a world title, but we also all want to compete for the EnduroGP crown, which is the biggest prize. In EnduroGP, there are no category divisions – it’s everyone against everyone. That’s where the best rider is determined, no matter what bike they ride.

“As for Freeman, I don’t know much. I heard he didn’t race in the first Italian round due to injury, but I don’t know more than that. I already have enough to focus on after such a tough pre-season. In the first race, we’ll see where everyone stands, and from there, we have a long season ahead.”

Have you been able to ride much in recent days? How does the bike feel?

“Well, I got back on the bike last week – on the Sunday before seeing the doctor. Even though I didn’t have medical clearance, I felt good. So, I went for a gentle ride on some trails to see how I felt. I then rested until Tuesday, went to see Dr. Mir, and he told me I could start training.

“Obviously then I trained on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I rested on Saturday and got back on the bike on Sunday and Monday.

“I’ve tried to be smart about it – gradual, enjoying it. The most important thing is that, after every training session, I haven’t felt any pain. No swelling in my shoulder either. Just a bit of muscle fatigue, but I’ve been working hard in the gym with my trainer, plus doing cardio on the bike. I’ve done everything possible to be in the best shape for the first round.”

On a scale of 1-to-10, how ready do you feel for this first GP of the season?

“Well, for me, a 10 is how I ended last year – physically at 100%, feeling great, winning races. To say I’m at a 10, I’d need to be in top form.

“I don’t know exactly where I stand in terms of results or fitness, but in terms of pain, I’d say 9.5. In terms of training, maybe a 7 or 8. There are still things to fine-tune.

“At this level, it’s all about the details. I feel great on the bike, but I’m not yet at the point where every move comes out perfectly. Right now, maybe 7 out of 10 attempts work, while the other 3 don’t, because of fatigue. But that’s just a matter of hours on the bike. I know how to fix it, and now it’s just about putting in the work. This is the situation we’re in – we have to be realistic and go full speed ahead into the first race in Fafe.”

Speaking of Fafe, what are your thoughts? Portugal is always demanding, and everyone is eager to see where they stand after the winter break.

“It was the championship’s opening round last year as well, and I really liked it. Last year, the goal was to start strong, and this year, of course, the goal is the same.

“Mentally, it’s sometimes hard to gauge where you are, but my mindset is to go there and fight for the win. I’m realistic about my situation, so I don’t want to set too many expectations. Above all, I just want to fight and enjoy it to the fullest. It’s a race I really liked last year, and I can’t wait to see where I stand compared to my rivals.”

Photo Credit: Future7Media