2024 Enduro Vintage Trophy: Italy extend lead on day three, Peterhansel fastest scratch
Day three results from the 2024 FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy (EVT) – Italy extend their advantage over France now in a close fight with Czech Republic as Germany go out and Stephane Peterhansel again fastest overall.
Day three of the EVT sent competitors south of host town Camerino on a new 70-kilometre loop with fresh special tests. It remains dry and hard-pack for the over 400 riders tackling this year’s ‘Vintage Enduro of Nations’.
Italy strengthen Trophy Team lead
After taking the lead on day two, defending champions Italy looked to strengthen their position on day three but again had France to contend with who started strongly. Germany and Switzerland held second and third early doors, with Italy in fourth and the United States completing the top five.
But Italy again took control by the end of the second special test and continued to grow their advantage through the day, eventually claiming the day three win by over 100 points.
“We started with some difficulties today,” said Enrico Tortoli (KTM). “I fell on a downhill in the enduro test and broke the silencer. It was a nervous time for me, but I managed to repair that and keep going. At the same time, Uwe Weber in Team Germany, our closest rivals, broke an engine which put them out of the competition, so you never know how it goes in vintage enduro.
“Hopefully, tomorrow we can do a good job on the final special test. We have a good lead, so I think the plan will be to take it steady and make sure we get the victory again!”
Germany out
After starting day three in second place in the main Trophy category, Germany saw their chances of a podium end when Uwe Weber suffered an engine failure on his MZ.
That means France move up from third to second, with Czech Republic enjoying a strong ride today to take third overall. Portugal ended their day in fourth overall as the United Kingdom dropped places but completed the top five.
The FIM Vintage Silver Vase Team category saw numerous position changes on day three. Italy still lock out the top placings, but it’s now Pantera 1 who lead. But, with MC Manzano 3 only seven points behind them in second, the battle for victory will go down to the wire in tomorrow’s final special test. GC Sorci Verdi B hold a slender 15-point lead over Gilera Arcore Team Bergna in the fight for third.
With day three complete, Italy edge closer to completing the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy as the first-ever FIM Vintage Women’s Club Team.
2024 Enduro Vintage Trophy team results after day 3:
Day three scratch win for Peterhansel
Day three saw Stephane Peterhansel match his day two performance by topping the individual classification. The Dakar Rally legend is clearly enjoying the Italian special tests and set two of the day’s fastest times.
The United States’ Fred Hoess (Husqvarna) also fared well in the new terrain, finishing just 15 seconds behind Peterhansel in second. Italy talisman Giorgio Grasso (Kramer) recovered well from a slow start on the opening enduro test for third scratch.
Enduro Vintage Trophy day three individual results:
The FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy concludes with day four’s final special test, the Cross test as per ISDE and original ISDT format, at the San Pacifico International Crossodrome in San Severino Marche.
Full results for all classes: www.isde2024vintage.ficr.it