Zach Pichon was the standout performer at the rounds 7 & 8 of the 2026 Assoluti Italian Enduro Championship in Pianello Val Tidone, with the French TM Boano Factory rider taking the overall win on both Saturday and Sunday. Andrea Verona, meanwhile, sealed the 450 class title with two days to spare.

The fourth round of the Italian Enduro Championship, organised by Moto Club MPM Alta Val Tidone in the province of Piacenza, got underway on Friday with a Super Test that brought together 132 riders and a large crowd in Pianello Val Tidone.

Andrea Verona (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) set the pace on Friday, posting the fastest time ahead of Zach Pichon (TM Boano Factory) and Brad Freeman (Beta Factory). From the outset, it was clear that the battle for the overall win would once again be fought among the World Championship regulars. Hamish MacDonald, Max Ahlin, Steve Holcombe and Morgan Lesiardo completed the top positions in a Super Test that served as the perfect warm-up before two full days of proper enduro racing.

Day 1: Pichon strikes first

The opening day belonged to Zach Pichon. The French rider topped the overall classification ahead of Andrea Verona, who once again delivered a solid performance on home soil, and Morgan Lesiardo, who finished third for Triumph Racing Italia.

For Pichon, it was an important result not only because of the victory itself, but also because it allowed him to recover ground in the overall championship standings after losing points at Pomarance, where he was unable to compete due to injury. Verona, meanwhile, added another strong result on his way to the 450 title, maintaining the consistency that has made him virtually unstoppable this season.

Behind them, Nathan Watson was once again among the leading names, taking fourth overall for Beta, followed by Max Ahlin in fifth for Honda Racing RedMoto. Hamish MacDonald finished sixth, Brad Freeman seventh, Albin Norrbin eighth, Manuel Verzeroli ninth and Manolo Morettini tenth. Steve Holcombe, one of the biggest names in the paddock, ended Saturday in 11th overall.

Day 2: Pichon completes the double as Verona seals early title

On Sunday, Zach Pichon finished the job with a second overall victory, leaving Pianello Val Tidone as the strongest rider of the weekend. The TM Boano Factory rider completed the double and, in doing so, reopened the fight for the overall championship standings.

On the second day, Morgan Lesiardo took another step forward with Triumph, finishing second overall ahead of Steve Holcombe, who this time managed to reach the overall podium with the Team CH Racing Sherco. Hamish MacDonald finished fourth, also on a Sherco, ahead of Beta rider Nathan Watson in fifth.

Alberto Elgari produced an excellent ride to finish sixth overall with TM, followed by Max Ahlin, Albin Norrbin, Andrea Verona and Manolo Morettini, who completed Sunday’s top 10.

Although Verona finished ninth overall on day two, the Italian still had plenty to celebrate. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider mathematically secured the 450 class title with two days remaining after taking another victory in his category and benefiting from Matteo Pavoni’s retirement due to a mechanical problem.

In the overall championship standings, Verona remains in the lead with 121 points, ahead of Brad Freeman on 109 and Zach Pichon, who moves up to third with 106 points after his double win in Pianello. Steve Holcombe sits fourth with 92 points, with Nathan Watson fifth on 88.

Women’s Cup: Sara Traini takes double victory

In the Italian Women’s Cup, Sara Traini also completed a perfect weekend for Triumph, winning on both Saturday and Sunday. The Italian managed to keep Aurora Pittaluga at bay, although the Beta rider continues to close the gap and is increasingly putting pressure on in the fight for victory.

Elisa Givonetti, riding a TM, finished third on both days, confirming her consistency inside the women’s podium positions.

Round 7 – Pianello overall classification

Round 8 – Pianello overall classification

The Assoluti d’Italia Enduro Championship and the Italian Cup will return on the weekend of 26–27 September in Fabriano, in the Marche region, with Moto Club Artiglio organising the event.

Photo credit: Italiano Enduro