The second round of the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup takes place this coming weekend (February 23-25) at the infamous Enduro del Verano on the Atlantic coast of Argentina – excess of 100,000 spectators expected.

As the arguably the biggest off-road motorcycle racing event in South America, organisers of the Enduro del Verano are not exaggerating when they claim spectator numbers of around 130,000 expected at the resort city of Villa Gesell this weekend.

The coastal city is around 600 kilometres south of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires and a huge draw for South American fans since the “Summer Enduro” now attracts the best sand racers on the planet.

Topping that list right now is British rider and reigning Sand Races World Cup Champion, Todd Kellett. Having taken the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais victory in France earlier this month, Kellett holds the overall lead heading into the Enduro del Verano while Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen set the pace in the Moto Women class.

Sprint races – different format

The Enduro del Verano event format is different to most beach or sand races with a 20-minute sprint race on Saturday over a three-and-a-half-kilometre course before Sunday’s separate 45-minute main race held over the full 12.5 kilometre course.

After claiming his second successive victory at the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais, 26-year-old Kellett will begin the weekend as a hot favourite to repeat his 2023 victory in Argentina.

The shorter the duration of the race means starts are important well and while Kellett is notoriously quick in the early laps, his title rivals Dutch rider Lars Van Berkel and France’s Jeremy Hauquier and Maxime Sot are all in with a shout.

Other riders aiming to make an impact include the French trio of Camille Chapeliere, Valentin Madoulaud and Joey Nuques and French Dakar Rally star Adrien Van Beveren, a three-time winner of the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais, will also compete this weekend.

Former FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship contender Verstappen ended the 2023 series as the second-ranked rider in the Women’s class and after her opening round victory this year will be aiming to extend her advantage over defending champion Mathilde Denis from France.

The Veteran’s class is currently led by Mickaël De Souza – KTM who heads a French one-two-three from defending champion Arnaud Besnier – Honda and Christophe Brucker – KTM.

Followers of the FIM Sand Races World Cup can stay up to date with all the latest news through new FIM social media platforms: FIM Sand Races World Cup on Facebook and Enduro del Verano on Instagram and via the Sportity app using the password FIMSandRaces.

More information: www.fim-moto.com

Photo Credit: FIM | Fred Herregods + Lucas Bylo + Honda Racing