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Photo - Stefan in Italy:
From - Lexy Thorogood:
Check out the WEBSITE: of Stefan Merriman, the Kiwi born Enduro ace (across the ditch they claim him as an Aussie) for photos (including this event) his profile, events calendar, etc.
(Note: The website will be out of action, until approximately 20th June 2004.)
For the first time in the championship this year, the riders were treated to dry conditions on the first day. Merriman wasted no time in fighting back to retain the lead in the overall classification. There were three cross tests and one rocky enduro test. Two cross tests were set on steep hillside paddocks with many off-cambered corners, one cross near the main paddock was flat and technical with many sharp corners The enduro test which started like a grassy cross test in a paddock, progressed up into a steep narrow, rocky hill track into the forest and finished up on the saddle of a mountain. Merriman set the fastest time in all special tests over the three laps.
He finished the first day 49 seconds ahead of nearest rival, Mika Ahola.
About the day, Merriman said, “ I was a little concerned this morning as I have been battling a flu-like virus and haven’t been feeling my best. However I am really happy to have won.”
Day One – Italian Enduro Champs
Foligno, ITALY Assoluta Classification
1. Stefan Merriman 37.05:53
2. Mika Ahola 37.54.06
3. Alessandro Botturi 37.58.83
4. Simone Albergoni 38.18:76
5. Bartoz Oblucki 38.19.33
On Sunday, the riders were not so lucky as rain and cold conditions arrived on Saturday night and light rain fell on Sunday morning as the race commenced. The first loop wasn’t too bad as the rain mostly settled the dust, however as the day progressed the rain got heavier. Cross test two had several muddy sections that deteriorated throughout the day and required the riders to be particular about the line they chose to avoid getting stuck and loosing time. The rain caused chaos on the trail as several hillclimbs became almost impassable due to the greasy, muddy surface. Merriman led the day again from start to finish, although a little concerned to arrive at the last special test near the paddock to hear that the race had been temporarily halted.
The organising motoclub were not prepared for the rain which, produced considerable mud. The race was halted as they tried to get the timing system functioning on the last test. The riders were forced to wait for up to an hour as the rain got heavier. Then finally the 125cc class got started and progressed through the field of riders in class order. Merriman feared a repeat of the previous Italian round, where 125 rider Bazzuri took the day win ahead of Merriman who was leading the race by more than 30 seconds because in the final test the rain changed the conditions so much that by the time Merriman passed with the 450cc class he was 40 seconds slower in the one test, effectively destroying his lead.
However history was not to repeat itself and Merriman posted the fastest time of the day on the final test, despite the deteriorated conditions.
About the second day, Merriman said, “The rain and mud made things very difficult today, however I was able to build my lead throughout the day and take the final win. It is a shame the organisers were not a little better prepared, as changes needed to be made throughout the day to cope with the fast changing conditions.”
Day Two – Italian Enduro Champs
Foligno, ITALY Assoluta Classification
1. Stefan Merriman 31.19:84
2. Alessandro Botturi 31.47:02
3. Roberto Bazzuri 31.56.35
4. Mika Ahola 31.58.20
5. Alessandro Belometti 32.00.18
Points Standings in Assoluta Italian Enduro Championships
1. Stefan Merriman 123 points, 2. Mika Ahola 109 points, 3.Alesandro Botturi 94 points, 4. Roberto Bazzuri 76 points, 5. Rickard Larsson 60 points
