Santiago do Cacem, October 8th, 2023
Fantic ends an incredible world season, which crowns it as the most successful manufacturer of the year: it is on the top step of the podium in five categories. Considerable gaps over the rivals reinforce victories.
In Santiago do Cacem, with the second consecutive GP of Portugal after that of Valpacos, the EnduroGP 2023 World Championship ended with three world titles for Fantic, two of which came a day early. In fact, on Saturday, Kevin Cristino (Fantic Racing) in the Youth class and Jane Daniels (JET Fantic Racing) in the Women's class were crowned world champions after dominating the entire season.
On Sunday, it was the turn of Jed Etchells (JET Fantic Racing): the Englishman took the world title in the Junior class after a battle with the other Fantic rider, Albin Norrbin (Fantic Racing).
They also lifted the title in the Junior 1 and Junior 2 classes.
The last GP of Portugal, packaged by the Motoclub Motorsport St. Andrè, consisted of four special stages to be repeated for three laps, for a total of 60 km. It was a weekend made even more challenging by the temperatures close to thirty degrees.
Jed Etchells is the new world champion in the Junior class. For the Isle of Mann rider, it is the second title after the recent victory in the BEC.
The vice world champion, Albin Norrbin, finished two points behind. The Swede rode a perfect weekend, winning both race days, but it was not enough for him to take the podium's top step.
The two Fantic riders were the undisputed Junior EnduroGP World Championship stars. Jed had a sensational season with his Fantic XEF 250, finishing on the podium in thirteen of the fourteen race days and taking the Junior 1 title.
With the Fantic XE 300, Albin won five grand prix out of the seven he contested, with special times that allowed him to win almost half of them. The Englishman and the Swede's superiority is demonstrated by winning over 75% of the special stages.
Kevin Cristino secured the world title in the Youth class a day early. Saturday's second place was enough for the Fantic rider to become the enduro world champion for the first time. Kevin confirmed his supremacy by winning on Sunday. Cristino was formidable riding the Fantic XE 125, with twelve victories out of fourteen and winning almost half of the special tests, with outstanding times for the overall classification as well.
For the Veneto based manufacturer, it is the third consecutive success in the Youth class, following the victories of Albin Norrbin (2021) and Harry Edmondson (2022).
Jane Daniels also celebrated as early as Saturday. The Englishwoman once again left her rivals no chance, winning both race days and ending the season with total points, with eight wins out of eight. For the 29-year-old Englishwoman, it is the second consecutive world title with the Fantic XEF 250, the fourth in her trophy cabinet.
Jed Etchells (JET Fantic Racing): "I am happy with the title I won in the Junior and Junior 1 classes. It was difficult because Albin Norrbin was a tough opponent to beat."
Kevin Cristino (Fantic Racing): "Finally, my first world title has arrived in the Youth class. It has been a perfect season, with the conquest of the Italian title and now the world title again in the Youth class. I can still improve the haul because in November, I will defend the Italian colors and take Fantic to the ISDE in Argentina, and I can already look forward to it!"
Jane Daniels (JET Fantic Racing): "I am very excited and can't find words to describe my joy. I am overjoyed. It was a fantastic race on a tough and hot day. I thank the tea, JET Fantic Racing, and Fantic for another great year!"
Albin Norrbin (Fantic Racing): "I finished the 2023 season by winning both race days, but I was not able to win the Junior class world title. I have no regrets because I gave it my all, and I am still thrilled with the final victory in the Junior 2 class."
