Fight for Akrapovic Super Test series win intensifies ahead of FIM EnduroGP penultimate round

The battle for Akrapovič Super Test honours is set to intensify as the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship readies itself for the final two rounds of the season in France and Wales.

Always an exciting and action-packed start to every Grand Prix in the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship, the Akrapovič Super Test has thrilled spectators with close racing and stand out performances. Now, as FIM EnduroGP gears up for the Polisport GP of France and the Forsiteservices GP of Wales, riders will be pushing hard to secure their name on the overall winner’s trophy.

From round one in Sicily to Spain, Finland, and back-to-back rounds in Fafe, Portugal, this year’s Akrapovič Super Test has delivered a diverse and challenging range of terrain for racing. The marble quarry in Custonaci offered a spectacular backdrop to get the 2026 FIM EnduroGP season underway, while the GP of Finland’s forestry setting delivered a unique location for head-to-head racing.

By working closely with local broadcasters, the Akrapovič Super Test was live streamed on the EnduroGP YouTube channel for the Polisport GP of Spain and both rounds in Fafe, Portugal. Additionally, dedicated Akrapovič Super Test highlights from each round were immediately published to YouTube, offering even greater coverage of the night’s racing.

At the head of the standings, it’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia who leads the way. The Spaniard has proved the rider to beat during Friday’s Akrapovič Super Test racing, claiming four victories from a possible five starts.

Garcia was sharp from the offset, winning at the opening two rounds in Italy and Spain. While round three in Finland didn’t go his way, he rebounded to take the top spot both times in Portugal. As a result, the KTM rider has built up a healthy 11-point advantage over his rivals ahead of the penultimate round in France next week.

As the 2025 Akrapovič Super Test series winner, TM MOTO Boano Factory Enduro Team’s Zach Pichon has kept the pressure on Garcia. Following a pair of fourth place results at rounds one and two, the Frenchman has finished second quickest each time out since then.

Although the opportunity of grabbing a win has eluded him, with his home Grand Prix next, Pichon will be fired up for success in Saint-Agrève. A French victory in France would give his home supporters plenty to cheer about too.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Andrea Verona holds third overall, but has fallen behind his rivals in the fight for overall honours. Although still with a mathematical chance of claiming the series win, it will be a tall ask for the Italian to do so. However, Verona will be hoping to get a victory under his belt in France or Wales.

The remainder of the top five is a Sherco Racing Factory affair between Steve Holcombe and Julien Roussaly. Holcombe leads Roussaly by just one-point, meaning it’s still all to play for during these next two rounds.

WP Eric Auge’s Alex Puey completes the top six as the only rider to have denied Garcia an Akrapovič Super Test win in 2026. The young Spanish Junior Enduro class rider topped the classification at the GP of Finland to take one of the most memorable victories of his racing career. Puey is always a strong contender during Friday night’s racing and will prove an enjoyable watch in France and Wales.

The Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship heads to the Polisport GP of France in Saint-Agrève for the sixth and penultimate round, on 17-19 July.

Akrapovič Super Test Standings (After round five of seven)

1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 88pts

2. Zach Pichon (TM MOTO) 77pts

3. Andrea Verona (KTM) 60pts

4. Steve Holcombe (Sherco) 46pts

5. Julien Roussaly (Sherco) 45pts

6. Alex Puey (KTM) 35pts

7. Antoine Magain (Sherco) 35pts

8. Max Ahlin (Honda) 32pts

9. Brad Freeman (Beta) 27pts

10. Theo Espinasse (Fantic) 25pts

2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship

Round 1: GP of Italy – Custonaci, Sicily – 10-12 April
Round 2: GP of Spain – Oliana – 1-3 May
Round 3: GP of Finland – Vierumäki, Salpausselkä – 22-24 May
Round 4: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 12-14 June
Round 5: GP of Portugal II – Fafe – 19-21 June
Round 6: GP of France – Saint-Agrève – 17-19 July
Round 7: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 7-9 August

2026 Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship
Round 1: GP of Italy – Custonaci, Sicily – 10-12 April
Round 2: GP of Spain – Oliana – 1-3 May
Round 3: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 12-14 June
Round 4: GP of Portugal II – Fafe – 19-21 June
Round 5: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 7-9 August