The Indoor Enduro World Championship kicked off in Genoa Italy. The weather in Europe doesn't allow for much racing in the winter, so the 2011 series began on Novemember 28, 2010. Recently crowned U.S. Endurocross champion and KTM star Taddy Blazusiak was on hand, but crashes and a sore shoulder help him to third place behind Honda's Mika Ahola and Husqvarna's Joakim Ljunggren. The Euro series runs three finals or motos, with each paying points that count toward the series championship.
The surprise of the event and single bright spot for the U.S. was new Beta star Cody Webb. The reigning U.S. Trials champ isn't really known for competing on enduro machinery, but Beta was an event sponsor, and they had there U.S. star make an appearance. He won a qualifying heat to earn a pole position. He was the only American rider to make the trip, and he made his way through qualifying and into the main events. Seeing him in a full-face helmet and motocross boots is a little odd for U.S. fans, but like fellow trials champ Geoff Aaron, Webb seems to have the ability to cross over to other areas of motorcycle sport.
Results – 2011 Indoor Enduro World Championship, Round 1
Final 1
1, Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg
2, Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda
3, Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM
9, Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM
Final 2
1, Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda
2, Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM
3, Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg
4, Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM
Final 3
1, Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM
2, Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM
3, Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda
Championship standings after Round 1
1, Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda, 51 points
2, Joakim Ljunggren, Sweden, Husaberg, 45
3, Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM 43
4, Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM, 42
