An enduro of epic proportions greeted the riders of the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships, in Coleman, Alberta. Veteran ISDE riders Clint Riviere and Bob Reed put together an event that will be remembered as a true test of enduro skills.
KTM’s Bobby Prochnau dominated the event, showing everyone that he is the man to beat in the series. The E2 and Pro overall podium was filled by Jason Schrage in second both days and CGRT/Husaberg Canada/Royal Distributing/Parts Canada’s Ben Rego rode very strong to finish 3rd place both days. Ben continues to impress with his strong rides and his comfort with his new FX 450 is obvious in his consistent finishes in the first half of the Championships. Ben is sitting in third place E2 with 3/4/3/3 finishes, and fourth place overall pro in the series.
After four rounds, CGRT’s Shane Cuthbertson is sitting 5th overall in the series, after another steady ride on his FX 450. The veteran once again put in strong rides to finish fourth on day 1 and dropping to 7th on day 2. Competition was very tight on the second day, as 42 seconds separated the 4th to 7th place riders after over 62 minutes of special test times!! Sitting right behind Ben in the Championship points, Shane sits in 5th place overall heading east. A great accomplishment for CGRT to hold two of the top five overall positions.
Lee Fryberger joined the ranks of the Vet Pro class, enjoying the time on the bike as opposed to spinning wrenches and pouring gas. Some tough love greeted Lee as the first cross test of day 1 was thrown out, pushing him off the podium and into fourth place. The Xtinction event co-ordinator showed that old age and treachery can delivery the goods to the young riders, by showing some creative line selections in the extreme test. Fourth place was all the vet rider could manage on day 2, as a bent brake pedal early in the second enduro test cost Lee time to straighten.
Simcoe Ontario’s Jessie Grummett experienced a totally new environment yet again this weekend, as the flatlander finally rode real hills. While his results are not there yet, the young 17-year-old will take the experiences of breaking barriers back and develop his skills for his future. The course was not kind to many people, especially to the eastern riders who are not comfortable with the steep uphills, and seemingly bottomless downhills but Jessie took it all in without faltering or weakening...something he can be proud of.
CGRT had two other riders in Amateur A, with Corner Grass Hare Scramble mastermind Jay McGregor joining the competitive ranks and enjoying a 10th place ride on day 1. The ISDE bronze medalist had poor luck with a clogged fuel filter on his FE 570, ending his day early on day 2.
Cole Dobovich is living up to his potential, as the 17 year old rode to a third place Amateur A on day 1, with very competitive rides in both the cross test and enduro test. The second day brought similar results in the tests for the young man, but a mistake on the route in a section aptly named “little Erzberg”, resulted in a broken clutch case and the loss of his engine oil. A 10th place at Sun Peaks on day 1 and this 17th leave Cole in sixth place going east, 15 points off the podium. Hopefully better luck will greet Cole in the east, and he can gain some points back in the championship.
For more info on results from the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships, check out www.worldendurocanada.com.
Shane will be attending a number of regional Alberta events, preparing for his attempt at Xtinction, coming Aug 7, www.xtinction.ca. For those that do not want to tempt fate, check out www.cornergrass.com for info the Johnny O Classic Hare Scramble, Aug 6.
Corner Grass Racing Team would like to thank the following sponsors for their support; Husaberg Canada, Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Thor, Alpinestar, Smith Optics, FMF, PG Graphics, Dunlop, Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing and Marine, Kermaxx, Rekluse, UFA, and Xtreme Hot Oil.
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