Following his recent success in the Junior1 World Cup, Kevin Cristino has now been crowned Italian Junior Champion. Fantic also celebrated in the 125 class, with Fantic Junior Racing Enduro rider Pietro Scardina taking the title in Arma di Taggia. Albin Norrbin secured third place in the Foreigners class aboard his Fantic XEF 310.
The final round of the Assoluti d’Italia di Enduro took place on Saturday, 26 October, in Arma di Taggia, with the weekend unfortunately impacted by a severe weather alert that led to the cancellation of day two. Changing weather conditions—alternating between rain and sun—made for an especially technical and challenging conclusion to the season.
To address the adverse weather and ensure rider safety, the track was shortened to approximately 40 km by decision of track inspector Mario Rinaldi. The Ligurian course comprised three high-level special tests: a 2 km Cross Test along the picturesque beach of Arma di Taggia, a 6 km Enduro Test with hard and muddy terrain, and a demanding Extreme Test with a stunning sea view. The final test was particularly challenging, featuring complex rock passages, which were partially cut after the third lap to facilitate safer passage.
Kevin Cristino continued his run of successes, adding titles to his collection. The Fantic Factory Racing Enduro rider, who switched to the new Fantic XE 300 with Minarelli engine in the latter part of the season, placed third in Arma di Taggia to secure his first Junior title in Italy’s premier championship, following his J1 World Cup title win last month in France.
Albin Norrbin raced the new Fantic XEF 310 once again. The Swedish rider, recently crowned Junior World Trophy Champion alongside teammate Axel Semb at the Six Days, posted impressive times across all special tests, including a standout second-best time in the third Cross Test. Despite a few unfortunate mistakes, he finished ninth overall and took third in the Foreigners class both on the day and in the final championship standings.
Meanwhile, Fantic Junior Racing Enduro’s Pietro Scardina became the new Italian Champion in the 125 class. He rode a solid race aboard the Fantic XE 125, avoiding major mistakes. His third-place finish on the day earned him his first Italian 125 title, yet another one for Fantic. Teammate Valentino Corsi also competed in the 125 class at Arma di Taggia. Despite missing much of the season due to injury, the young Italian made a strong comeback, finishing fifth in the final round.
Albin Norrbin:
“It was a good weekend in Arma di Taggia. I rode consistently, though a few crashes cost me a lot of time. Overall, I am pleased with the day and the improvements on the new Fantic XEF 310. Now that the season has wrapped up, see you at Eimca at the Fantic stand.”
Kevin Cristino:
“I am delighted to have won the Junior class title riding both the Fantic XEF 250 and the new Fantic XE 300 with the Minarelli engine. In Arma di Taggia, I paced myself to secure the title without taking unnecessary risks. It has been a fantastic season, ending with the Italian Junior title alongside the World Cup title in the Junior1 class.”
Pietro Scardina:
“It was an incredible end to the season. After the first race, I had only earned six points, but the team and I kept our spirits up, and in the end, we celebrated an Italian title that once seemed almost out of reach.”
