The back-to-back Portuguese rounds concluded with a brilliant Junior 2 victory for Thibault Giraudon and the Fantic XE 300. In the Youth class, Team Specia Academy rider Valentin Mersin continued his strong run of form, while physical issues hampered the weekend of Théo Espinasse, who had claimed victory in E3 just one week earlier.
It was a weekend of ups and downs for the Fantic Factory Racing Enduro team, which ended on a high note thanks to Thibault Giraudon’s second Junior 2 victory of the 2026 season.
On the opening day, Giraudon got off to a promising start, posting competitive times. However, a few mistakes towards the end of the race compromised the final outcome, leaving him to settle for sixth place in J2. The talented Frenchman bounced back in style on day 2, claiming third place in Junior overall and a well-deserved class victory aboard his Fantic XE 300.
Théo Espinasse, meanwhile, was forced to retire on Saturday after being weakened by food poisoning. On Sunday, the Fantic Factory Racing Enduro rider showed great determination to push through the day and bring home a fifth-place finish in the E3 class.
While Riccardo Pasquato was still sidelined through injury, a Fantic XE 125 continues to feature among the front-runners in the Youth class: Team Specia Academy rider Valentin Mersin enjoyed another strong weekend in Fafe, securing two runner-up finishes. Thanks to his steady and consistent progress, he now sits third in the provisional championship standings.
With round 5 completed, the EnduroGP World Championship now enters a crucial stage. The next stop will be the GP of France in Saint-Agrève, scheduled for 17-19 July and serving as the penultimate round of the 2026 season.
Thibault Giraudon:
“Saturday started well, but the final stages of the race did not go as planned. We bounced back on Sunday and I am really happy to have secured a podium finish in the Junior class and victory in J2. A big thank you to the entire Fantic Factory Racing Enduro team for all their hard work. These have been two intense but very positive weeks!”
Théo Espinasse:
“After last week’s victory, I could not wait to get back racing. Unfortunately, I started feeling unwell and was unable to complete the opening day. On Saturday evening, I went to the hospital for an IV drip and we did everything possible to make sure I could race again on day two. I managed to finish fifth, which was not the result we were hoping for, but given the circumstances, it was the best I could do. Thanks to everyone for the support.”
