Kevin Cristino and the Fantic XE 300 with Minarelli engine are the dominant force of the Junior class in the 2025 Assoluti d’Italia. The Fantic Factory rider wrapped up a perfect season with yet another double victory in Sant’Angelo in Vado, also impressing in the Overall classification. Another win on Saturday went to Matteo Pavoni in the 300 class, once again aboard the Fantic XE 300. Pietro Scardina was crowned Vice Champion in the 125 class.
The grand finale of the prestigious Italian Enduro Championship took place this weekend in Sant’Angelo in Vado. It was a demanding event, made even tougher by sweltering temperatures and a challenging course designed by Motoclub Benelli, in collaboration with Track Inspector Mario Rinaldi. The 50 km loop had to be completed four times on Saturday and three times on Sunday, featuring, in order: a 4 km Cross Test on hard, dusty terrain, a long 7 km Enduro Test through the woods, and a final 1.5 km Extreme Test – both technical and spectacular – with steep climbs, descents, and numerous artificial obstacles that put the riders to the test.
Fantic celebrations kicked off already on Saturday, as Kevin Cristino was crowned Junior Champion once again. Riding the Fantic XE 300 with a fuel-injected Minarelli engine, he dominated the weekend and celebrated the title with his team. He also performed strongly in the Overall standings, finishing sixth on Saturday and an impressive fifth on Sunday.
With the 300 class title already secured, Matteo Pavoni, a factory-supported Team Specia rider, wrapped up the 2025 season with a victory on Saturday and second place on Sunday, narrowly missing another double due to a crash in the final special of the day. He also claimed a strong eighth place in the Overall standings on Day 1.
Youngster Pietro Scardina finished second on Saturday after a tight battle for the lead, posting impressive times – especially in the Enduro Test. With another second place on Sunday, he secured the runner-up spot in the 125 class for the 2025 season.
In the Foreigners class, Jed Etchells delivered a solid performance in this highly competitive category, finishing seventh on both days. Swedish rider Axel Semb, the current Junior class leader in the World Championship, was also present in Sant’Angelo in Vado, collecting an eighth and a sixth place among the “big boys.”
Albin Norrbin was forced to retire after sustaining a blow to his left wrist during the SuperTest on Friday evening. Fortunately, initial medical checks ruled out any fractures.
The curtain falls on the 2025 Assoluti d’Italia, but the Enduro season rolls on. Next up is round four of the EnduroGP World Championship, set to take place in Rhayader, Wales, from August 1 to 3.
Kevin Cristino:
“I am really happy with the result. I managed to win the Italian title again this year – my third with Fantic. We have been working hard, and the results are showing, race after race. Finishing these Assoluti with a sixth and a fifth place in the Overall, in conditions that just a few months ago were tough for me, is a clear sign of our progress. Thanks to the entire Fantic team. Now full focus on the World Championship!”
Pietro Scardina:
“Two second-place finishes over the weekend, with some ups and downs, and second in the championship – but overall, I am happy with my speed and ready to work hard for the next GP in Wales. Thanks to the whole team and everyone who is supporting me.”
Axel Semb:
“I had a solid weekend in Sant’Angelo in Vado, without taking too many risks. It was a tough two days, made even more difficult by Sunday’s rain. Now full focus on the GP in Wales.”
