A standout result for Fantic at the halfway point of the 2025 FIM EnduroGP World Championship: Kevin Cristino claimed his first double win in the Junior class aboard the Fantic XE 300 with Minarelli engine. Axel Semb stepped onto the podium on both days, retaining the lead in the Junior and Junior2 standings. Albin Norrbin also delivered a strong performance and now sits third in the E2 championship standings.
The much-anticipated Wales GP, the fourth round of the season, took place on August 2–3 in Rhayader, a small village with a rich enduro tradition that returned to the world stage after the success of last year’s edition. The event attracted a large crowd starting with Friday evening’s SuperTest, making the Welsh weekend one of the most spectacular rounds on the 2025 calendar.
The Rhayader Motoclub, with support from Track Inspector Maurizio Micheluz, laid out a highly technical course consisting of three special tests repeated three times a day, plus an additional run through the Cross Test, for a total of twenty timed specials over the weekend. The 66 km race loop included, in order: a 4.8 km Cross Test on hard and dusty terrain; a 1.3 km natural and demanding Extreme Test within the Saintswell circuit; and a 4.6 km technical Enduro Test featuring dry sections and muddy zones toward the end of each lap.
Kevin Cristino shone aboard the Fantic XE 300 with fuel-injected Minarelli engine from the very first day of racing in Rhayader, securing his first-ever win in Junior overall. The reigning J1 World Cup Champion repeated the feat on Sunday to seal a stunning double victory.
There were two Fantics on the Junior podium, with Axel Semb continuing to lead both the Junior and Junior2 standings aboard the Fantic XEF 310. At the Welsh GP, he collected a third and a second place in the Junior category, once again proving his consistent form.
Also worth highlighting is the strong performance of Albin Norrbin, also riding a Fantic XEF 310. On Saturday, he finished fifth in the E2 class, while on Sunday he posted impressive times that earned him a spot in the EnduroGP overall Top 10 and fourth place in E2 – a result that now places him third in the championship standings.
In the E1 class, Jed Etchells finished tenth on Saturday and secured a solid fifth place on Sunday. In E3, Matteo Pavoni – a factory-supported rider on the Fantic XE 300 with Minarelli engine – came eighth on Saturday, then showcased his skills on Sunday with a strong fifth-place finish.
It was an unlucky weekend for Pietro Scardina in the Youth class. On Saturday, a technical issue during the first special test compromised his race, which ended in fifteenth place. On Sunday, a one-minute penalty made things even more difficult, but the young Italian put his head down and managed a remarkable comeback to finish fifth.
With the GP of Wales now done and dusted, the EnduroGP World Championship prepares for the second half of the season. The next round is scheduled for September 12–14 in Vila de Rei, Portugal.
Kevin Cristino:
“An incredible weekend! We have worked hard over the past month, and it showed. I won my first race day in the Junior class on Saturday and followed it up with another win on Sunday. Now, full focus on what promises to be a red-hot season finale.”
Axel Semb:
“All in all, I am happy with my performance. It is just a pity about a few mistakes, because the speed was there – especially on Sunday. I am still leading both the Junior and Junior2 standings, and the upcoming GPs will be a tough fight, especially with Kevin.”
Albin Norrbin:
“A solid race weekend. Saturday wasn’t my best day, but on Sunday I pushed hard from the start and, after a long and exhausting day, I made it into the EnduroGP Top 10 and finished fourth in E2.”
