Round action at the 2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship reached a decisive turning point in Oliana, as Josep Garcia delivered a statement performance on Day 2, but the bigger story may be what unfolded behind him.
While Garcia’s dominance secured a commanding overall victory, a new wave of challengers, led by Andrea Verona, Zachary Pichon, and breakthrough performer Albin Norrbin, signalled a shift in the competitive landscape.
Garcia Sends a Clear Message
From the opening test, it was clear the home favourite was operating on another level. Garcia laid down a crushing early marker, winning the first Enduro Test by 17 seconds, a margin rarely seen at this level.
From there, the KTM rider controlled the race with precision, sweeping all three Enduro Tests and steadily building a gap that would ultimately stretch to nearly 40 seconds.
The result secured not only a double victory in Spain but also his third EnduroGP win of the season, reinforcing his status as the rider to beat in 2026.
The Real Battle: A Fight for the Future
While Garcia was untouchable at the front, the battle behind him was where the story truly developed.
Andrea Verona secured second overall, but the Italian was pushed to the limit by Zachary Pichon, who came within just eight seconds of stealing the runner-up spot. Pichon’s late charge, including the fastest time in the final Cross Test, underlined his growing confidence and pace.
This wasn’t just a fight for second, it was a glimpse into a potential season-long rivalry forming behind Garcia.
Norrbin Breakthrough Signals Changing Order
One of the standout performances of the weekend came from Albin Norrbin, who delivered a career-defining ride to finish fourth overall and claim his first Enduro3 class victory.
The result marks a major milestone for the Swedish rider following his move to Husqvarna and NSA Racing, and suggests that the established order in EnduroGP may be starting to shift.
Just behind him, Steve Holcombe remained in contention but narrowly missed out on the class win by just two seconds, highlighting how fine the margins have become.
EnduroGP Spain – Day 2 Overall Results
| Position | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josep Garcia | 1:01:03.48 |
| 2 | Andrea Verona | +39.85 |
| 3 | Zachary Pichon | +47.87 |
| 4 | Albin Norrbin | +55.59 |
| 5 | Steve Holcombe | +57.92 |
| 6 | Hamish Macdonald | +1:20.44 |
| 7 | Brad Freeman | +1:25.36 |
| 8 | Max Ahlin | +1:27.11 |
| 9 | Morgan Lesiardo | +1:36.04 |
| 10 | Julien Roussaly | +1:37.86 |
British Success in Women’s Class
Beyond the overall standings, British riders delivered a standout performance in the Women’s Enduro category.
Rosie Rowett dominated proceedings to take victory, winning nearly every special test and showcasing exceptional consistency. She was joined on the podium by Nieve Holmes, securing a British 1–2, while Rachel Gutish completed the top three.
Next Generation Rising
In the Junior class, Alberto Elgari returned to winning form ahead of Romain Dagna and Leo Joyon, while the Youth category saw Riccardo Pasquato edge out Simone Cagnoni in a tight battle.
These performances further highlight the depth of talent emerging through the EnduroGP ranks, and suggest that the future of the sport is already beginning to take shape.
A Championship Defined by Depth, Not Just Dominance
Although Garcia’s performance was undeniably dominant, Day 2 in Oliana revealed something more important: the field behind him is tightening.
Verona remains consistent, Pichon is closing rapidly, and riders like Norrbin are beginning to break through. Add in experienced contenders like Holcombe and Freeman, and the championship is evolving into one defined by depth rather than a single runaway leader.
If this trend continues, future rounds may not be about whether Garcia wins, but whether the chasing pack can finally disrupt his control.
What Comes Next?
With momentum building across multiple classes and new challengers stepping forward, the EnduroGP season now heads into a critical phase.
Garcia may have dominated in Spain, but the pressure behind him is growing, and the next rounds could prove far less predictable.