won the second race of the Italian Enduro Grand Prix, which took place on Sunday at Castiglion Fiorentino. If yesterday she won with more than 5 minutes over Ludivine Puy, her main rival for the title, today the rider won with almost 3 minutes of advantage, thus completing a triumphant weekend for her.
The victory was not easy at all, despite what the large differences with respect to the second-placed team may suggest. At the controls of a Gas Gas 250, Laia once again set a very solid pace on a very technical course and under a sweltering sun. The Catalan controlled the race well until the penultimate special of the day when she hit a rock with her right foot that caused a double open fracture in her thumb.
Despite the injuries, the Spanish multi-time champion has mustered the courage to complete the course in tears of pain. In the last qualifying session, she even finished second, just 2 seconds behind Puy, in what was a commendable display of physical and mental endurance.
“When I felt the blow, I immediately realized that I had hurt myself quite a bit. It hurt a lot and there was a moment when I really worried because I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish the enduro. I did everything I could to reach the finish line, as it was very important to get this victory, and I did it, but I had never had such a hard time in a race, not in the Dakar”Laia testifies.
With this new victory, the fifth in the six races held, Laia Sanz practically leaves the enduro world championship in sight, the only international competition on two wheels that she has never won. In the last round of the series, the French GP (20 and 21 October), Laia would have enough to finish both races in third position. Even with a fourth and a third he could secure the crown.
“I struggled a lot to finish the race but these are two important wins for the championship. I have to be optimistic because I’ve been injured at the best moment, as I’ve been out of competition for almost a month. I hope to be at my best in September, which is a key month.”
Source and photo: Laia Sanz
