The recent Enduro World Championship GP of Andorra for Electraction TM”S Jordan Scott marked not only his eight world championship race but more importantly his first career podium. In a race that tested man and machine to their limits, Scott went on from a fourth place in the Youth Cup on Saturday to getting his chance to stand on the podium Sunday evening. We caught up with Jordan to get the low-down on how everything went…
Congratulations on nailing down your first podium in the Enduro World Championship, that’s a big step to take!
“Thanks! It’s been pretty amazing to get it.”
How did the race go for you on Sunday?
“To be honest I had felt that I had ridden better the previous day when I actually ended fourth, so I wasn’t expecting to be fighting for third. I messed up the start of the first Extreme Test on Sunday morning and that put me behind a bit. I think it actually helped me ride my best as I wasn’t sure where I was in the race.”
Did you know that you’d finished third?
“No! I thought I was fourth but it wasn’t until I was sitting in the paddock afterwards that I was told I’d just finished third and to get up to the podium quick. I didn’t even get a chance to clean my face!”
Jordan at the EWC GP of Andorra
In a way that was probably a blessing not knowing, you could just focus on doing your own thing?
“Yeah, in a way it did work out for the better. I was just taking each test as they came. I couldn’t quite match the leader’s speed on the Cross Tests but through the trees on the Enduro Test I was right with them. Towards the end I thought I was close, but Nick Craigie said I was still 30-seconds behind. Then when the guy in second crashed out on the final Extreme Test, I felt that maybe third was possible.”
How did you find the Extreme Test, it was one of the toughest of the year?
“I didn’t mind it too much although some of the rock steps were pretty huge. When it rained it was nearly impossible but everyone was struggling with it. Once it dried out and a good line wore in it wasn’t too bad. Parts of it were really tricky; trying to get some of those rock steps on a 125 is hard work. At times I struggled for that extra punch needed to make them but overall my times were fairly even with all the Pro’s so I was happy with that!”
Where do you think your speed is still lacking?
“I’m not pushing hard enough from the start of the test. I’m waiting too long to push at my maximum. The guys winning seem to be in the zone right from the word go, whereas I’m still too cautious in the first few minutes. I suppose it comes from a lack of experience, this was only my eighth EWC and the top guys are at it week-in week-out.”
France will mark the final round of the Enduro World Championship. What are your thoughts on this race?
“Getting the podium has been a real boost of confidence. I know now I’m competitive, my speed is right there, it’s just a matter of trying to build on this and become more comfortable pushing my limits in the special tests. France will be tough, there are a lot of extra guys coming into it that don’t normally compete in EWC’s so it’ll be a good race. I’ll just do my best and see what happens!”
The 2011 Enduro World Championship concludes thisweekend at the GP of France in Mende
Word: Robert lynn Images: Jonty Edmonds Photography