It is not often the Enduro fraternity in Ireland have the pleasure to see any world class star compete locally (the last one was Mika Ahola RIP), so when David Knight rocks up in town it will be something to be remembered. Not only the World’s greatest all round rider (in our opinion) but a nice bloke as well. His presence was well respected and we thank him for the attendance.
Of course he won the evening “Monster” extreme Enduro but not before competing in the morning Longcross team event, where is fellow overseas riders Joshua Gotts (TM) and Owain Humphries (Sherco) were victorious in a close fought 3.5 hour team event.
Knights team of himself( KTM) and Niall Stapleton ( HVA) had a poor start when Stapleton’s bike refused to fire on the starter leaving Niall struggling mid pack into the first tight forest section whilst at the front Owain Humphries ( Sherco) was out the gate and gone . Whatever happened to a kick starter?? . Steven Smyth (HVA) teamed with Charles Stuart (Tm) was also out and away closely followed by Italian Andrea Bassi (TM) riding with Michael Mahon (Yam). With Gotts and Humphries showing a considerable turn of speed and consistency and alternating efficiently every 30 minutes they were never likely to be caught and in the end won by a margin of 2 minutes. Behind however the race hotted up with Knight pulling back much of the early loss to close the distance on 2nd and 3rd with Stapleton now up and running consistently as the second member . At the same time Bassi / Mahon closed on Stuart and Smyth, the latter slowed by a bent exhaust and were passed on 3 hrs. 10 mins . Knight suffered a misfire and could make no further progress, that team finishing in 4th. So a very entertaining race finished Gotts/ Humphries; Mahon / Bassi; Stuart/ Smyth; Knight / Stapleton.
A large crowd gathered to watch the evening Enduro Extreme and Knight in particular who was to put on a brilliant display of technical riding whilst cruising through the heats, semi-finals and a rain delayed final to an expected win. David’s skill and precision was a joy to behold and whilst he was expected to win he found the course challenging. “Hmm that was a good workout “commented David” and a good course, I enjoyed that “.
AS expected, 2nd place was a close run thing, with local men Sean Doyle (GG) and Paul Mc Laughlin (KTM) battling with Gotts and Humphries and Stuart through to the final. A topsy turvy affair was first Humphries, then Doyle and Mc Laughlin crash followed By Stuart. Gotts was steadier to record a well-deserved runner up spot with humpies eventually grabbing third. A great night’s entertainment despite the monsoon rain that halted proceeding and even caused the great Knighter to fall.
Congratulations to all involved… Riders, organisers and everyone who helped put on such a good show.
IN the Iron Man event, local motocross stars Jordan Keogh (KX) and Ryan Davin (HON) battled throughout the event to take first and second places ahead of Ian Kelly (KTM) and Chris Judge (Yam). It was a long and physical event for any single rider, so well done to all.
Enduro.ie