Rome, Ga. - After completing 16 grueling rounds of the 2009 World Enduro Championship, a familiar face stood atop the championship podium in the premier Enduro 1 Class as reigning champion Mika Ahola made it two-in-a-row aboard his Honda with third and fourth place finishes at the GP of France. Additionally, KTM riders Johnny Aubert and Ivan Cervantes captured the Enduro 2 and Enduro 3 titles, respectively, making Metzeler and its premier 6 Days Extreme tire the undisputed champions of World Enduro with its fourth three class sweep in the last five years.
For Ahola, the title marks the third of his career and thanks to his consistent effort throughout 2009, he was able to wrap up the championship by 15 points. Fellow Metzeler rider Simone Albergoni brought home third in the standings.
With the E2 championship already decided and awarded to Aubert, it was time for another Metzeler rider to shine. American off-road legend David Knight capped off his first foray to Europe with an impressive run in France, finishing second on Day 1 and racing to the win on Day 2 aboard his Kawasaki. Aubert finished the season with just a five point margin over second.
The E3 Class was a battle between Metzeler riders all season and the trend continued in France. Cervantes' third place finish on Day 1 secured the title over Gas-Gas' Christophe Nambotin, but Nambotin was determined to put on a show in front of his home country, sweeping both day's and closing to within 24 points of Cervantes by season's end.
15th Round Results - DAY 1 - St. Flour, France
Class Pos Rider Nation Team Pts Tire
E1 1 Antoine Meo FRA HUSQVARNA 25
2 Marc Germain FRA YAMAHA 22
3 Mika AHOLA FIN HM-HONDA 20 METZELER
E2 1 Juha Salminen FIN BMW 25
2 David KNIGHT GBR KAWASAKI 22 METZELER
3 Cristobal Guerrero ESP YAMAHA 20
E3 1 Christophe NAMBOTIN FRA GAS-GAS 25 METZELER
2 Sebastian Guillaume FRA HUSQVARNA 22
3 Ivan CERVANTES ESP KTM FACTORY 20 METZELER
15th Round Results - DAY 2 - St. Flour, France
Class Pos Rider Nation Team Pts Tire
E1 1 Antoine Meo FRA HUSQVARNA 25
2 Marc Germain FRA YAMAHA 22
3 Eero REMES FIN KTM FACTORY 20 METZELER
E2 1 David KNIGHT GBR KAWASAKI 25 METZELER
2 Rodrig Thain FRA TM 22
3 Juha Salminen FIN BMW 20
E3 1 Christophe NAMBOTIN FRA GAS-GAS 25 METZELER
2 Ivan CERVANTES ESP KTM FACTORY 22 METZELER
3 Sebastien Guillaume FRA CH HUSQVARNA 20
2009 World Enduro Championship Standings (After 16 Rounds)
Class Pos Rider Nation Team Pts Tire
E1 1 Mika AHOLA FIN HM-HONDA 373 METZELER
2 Antoine Meo FRA HUSQVARNA 358
3 Simone ALBERGONI ITA KTM FACTORY 305 METZELER
E2 1 Johnny AUBERT FRA KTM FACTORY 325 METZELER
2 Juha Salminen FIN BMW 319
3 Joakim Ljunggren SWE HUSABERG 264
E3 1 Ivan CERVANTES ESP KTM FACTORY 366 METZELER
2 Christophe NAMBOTIN FRA GAS-GAS 342 METZELER
3 Sebastien Guillaume FRA CH HUSQVARNA 325
On the road since 1892, Metzeler has over 100 years of experience meeting motorcycle riders' toughest demands with unflagging innovation, setting the trends that others follow. Whether one is drawn to the longevity of its classic design or its uncompromising performance, Metzeler is chosen by more riders and builders than any other motorcycle tire on the road, making it an icon for motorcyclists worldwide. The brand's North American office for sales and distribution is located in Rome, GA, while production takes place in Germany and South America. For more information about the entire line of Metzeler products, please visit www.us.metzelermoto.com.