Enduro rider David Knight collected his third E3 world championship on Sunday with a dominant performance as the championship chase arrived in Turkey for the first time. The Manx rider went into the penultimate EWC round in Turkey with a 52-point advantage over closest rival Christophe Nambotin.
But while the Frenchman faded in the heat, Knight finished the first leg in second place and went one better to claim victory in the second to tie up the E3 championship with one round to go.
“It’s a great feeling and a big relief to have wrapped up the Enduro 3 championship,” said Knight, who was cheered on by his mother in Fethiye. “I always believed that I could do it. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to win this year, it never is, but I just kept working hard and staying positive.”
Knight’s sizeable frame has been an ever present on the winners’ podium this season which has seen him stand on the top step eight times.
But he had to be on his mettle in the challenging mountainous terrain in Turkey. “I was a little bit nervous on day one, but I still rode pretty well. I stayed a lot more relaxed on day two and really enjoyed the day. I’m glad the second day went well because it’s good to win the championship with a day win.”
The title is his first since his back-to-back E3 championships in 2005 and 2006, and for the Manxman, it’s a welcome return to winning ways. “I also want to salute the work of my team (Fairloli/KTM). After my poor 2009 season, many people criticised me, but I never stopped believing in myself. Other people have also believed and now here they are around me. I am happy that they can share my happiness.”
Ivan Cervantes had the same results – second place and a win – as he closed the gap on E2 championship leader Mika Ahola, but the Finn still takes a significant lead into the final round. But the Spaniard was frustrated to let a win on day one slip through his fingers.
“I had another big fight with Mika on day one and although I was leading all the day I made a big mistake on the final enduro test, which gave Mika the win. Today it was the complete opposite, Mika made the mistakes and I remained really focused all day.
“It’s going to be difficult to win the championship after what happened in Greece, but I will push hard in France and hope for the best.”
