Philip McLaughlin has finished as TM UK’s highest placing rider at the opening two rounds of the British Enduro Sprint Championship, held in Gloucestershire. Placing fourth in the competitive Elite class on day one aboard his ’10 TM EN 250FI, Philip then backed that up with a fine sixth place result on day two. With Gordon Clarke placing eighth and 10^th in the Elite class and with Robert Lynn claiming an Under 23 ES1 class double win it was a great start to this new championship for TM UK.

Competing aboard TM’s ’10 250f machine for the first time McLaughlin was instantly on the pace and despite his lack of time on the bike prior to the event posted some impressive special tests times during the one-and-a-half hours of racing. Sandwiched between KTM’s Greg Evans and Husqvarna’s Si Wakely, Phillip placed as the second highest 250f rider. On day two an experimental bike set-up didn’t deliver the results Phillip had hoped for but nevertheless he still placed sixth in the Elite class and as the fourth placed 250f rider.

Gordon Clarke was another TM UK rider to enjoy a good weekend finishing in eighth and 10^th position over the weekend. In the Expert ES1 class Robert Lynn returned from injury to claim the top spot on both days.

Phillip McLaughlin (TM EN 250 FI): ‘I only got to the new bike a week before the event and although it’s very different to the one I was riding it’s great. It’s a completely revised bike with a new engine and chassis. The bike is a lot more nimble and has a lot more power but like whenever you step onto a new bike it takes a little while before you are fully comfortable with it. We tried several different set-ups during the event, and we’re definitely progressing with things. I started the first day a little too cautiously. I was just trying to get myself settled in to start with but come the end of the day I was pleased with the way I was riding. I made one little mistake but generally it all went well. I lost my way a little on day two. I tried something a little radical with the suspension, which didn’t really work. Apart from that I was pleased with my riding. I really enjoyed the event.’

Gordon Clarke (TM EN 300): ‘With all the rain we had on Friday it was amazing how well the track held up on Saturday morning. I didn’t have a great start as I didn’t realise the first test was timed, so that meant I had some work to do. I got my head down after that and I was really pleased with my fitness and speed generally. I found the last test hard and felt really tired on day two. I wasn’t quite able to step my speed up like I hoped I would. I was consistent, which I was happy with. The format was great. I enjoyed the racing as well as being able to watch other riders.’

Robert Lynn (TM EN 125): ‘I really enjoyed the event. I’ve only just started riding properly after my time off with my broken leg, so I wasn’t expecting too much because I knew I was very race rusty. Generally I was really pleased with the way my bike ran and the way I rode. I need to find a little more speed but I think that will come. Both days went relatively well for me and winning the Expert ES1 class was nice. I really enjoyed the event, there was just the right amount of time between each of the laps and the track was great. I’m looking forward to the coming rounds.’

Results – Elite class

’10 ACU British Enduro Sprint Championship, Rnd 1

1. David Knight (KTM) 1.32:53.00; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 1.35:33.24; 3. Greg Evans (KTM) 1.36:57.46; 4. Phillip McLaughlin (TM) 1.37:44.39; 5. Si Wakely (Husqvarna) 1.38:01.74; 6. Edward Jones (KTM) 1.39:44.64…8. Gordon Clarke (TM) 1.43:01.30

Results – Elite class

’10 ACU British Enduro Sprint Championship, Rnd 2

1. David Knight (KTM) 1.06:09.42; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 1.08;20.50; 3. 3. Daryl Bolter (KTM) 1.08:26.17; 4. Greg Evans (KTM) 1.09:09.51; 5. Si Wakely (Husqvarna) 1.09:18.21; 6. Phillip McLaughlin (TM) 1.09:40.13…10. Gordon Clarke (TM) 1.13:40.38

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NB: All enquiries to be directed to either gmc@attglobal.net, nick@electraction.ie