A champion’s ride for Josep Garcia at FIM EnduroGP of Spain

There is no doubting Josep Garcia’s fighting spirit. Proving himself as one of the best enduro riders in the world, he gives his all both on and off the track in the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship.

A quick check of the EnduroGP standings at the end of round two in Spain and you would be forgiven for thinking it was business as usual to see the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ace leading the way.

But in reality, Josep Garcia has been in a dog fight with himself to get there. So far, defending his EnduroGP crown has been anything but easy.

Less than two months ago, his preparation for the season opener in Portugal upended itself with a broken collarbone. Suddenly, the man everyone was expecting to dominate was in a race against time to reach the start line.

As we all know now though, Josep didn’t just make it to round one in Fafe, he won too. Sure, on day two his fitness wasn’t there to fight for the win but third was still a telling result.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a month,” Josep told us at the end of round one. “Getting injured, having surgery, and then hoping to be ready in time – it’s been hard. I didn’t expect to win, so it’s unreal to have done so.”

Josep admitted that the lack of bike time leading into round one resulted in more mistakes than he would have liked. He laughed that his brain and throttle hand weren’t quite in sync. But already counting the days to his home Grand Prix in Spain for round two, he knew what to work on.

What followed on day one at the GP of Spain in Oliana was very much a statement ride by the EnduroGP champion.

Overlooked by some, his time in Friday’s Akrapovič Super Test was simply sensational. Going head-to-head with championship leader Zach Pichon (TM MOTO), he bested the Frenchman by 1.5 seconds, and everyone else by at least three seconds.

Throughout Saturday, things just kept rolling for Josep. Fastest in eight of day’s nine special tests, while beating everyone by an astounding 14 seconds on the second GMoto Enduro Test, saw him end the day with an immense 49-second margin of victory.

Looking like he’d hardly broken a sweat, Josep downplayed his accomplishment with refreshing, honest humility.

“I wanted to win badly, especially here at home, but you just never know. The goal after Portugal was to fight for the top step in Spain, but nothing is certain,” he said.

“It’s my home race, so it’s hard not to turn this crowd’s energy into motivation for me. Winning in front of them was amazing.”

Despite the dramatic change of weather for day two, along with start delays, he found himself once again leading with two of three laps completed.

However, a nasty crash resulted in an injured foot, and with three tests remaining, the 30-second lead he had built up slipped away in the dying moments of the race.

A 1.44-second loss to Andrea Verona (GASGAS) dampened the home celebrations, somewhat. But managing to take control of the EnduroGP leader plate is, ultimately, what Josep came to Oliana to claim.

Naturally, how the remainder of this championship plays out remains to be seen as we head to the Polisport GP of Sweden in two weeks’ time.

But one thing’s for sure, Josep’s desire to race with his heart on his sleeve is guaranteed. You can always count on that!

Event Information: GP of Spain

Results from round two, 2-4 May: RESULTS

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2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship

Round 1: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 4-6 April
Round 2: GP of Spain – Oliana – 2-4 May
Round 3: GP of Sweden – Skövde – 23-25 May
Round 4: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 1-3 August
Round 5: GP of France – Réquista – 12-14 September
Round 6: GP of Italy – Darfo Boario Terme – 26-28 September
Round 7: GP of Germany – Zschopau – 17-19 October

2025 Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship

Round 1: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 4-6 April
Round 2: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 1-3 August
Round 3: GP of France – Réquista – 12-14 September
Round 4: GP of Germany – Zschopau – 17-19 October