(2)(1)(2)(7)(1)(2).png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(2)(1)(2)(11).png)
(2)(1)(2)(5).png)
Philip Takes Podium Position At UEM (Mar 5, 2010)
Electraction TM UK rider Philip McLaughlin travelled to the opening round of the UEM European Enduro Championship held high in the mountains of Rion De Montage in southern France. Having already recorded some impressive results at the first two rounds of the World Enduro Championships in Portugal and Spain, Philip was hopeful and confident that his run of good form would continue.
Unfortunately the rain that was forecast arrived and the 400 strong entry of riders were greeted with steady rain and foggy skies on Saturday morning that never relented throughout the course of the weekend. Starting as last rider away in Junior E2, Philip would be faced with a challenge of not only negotiating the quickly deteriorating course but also trying to work his way past the many fallen riders that littered the special tests. Nevertheless he made the best of his surroundings to place a very hard earned fifth position in Junior E2. Although it was another outstanding result from the Electraction TM UK rider he was understandably disappointed as his only clear run through a test earned him joint fastest time with class leader and fellow TM rider Yannick Bossi.
Knowing he had the pace to run his TM 450 EN at the front of the pack, Phil set about limiting the damage and aimed towards a podium position. Trying to work the back markers to his advantage and with help from his follower John spotting lines on the test he was able to consistently knock out top five times on the special tests. The tactics and 'luck of the Irish' eventually paid off as at the end of two tough days racing he was rewarded with silverware and the bottom step of the podium taking third overall in Junior E2.
Reflecting on his performance Phil commented, "Its been a really tough but rewarding weekend. Having never competed in a UEM event, I started at the back of my class as an unseeded rider which made it extremely difficult to carve a clear run through the special tests once they worsened with the weather. But I never gave up and kept pushing as best i could. I am delighted and slightly stunned with what i have achieved today!. I would like to thank those who have been helping me out and giving me the opportunity to compete at these events."
The Electraction TM UK rider's next event will be round three of the World Enduro Championships in Sardinia on the 18th and 19th of April.
Electraction TM UK is supported by Moonraker Masonary, Gannomat UK, Kleenrite, Hydramaster and CCM Racing Dublin, with product support from ELF Race Fuels and Lubricants, Fox Racing, Metzeler, Renthal, Carbone Lorraine, Regina, Pro-Clean, Motoshox and Lappin Performance.