First race for Francisco Garcia and first podium at the Enduropale du Touquet

The Enduropale du Touquet is like the start of a new school year for the Bud Racing team’s new recruit, Fran Garcia. The young Spaniard knew nothing about sand racing before signing up for the legendary Nord-Pas-De-Calais event in the Junior category. Above all, he had not taken part in any competition since injuring his knee and needing a surgery last July. After a few weeks’ preparation on his 250 KX, the Enduropale was his 1st race under his new colors. Curious but determined to do well, Fran entered the parc fermé in 138th position. Making his way to the 1st starting line, Fran started 9th before moving up to 4th by the end of the 1st lap.

A solid race

A crash with another rider caused him to lose time in the first lap before he got back into a good rhythm. In the end, after a solid race in which he lacked experience, Fran took 3rd place and a place on the final podium. The results were very positive, with Fran discovering the discipline and more than encouraging for a 1st edition. The aim is to come back next year for the victory. In the meantime, the Andalusian is concentrating on the opening round of the French MX2 Championship this weekend in Lacapelle-Marival, before the EMX250 European Championship on March 16 in Castilla de la Mancha.

Fran Garcia: "I really enjoyed my first Touquet. I felt like I was doing another sport, but I gained a lot of experience, and I had a lot of fun. I had a really good feeling with the bike and my knee feels great. I’m really happy to be racing again, and I feel really good in the team. I’m already looking forward to the next race at Lacapelle next weekend. »

Stéphane Dassé: "We didn’t really know what to expect when we arrived, as Fran was a novice in the discipline, and of course we’d have liked to go home with the win, but for a first year, he did very well. Now that he’s got a bit of experience under his belt, we’re hoping to come back next year and take the win."

Another Bud Racing podium finisher, Tim Lopes finished 3rd in the Espoirs category. The Bud Racing Academy rider made a fine start to the season in his 1st official outing under his new colors. Last but not least, three of the young women taking part in the Enduropale 2025 put in a fine showing as Bud Racing support riders. Thelma Boudier took victory in the Espoirs 85cc category, followed by Sarah Leroy and Léa Chaput in the Juniors category, all three riding Kawasakis. Congratulations!