2023 FIM Junior Enduro World Champion
JED AHEAD!
The ability to soak up pressure and still somehow keep producing the results signifies the resilience of a champion and former top youth Motocross rider Jed Etchells – Fantic had to fight every step of the way to secure the FIM Junior Enduro World Championship title.
Etchells’ birthplace on the Isle of Man is globally synonymous with motorcycle racing of a different kind, although this year he has added his name to a growing roll of honour of FIM Enduro World Champions who have come from the tiny island in the middle of the Irish Sea that measures just over fifty kilometres from end to end.
It has been a season-long struggle with Etchells going head-to-head with his Swedish rival Albin Norrbin – Fantic and the final destination of the title went all the way to the wire on day two of the seventh and deciding round of the series – the EnduroGP of Portugal – at St Andre/Santiago do Cacem.
Etchells has been consistently quick all season without being able to break conclusively clear of the chasing pack, although he established an early lead with a one-two result at the opening round in Italy which he then replicated in Spain and Finland.
He started the second Scandinavian round in Sweden on the podium in third before slipping to fourth on day two which allowed Norrbin to gain ground and a pair of second-placed finishes in Slovenia then saw him maintain the series lead, but with a reduced advantage.
As the championship approached its thrilling conclusion, Etchells ensured he stayed at the front heading into the final round where he backed up a second on the opening day to clinch the crown by just two points with third on day two.
PALMARES
FIM Junior Enduro World Champion: 2023