Fantic Motor secures double podium at French Enduro Championship opener
Fantic Factory Racing Enduro team's riders Théo Espinasse and Thibault Giraudon claimed second and third places on both race days at the French Enduro Championship opener in Boussac.
4 (two second, two third)
What Happened
At the opening round of the 2026 French Enduro Championship in Boussac, Fantic Factory Racing Enduro team riders Théo Espinasse and Thibault Giraudon delivered a double podium, securing second and third place on both days. The team, which added the French series to its schedule this season, fielded two Fantic XE 300 machines in the Elite E3 class.
Espinasse, a two-time E3 World Championship podium finisher in his debut season with Fantic, took second place each day despite some costly mistakes. Giraudon, usually competing in Junior World Championship, stepped up to E3 and matched his teammate with two third-place finishes, gaining valuable experience ahead of the next EnduroGP round in Finland.
“It is always a pleasure to race in France. This weekend I struggled a bit to find the rhythm to fight for the win, and a few crashes didn’t help. Still, we look at the positives: I scored important points for the championship and another opportunity is already waiting for us with the next EnduroGP round. We keep pushing!”
“It was a good weekend. I had an amazing feeling with the bike all the time, I really enjoyed myself and I think it showed. I would like to thank the team staff who were here in France to support us, working professionally as always. Now all eyes are on Finland for the next EnduroGP round.”
Why this matters
The strong performance in a national championship demonstrates Fantic's growing competitiveness in enduro racing, which could boost brand recognition and appeal among off-road motorcycle enthusiasts.
Terms in This Story
- Enduro
- A form of off-road motorcycle racing that combines timed special stages with liaison sections over varied terrain.
- E3 class
- A displacement class in enduro racing for two-stroke motorcycles over 250cc or four-stroke motorcycles over 450cc.
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