Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson and Team Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe have shared victories between both days of Portugal’s 11th and 12th rounds of the MAXXIS EnduroGP World Championship.

On day one, Watson defeated Australian Matthew Phillips (CH Sherco Racing) with a time of 1h12m26.83s, as Holcombe settled for third.

Outsiders Yamaha Racing’s Loic Larrieu was fourth, as Christophe Charlier (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) crossed the line in fifth to close out the top five.

In E2, Jamie McCanney (Outsiders Yamaha Racing) topped the opening day, taking a narrow 23.63s victory over Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia.

Davide Guarneri (Honda Red Moto World Enduro Team) crossed the line with a time good enough for third, as Eero Remes (TM Factory Racing) and Pascal Rauchenecker (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) finished fourth and fifth respectively. Australian Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was 13th for the day.

Day two saw Holcombe step-up to the to spot, but only just as he outperformed Charlier with a slender 3.73s advantage. Phillips completed the podium third, adding to what was a pleasing weekend for the multi-time world champion.

Larrieu was fourth again for the second day running, as KTM-mounted Jaume Betriu concluded the top five in fifth.

McCanney was able to back up his performance on Sunday, taking yet another win over Garcia, this time with a 11.77s margin. Rauchenecker improved on his day one result to finish fourth, as Manuel Monni (TM Factory Racing) was fifth.

Sanders concluded what appeared to be a tough weekend in 13th, and now sits ninth in the championship standings. Youthful Australian Ben Kearns (Sherco) raced to 16th in the EJ category on day one, however failed to complete the Sunday’s second day, ultimately recording a DNF.

Holcombe and Garcia lead their respective classes as the EnduroGP series heads to the United Kingdom on 23-24 September for the penultimate stop of the championship.