Aussie Matt Phillips retains control of the FIM Enduro World Championship Junior class with two rounds to run. Image: Enduro-ABC.com.

Aussie Maxxis FIM Enduro World Championship standout Matt Phillips has extended his Junior class lead to a strong 28-point margin following a tough yet rewarding Grand Prix of Romania.

Team Husqvarna Monster Energy CH Racing’s Phillips headed into the fifth round of the season as one of the category’s form riders but faced strong opposition on the opening day from Spanish title rival Mario Roman.

Mistakes in the event’s extreme test saw Roman take control, forcing Phillips to regather and make back time in the motocross test.

“On day one I battled hard with Mario Roman all day,” explained Phillips. “On the cross test I was able to pull an advantage and then if I made a mistake he was able to gain some time back.

“I think it was probably the toughest fight for the win that I’ve faced all year. He knew he was fast on the enduro and extreme tests so I had to ride really hard to match him.”

Phillips was glad to come away with second place and a good haul of points on the opening day after admitting somewhat of a lacklustre performance.

“On day one I was lucky to finish second overall,” he added. “To be honest I didn’t feel like I rode good enough to finish as runner-up but thankfully I was able to take the position right at the very end of the day.”

Determined to return to his regular pacesetting position, Phillips controlled the opening stages of day two, winning four of the first five special tests to create an advantage that would build to 22 seconds by day’s end.

“It’s been great to get another win this weekend,” Phillips said. “I’m happy to have made it onto the podium both days and collected more points towards the championship.”

Day two’s result marks Phillips’ sixth victory in the junior class and sees him extend his advantage over second-placed Giacomo Redondi to 28 points with just two grands prix remaining.

Round six of the Maxxis FIM Enduro World Championship will be held at Kastoria in Greece on 22-23 June.