KTM factory rider Ivan Cervantes seized the home advantage in the first Indoor Enduro event of the new season sealing victory after three races in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd in the Barcelona arena.

Second was KTM's Taddy Blazusiak of Poland who has made a sensational comeback to competition after a horrific accident during the US racing season. Supported KTM rider Xavier Galindo of Spain came in fourth behind Finn Mika Ahola while Thomas Oldrati, the newly crowned Junior Enduro World Champion was fifth to give KTM four of the top five places.

Photographer: Edmunds J. KTM Images

Home win for Cervantes

Cervantes, who finished second in the E1 class of the 2009 Enduro World Championship and who next year moves to E3 in the KTM Enduro Factory Team was naturally happy about seizing the top spot so close to home. "To win in Barcelona, near my home and in front of my family and friends is an enormous joy," he told Spanish media after the race.

Fast, technical track

The event, which provided thrills and spills for the enthusiastic crowd featured a fast but very technical track. Cervantes won the first of three races after Taddy's wheel slipped from under him in one of the slowest corners of the track. The Pole quickly recovered the one lost position to finish second behind Cervantes.

The second race belonged to the young Italian Oldrati who immediately broke away from the field and stole the win ahead of Blazusiak. The Pole then got caught up in the first corner of the final race and slipped back in the field, only to steadily work his way back to the front for enough results for second overall.

Taddy satisfied with improved riding

Taddy said after the race that it had been his intention to try to finish in a top three position and he considered that he had achieved a good start to this indoor competition. "The thing I am happiest about is the improvement in my riding from last year. Since the crash I had earlier this year in the US, I've been working hard to be fit and ready for this race, but also a better racer. I think I showed that, and I'm really happy with the way things went."

Results after Round One Indoor Enduro

1. Ivan Cervantes, Spain, KTM, 40 points

2. Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM, 32

3. Mika Ahola, Finland, Honda, 25

4. Xavier Galindo, Spain, KTM, 22

5. Thomas Oldrati, Italy, KTM, 19