Wynyard’s Matt Phillips has created history by becoming the first EnduroGP world champion.
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The 23-year-old confirmed the title on Sunday in France after heading into the weekend with a 15-point lead.
He then kept a cool head to finish his Sherco 300SEF-R fifth in stage one and fourth in stage two.
The Sherco rider finished with 222 points, ahead of Mathias Bellino (203) and Loic Larrieu (202).
“It is a new category this year and a new goal,’’ Phillips said on the podium.
“I really need to thank my girlfriend Cat (Catherine) as we have spent the last nine months in Europe this year, and also all the guys on the team.
“I really appreciate everything the Sherco guys are doing for us and it has been a huge year and a huge goal ticked off the list and I look forward to a big future with them.”
Phillips rode consistently for the entire season, starting with a third and a first in the category in Morocco.
It has been a huge year and a huge goal ticked off the list
- EnduroGP World Champion MATT PHILLIPS on the podium.
He then had a first and a fifth in Portugal, a third and fifth in Greece, a fourth and a first in Finland, two seconds in Sweden, two fifths in Spain and a second and a DNF in Italy.
He also collected the E2 class title, with this year’s success going with his titles in the junior category in 2013 and Enduro 3 category in 2014.
The EnduroGP class covers all riders across all classes to determine the outright overall fastest rider.
Leading the praise for Phillips was his Sherco team.
Phillips signed with the team late last year.
“This is as big as it gets in enduro,” Sherco Australia’s Stephen Tuff said.
“Matthew had the eyes of the off-road racing world watching him this weekend.
“Track conditions were very dry and dusty and the crowds were huge. I can’t imagine the pressure of that situation when an Enduro World Championship is within striking distance.
“But in typical Matthew Phillips fashion he just got on with the job, rode a smart race and showed the world what a Sherco motorcycle can do.”