Strong Performances From Johansson Yamaha Junior Enduro Team Riders In Finland

2016-06-13 18:02
Battling for the Enduro Youth podium, Johansson Yamaha Enduro Junior Team riders Lee Sealey and Erik Appelqvist both earned a fourth place result at the GP of Finland. Putting in two impressive performances aboard his Yamaha YZ125 Jean-Baptiste Nicolot collected 3/2 results and continues to lead the Enduro Youth championship standings.

Focused on youth rider development the Johansson Yamaha Junior Enduro Team continued their Enduro World Championship campaign at round four of the 2016 series in Heinola, Finland. The Swedish based squad saw its two young riders Lee Sealey and Erik Appelqvist battle against one of the series' most technical tracks, wrapping up a challenging GP on a high note.

Delivering a strong day one performance 19-year-old Lee Sealey recorded top three times in four out of the nine special tests to eventually finish fourth and just 32 seconds from the podium. Despite again posting some very competitive times on day two, a few costly mistakes forced the young Brit to settle for seventh in Enduro Youth.

Kicking off the GP by topping the Enduro Youth standings following the short opening Super Test, Sealey's teammate Erik Appelqvist was unable to show his true potential and finished sixth on Saturday. Coming back stronger the following day the young Swede secured fourth in the class.

Ahead of its home round next weekend in Sweden, the Johansson Yamaha Junior Enduro Team has its riders well placed inside the top five of the Enduro Youth championship standings. Appelqvist is third in the EY class with Sealey gaining one position following the GP of Finland and currently sits in fifth position.

Leading Yamaha's efforts during the GP of Finland was Equipe de France d'Enduro de l'Armee de Terre - FFM's Jean-Baptiste Nicolot. Racing his enduro modified YZ125 to an impressive third place on day one, the Frenchman claimed the runner-up spot on day two. Right after the midway point of the series, Nicolot leads the Enduro Youth championship standings by 24 points over second placed Jack Edmondson.

The 2016 FIM Enduro World Championship will now move to Enkoping in Sweden for the fifth round of the series on June 18/19.

Results - 2016 FIM Enduro World Championship, Round 4, Finland

Day 1
1. Jack Edmondson (GBR), KTM, 1:03:27.41
2. Antti Hanninen (FIN), Husqvarna, 1:05:01.63, +1:34.22
3. Jean-Baptiste Nicolot (FRA), Yamaha, 1:05:09.42, +1:42.01
4. Lee Sealey (GBR), Yamaha, 1:05:41.87, +2:14.46
5. Ruy Barbosa (CHL), Husqvarna, 1:05:56.16, +2:28.75
6. Erik Appelqvist (SWE), Yamaha, 1:06:00.91, +2:33.50

Day 2
1. Jack Edmondson (GBR), KTM, 1:04:32.62
2. Jean-Baptiste Nicolot (FRA), Yamaha, 1:05:31.97, +59.35
3. Antti Hanninen (FIN), Husqvarna, 1:05:32.91, +1:00.29
4. Erik Appelqvist (SWE), Yamaha, 1:06:12.61, +1:39.99
5. Enric Francisco (ESP), KTM, 1:07:05.36, +2:32.74
6. Ruy Barbosa (CHL), Husqvarna, 1:07:33.30, +3:00.68
7. Lee Sealey (GBR), Yamaha, 1:07:58.84, +3:26.22

2016 FIM Enduro World Championship Standings (After Round Four)

Enduro Youth
1. Jean-Baptiste Nicolot (FRA), Yamaha, 133pts
2. Jack Edmondson (GBR), KTM, 109pts
3. Erik Appelqvist (SWE), Yamaha, 98pts
4. Valerian Debaud (FRA), Yamaha, 85pts
5. Lee Sealey (GBR), Yamaha, 65pts
6. Mirko Spandre (ITA), KTM, 47pts

Source: Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.

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