In front of 200.000 spectators who stayed despite rain, wind and cold, Demeester won ahead of Yves Deudon (Kawasaki) and Pierrick Paget (Yamaha). Winner in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2005, Arnaud Demester until yesterday, shared his victory record with Kees Van der Ven, Touquet dominator during 80's. Last year Demeester had to gave up because of a mechanical problem, but this year 1h15 before the finish line, Demeester was on top, thanks to the retirement of his most dangerous rival Timoteï Potisek (Honda), winner in 2006. With one minute of advantage on Demesteer and in first position, Potisek hit a slower rider and broke his radiator, few minutes after that his Honda's engine gave up. Demeester was now alone for the victory. One thousand rider from 17 different countries was on the starting grid of the Enduropale. The biggest motorcycle race in the sand. Before called « Enduro du Touquet », that race was modified last year under the Ecologist lobby : before, the race was between the dunes and the beach, now the race takes place only on the beach.
From AFP
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