Super season for Antoine Meo & Husqvarna
Antoine Meo has become the new Enduro 1 world champion in Noiretable, France. The Husqvarna factory rider had the title within reach going into the last World Championship stage. Meo did not succumb to the pressure and won the first world title for himself and the Husqvarna TE 250.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has long been regarded as a great talent. Despite a European SX title (2002) and a second place in the French MX Championship (2003), Meo was never able to really break through in the GPs. His best MX1 series result was fourth place in Gaildorf (2004) as a test rider for Kawasaki Racing Team. However, his riding skills come into their own in the Enduro World Championships. Last year he was already second in the E1 World Championship and won the ISDE with the French team. We also know from a good source that Antoine can also handle himself very well on four wheels - with a rally car!
Simply the best!
Meo's title is already the 46th world title for Husqvarna. But it is one of the most prestigious, because the E1 class is particularly popular. Meo defeated reigning champion Aubert and owes his title to a particularly regular and strong season. In the final GP of France, De Meo started rather cautiously. But the encouragement of his home crowd – and also the nature of the beast – forced the World Cup leader to go all out towards the end. It earned him third place after Aubert and Germain.
Even though a mediocre result was enough to win the world title, Meo went all out on day 2. He won for the eighth time this season and that was more than enough to start a big party together with the Husqvarna boys.
“I am so incredibly happy with this title,” beamed Antoine Meo. “I am happy for myself, but also for Husqvarna, the CH racing team and my mechanic Fred. It has been a good season with almost exclusively highlights. Here in France I was able to start the race with a large lead in the World Championship standings, but the race was still very difficult due to the bad weather conditions. Many riders encountered mechanical problems here, but my TE 250 once again proved to be outstanding. I only came third on the first day, but I didn't want to take too many risks with a view to the title. And I must honestly admit that I preferred not to become world champion until the final day. Taking the title in your own country on the last day of the championship...it couldn't be much better. Did I mention that I am very, very pleased?”
Photos credit: Husqvarna
Your reactions