The Assoċjazzjoni Sport Muturi u Karozzi (ASMK) on Sunday organised the first Moto Enduro races outside its base in Ta’ Qali.

Forty-nine bikers competed in a successful event at the Torri Falka quarry, limits of Mġarr which vindicated the efforts of the ASMK and its members.

Riders were divided into two classes according to engine capacity. Each group followed a leader along the challenging route and competitors were allowed ample time for free practice laps as a safety precaution.

They had to overcome steep slopes and ridges along with natural obstacles.

In the first timed run for under-250cc bikers, Wayne Zahra, on a Yamaha, registered the best time of 5mins 27.47secs.

Terence Azzopardi, riding a 250cc Kawasaki, was second in 5mins 28.22secs.

In the second run, Azzopardi improved his performance, clocking 5mins 18.13secs to win Class A ahead of Zahra. Keith Schembri (KTM) was third in 5mins 34.87secs

Class B was reserved for the ‘big boys’ on more powerful Enduro machines with engines between 250cc and 530cc.

James Zahra was fastest in the first timed run. Riding a Suzuki, Zahra clocked 5mins 11.32 secs.

John Attard, on a KTM, was second in 5mins 12.47secs with Matthew Salomon, on his KTM 530cc, third in 5mins 16.66 secs.

Somewhat surprisingly, how-ever, Matthew Gauci claimed the overall title after turning in the fastest time of 4mins 53.90secs on his Yamaha.

Gary Debono, on a Montesa 280cc, followed in 4mins 58.56secs and Alex Sant Fournier, on a KTM 450cc, was third in 4mins 58.75secs.

During the presentation of trophies, sponsored by Torco, ASMK president Frans Deguara said there are plans to hold Enduro races in other locations.

He thanked Paul Xuereb, owner of Torri Falka quarry and director of Hardrocks Ltd, as well as sponsors Dunlop, KTM, Gordon’s Moto Centre, Torco and Autologic Performance Centre.

The next ASMK racing series will be held at the Ta’ Qali circuit on March 17.