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Verona, Garcia Get Things Started At EnduroGP Opener A ndrea Verona and Josep Gar- cia fired the first shots in the 2022 FIM EnduroGP Champion- ship at the GP of Spain, May 7-8. The opening day (Saturday) boiled down to a three-way battle involving the Italian, Verona, Britain's Steve Holcombe and Australia's Will Ruprecht. And Spaniard Josep Garcia was al- ways lurking, as well. Holcombe threw the first punch in the open- ing test, but positions constantly changed throughout the day. Going into the final test of the day, just two seconds separated Holcombe, Ruprecht and Ve- rona for the win. Verona, on the factory GasGas, emerged as the EnduroGP overall victor for the day, ahead of Beta's Holcombe and TM's Ruprecht. "It feels amazing to get my first victory in the EnduroGP class," Ve- rona said. "This year my goal was to try and win EnduroGP at least once, so to do it on day one is incredible. Hopefully this is just the start of more victories to come." "Things started off great on the first extreme test, but I had a massive crash on the next cross test," runner-up Holcombe said. "But I'm pleased with how I regrouped and was able to get back in the battle for the win. I'm a bit gutted to have missed out at the end, but I'm fired up to go again tomorrow!" "What a way to open the sea- son, it was crazy close all day!" said the Aussie, Ruprecht. "I am happy with how I'm riding, so I'm pleased to be on the podium in this company. I'll regroup and get ready to go again tomorrow." But it was the home favorite Garcia topping the day on Sun- day. The KTM rider dominated, taking a clear win by over 20 seconds. IN THE WIND P40 Italian Andrea Verona is the early points leader in the EnduroGP Championship after a strong start in Spain. PHOTOS: FUTURE7MEDIA