Privateer Focus: Sam Winterburn “Racing On Home Soil Will Be Great!”

Britain’s Sam Winterburn is a regular of the 2019 World Enduro Super Series. Riding for Eurotek KTM, but recently switching to Triple D Motorsport, Winterburn has long looked forward to the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. And following a season’s best Silver class runner-up result at Red Bull Romaniacs, the young Brit is more confident than ever and ready to do battle at his home round of the series.

A former Motocross rider, Sam has shown impressive strength and determination this season. At round one in Portugal he placed a commendable 35th, before improving to 32nd the following weekend in the mud and rain of Trèfle Lozérien AMV.

Admitting to lacking in the Trials experience needed when tackling the most severe obstacles at the Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble, he bounced back from a 53rd place result to go 27 positions higher and finish 26th at Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro.

Opting to compete in the Silver class at Red Bull Romaniacs, Winterburn came to the fore in his first serious attempt at the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye. Ending Off Road Day 1 in eighth, he improved in confidence, speed and positions as the weeklong race progressed. Capping things off with a victory on Off Road Day 4, the British rider secured a well-deserved overall Silver class runner-up result.

Now, with the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country on the horizon, the privateer is pushing to deliver his best WESS result…

Gearing Up For A Home Race…

“I’m really looking forward to racing at Hawkstone Park. In a way it’s going back to my roots. Growing up I used to race a lot of Motocross there and have a lot of good memories of the place. After some big Hard Enduro races it’ll be nice to speed things up too. I’m hoping for a good result – I’d like to aim for top-15 or even top-10. I missed it last year through injury, so a chance to race on home soil in a WESS event is going to be great – especially with home support behind me.”

Reaching For The Podium At Red Bull Romaniacs…

“A Silver class runner-up result at Red Bull Romaniacs was more than I came for. I’m really chuffed to have pulled off a finish like that. I tried to race Gold in 2017, but it never really worked out. That was pretty much my first serious attempt and first finish, so landing on the podium is awesome. It was a great week but hats off to Josu Artola on the win – he was just so fast. I wanted to close the gap as much as I could and gave it everything on the final day, but he had 40 minutes in hand and it was a lot to ask for. But winning Off Road Day 4 was brilliant and the icing on the cake. I owe a big thanks to everyone who supported me, especially the Eurotek KTM guys working day and night to keep the show on the road.”

Deciding To Go The Silver Road…

“I decided to ride Silver class this year in Red Bull Romaniacs instead of Gold and I’m glad I made that decision. I feel like it was the right move for me. I tried Gold about two years ago, but the level was too high. Silver was hard, but not to the intensity that I found Gold to be. It’s been a good move – I’ve been able to enjoy my race, push hard and even win a day and then in terms of the championship still finish 26th overall.”

Switching From Motocross To Enduro And WESS…

“I fancied a change. I had a few injuries in Motocross and just felt ready to try something different. You get much more riding time with Enduro and it meant I could still keep the speed aspect, but also challenge myself on the technical sections. I find it awesome that one day when I’m training I can be on a Motocross track or forestry trail and the next I can be riding my Trials bike for hours up rocky river beds.”

Tackling The French Mud At Trefle Lozerien AMV…

“I really enjoyed Trefle Lozerien AMV. The muddy conditions were similar to home and although the weather was miserable it was a fun race. Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares was tough both mentally and physically, so to go directly to France felt like a break from extreme riding. I didn’t know what to expect going into the event – I knew it would be fast, but also that we would have long days on the bike. I think I adjusted back to the Motocross-style special tests pretty well and I’m happy I managed to gain a solid result for the championship.”

Racing Against The Pros In WESS…

“It’s really great that everyone can race together, although I imagine it can be frustrating for the pro riders at times. As a privateer, being able to compete against those guys is a real challenge, but at the same time I would say I have learned a lot from them. Competing alongside them definitely pushes me to improve.”

Variety Is The Spice Of Life…

“I’m enjoying the variation in the championship to be honest. It’s a nice thing to have. Normally if it’s a Classic Enduro or Hard Enduro series it’s just the one feeling repeated over and over again. By racing WESS this year I’m doing so much more. I’m doing the Hard Enduro races I’ve always wanted to do, but also races like Trefle Lozerien AMV and Hawkstone Park Cross-Country help mix things up and keep it fun.”

The World Enduro Super Series continues with round six at Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, Great Britain on September 21-22.

Photo credit: Future7Media