Erik Willems wins Enduro European Championship on Dunlop Geomax EN91

Willems rode on the Dunlop Geomax EN91 (Photo: Dunlop)

Dunlop rider Erik Willems was crowned 2022 Enduro European Champion following the final meeting of the season in Rudersdorf, Germany. The Belgian rider raced a Husqvarna with standard Dunlop Geomax EN91 tyres, winning both the overall and E2 classes. The victory marks the continuation of a successful partnership between rider and tyre supplier. In 2021, Willems raced with Dunlop in the enduro Junior World Championship and moved up to win the European Championship in his debut season at the top of European enduro competition.

Willems won the opening round of the season in Italy before scoring more podium finishes during the rest of the season. Despite being injured at the final round in Germany, he fought hard to secure enough points to be crowned champion at the end of day one.

Erik Willems said: “2022 was a good season for me, and I had a good winter of preparation to be ready for the first race of the championship. The European Championship was long with the first race in March and the last one at the end of October, so it was important to stay healthy and consistent throughout the year. I think I succeeded in doing that and that’s what paid off at the end. I want to thank Dunlop for supporting me and providing me with the best equipment to achieve my goal, becoming European Champion.”

Wim Van Achter, motorsport manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe: “Congratulations to Erik for an impressive championship victory in his first season racing at the top of the European enduro ladder. We’re proud to support him and share this success after three years of working together. Competing in championships like Enduro European is a key part of the development process for further improving our tyres, which are available for riders of all levels.”

Willems’ victory marked even more enduro success for the Geomax EN91 this year after it was the tyre of choice for Team USA in the FIM International Six Days of Enduro back in September. During the 96^th edition of the world’s most prestigious enduro event, Team USA finished a highly respectable fifth overall while locking out the podium in the Dunlop Geomax Challenge.