Canadian Superbike champion Jordan Szoke finished fourth in last weekend’s Corduroy Enduro, one of Canada’s most storied motorcycle racing events.
“I’ve never been so exhausted in my life,” exclaimed Pro Rookie Szoke after completing his first Enduro event in his career. “Just finishing this event is a victory in itself.”
The Corduroy Enduro celebrated its 60th annual event this fall weekend in the pristine wilderness of Ontario’s highlands. Boasted as Canada’s toughest off-road event, this three-day event pushed its riders above and beyond their limits through hundreds of kilometres in Canada’s gnarliest terrain.
Enduro is a form of motorcycle sport run on courses that are predominantly off-road. Enduro consists of many different obstacles and challenges. The main type of event is a time-card enduro, whereby a number of stages are raced in a time trial against the clock.
“This event was so well organized and laid out,” said Szoke. “Considering all the obstacles Mother Nature and the OPP brought them it was a very well organized competition.” Throughout the weekend rain and police interference forced the organizers to quickly reroute many kilometers of trail.
“This terrain is really tough,” added Szoke. “Then you add an element of speed in there it makes the stages even tougher.”
The nine-time Canadian Superbike Champion spends a lot of his time on a dirt bike, keeping his skills sharp for when he competes on his Superbike.
“When my supporter Sherco Canada brought in a new Enduro bike, they asked me to showcase it in this particular event,” he explained. “The Cord is infamous for its brutal punishment, so I figured it was right up my alley.”
Bob Billyard of Sherco Canada commented, “Sherco Canada was honoured to be part of the 60th Cord. Jordan had a brilliant ride, a very special and memorable weekend for all sharing Jordan’s first competitive Enduro.” Sherco Canada was the premier sponsor for the event.
Szoke finished the three-day competition 16 seconds off the podium in fourth position overall. Only 27 seconds separated second to fifth place, one of the closest finishes to date and making the three-day accumulated time trials extremely exciting for fans and volunteers in attendance.
“I am so disappointed in myself,” said Szoke. “I made a bunch of really big mistakes out there that cost me a ton of time. I really laid it all out there and am disappointed that I was such a small step off the podium.”
When asked about competing in more off road events Szoke replied, “I’m not sure; I really love the format and the level of competition. Pending support levels this may be something else I’d like to pursue.”
–From news@JordanSzoke.com
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