As the 2023 FIM Enduro Junior World Champion, Fantic Racing Team’s Jed Etchells has made the significant step up to the senior EnduroGP ranks for 2024, and is adapting fast.

Moving under the main Fantic Motor team awning of Fantic Racing Team, changing bikes and also overcoming a preseason injury, Jed still managed to secure his first Enduro2 podium at round four. A rider with high ambitions for the remaining two rounds of the year, Jed looks dialled in to start consistently claiming top results.

With the FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales marking a home round for the British rider, it was time to catch up with the young Manxman…

EnduroGP: Jed, currently fifth in Enduro2 in your debut senior class year, you must be pleased with things entering this weekend’s FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales?
Jed Etchells: “Yeah, I definitely feel like I’m making progress throughout the year. The podium at round four definitely gave me a confidence boost. I struggled with a recurring back injury coming into the new season, so for a few months, I wasn’t able to train as much as I’d like to. It’s been difficult, but it’s coming together slowly and the results will come. Finishing on the podium in Italy was really exciting.”

At the POLISPORT GP of Italy, you claimed your first senior podium. How did that feel?
“I went into the weekend feeling a lot better physically and we had made a few changes to the bike which helped. Even though my Super Test time wasn’t the best, I already felt really happy with the bike and my riding. I knew I was ready for Saturday. I took it steady at first, but once I settled in, I felt like my riding was where it should be. To get a podium in the senior class felt amazing, I was so happy.”

What did it mean to your team, Fantic Racing Team, with it being their home GP?
“Of course, it was great for me, but it was extra special for the team with it happening in Italy. A lot of the wider team were there watching. I’m glad I could make their home race even better. It’s a big milestone for us in my first year in the senior categories. So to podium at round four was great. It felt good to show everyone what I can do!”

What have you found as the biggest difference between the Enduro Junior and EnduroGP categories?
“Now I’m up against the very best in the world, not just against the Junior class riders. You have to make sure you’re giving 100% all the time. Strangely, I actually feel more relaxed this year. There are less expectations, so after a couple of intense years fighting for championships, it’s nice to be a little more laid back.”

What do you think it’s going to take for you to get more in the mix with the top 10 in EnduroGP?
“I do feel like I’m getting closer every round. I feel a lot more comfortable and hopefully when I’m back to 100% fitness it will start coming together. At the minute, I’m still working towards that and I can’t push as hard as I want to yet.”

As you know, the top five in EnduroGP are often separated by a few hundredths of a second. That sort of consistency must be hard to adapt to?
“Yeah, it is tough, just one mistake can cost you the win when it’s that close. For me, being a bit behind the top boys, I’ve made small mistakes and managed to get away with it for now. But for them, even a millisecond can be the difference between first and second. In the senior classes, you can’t be off your game for even a minute, you have to be fully focused all the time.”

You’ve been with Fantic Motor for a few years now. How’s life with the Italian outfit?
“This is my fifth year with Fantic. But my current team, Fantic Racing Team, is my third team with Fantic. So, not only did I go from Enduro Junior to EnduroGP, but I had to almost restart with a brand-new bike and team. I decided to change to the 310 four-stroke because I’m pretty heavy. I felt at a slight disadvantage on uphills and fast straights with the 250f. With a bigger bike, I’m more comfortable and I’m not worrying about losing speed as much.”

How do you juggle living between the Isle of Man and Italy?
“Normally, I spend the winter months at home on the Isle of Man. As soon as we start testing and training for the new season, I come back over to Italy to get the bike ready. I do jump back and forth between Italy and the UK, and occasionally I’ll pop home to the Isle of Man when I want to fully relax. I enjoy doing the British Enduro Championship, so I try and head back for that when I can.”

What’s your base in Italy like, do you get to spend a lot of time with other EnduroGP riders?
“This year, I’ve spent most of my time with the team as we have an apartment close to the workshop. I also train with Brad [Freeman] and Nathan [Watson] whenever they are in Italy, we do a lot of cycling around the lakes. There are a lot of riders based in Italy, which is great, but it’s tough to find time when we are all free together.”

The FORSITESERVICES GP of Wales is up next, you must be looking forward to it?
“I can’t wait! I raced at Hawkstone Park in 2017 when EnduroGP last visited the UK, but it was a different format, so I’m excited to race a true round at home. It also means a lot of my family and friends can come and watch, after racing away in Europe for so many years. The support will make a huge difference and I’m looking forward to it. The ground looks absolutely perfect. You won’t find any better conditions in the UK, so with the right weather, it will be amazing!”

Finally, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
“My goal now is to get my foot in the door and show that I am capable of racing at the top. I want to be on the podium most weekends.”

The penultimate round of the 2024 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship gets underway this evening in Rhayader, Wales, with the AKRAPOVIC Super Test.