As the FIM Track Inspector, Maurizio Micheluz plays a crucial role in the smooth running of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship.

Overseeing the layout of the course and special tests at each round of an EnduroGP season, Maurizio works tirelessly throughout a race weekend to ensure it meets the high standards of an FIM World Championship, while challenging the best enduro riders in the world.

With an average of up to 60 kilometres of course to consider at every EnduroGP, it is a demanding role to manage. But now in his 11th season as FIM Track Inspector, it’s one Maurizio does with the utmost passion, enjoyment and pride…

Maurizio, what is your official role in the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship?

Maurizio Micheluz: “My official role is FIM Track inspector, working for the FIM to take care of the track at all rounds of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship. I check if everything is ok, I check the time schedules, if there is something dangerous on the special test. The goal is to help the organiser have a good race that is at the high standard of an FIM World Championship.”

How did you come into this role and when did it all start for you?

“First of all, I was a rider in the FIM Enduro World Championship for nine years, my first full season was back in 2004. Ok, I was not at the very top, but my best results were twice finishing fifth overall in Enduro1, and I got some podiums too. I didn’t have a good ride for the 2015 season and Giovanni Sala, who was the current FIM Track Inspector, was planning to stop, so I thought why not try. I was 33 years old, spoke many languages, which helps in the paddock, so I felt it was a good opportunity to go in this direction. Now, I’m already in my 11th season in this role!”

When does the job begin for you each year?

“There is no special format for the job because it always depends on when and where the races are. Luckily, for 2025, most of the races are returning to the same locations as previously held. Only the GP of Spain is new for this year. But in November, I made a pre-race inspection there, spoke with the organisers and made some suggestions based on what I experienced. But normally, my role begins when I arrive at EnduroGP on the Monday of race week and I work with the organiser to check everything.”

What are your day-to-day duties during an EnduroGP round?

“So, from arriving on Monday, I spend two days focusing solely on the special tests. I want to have everything ready for the riders when they are allowed to walk them on Wednesday. I want to have the tests prepared and how they will find them on race day. Only in emergency cases will we need to change things at the last moment. During Wednesday, I will ride the entire course and assess the time schedules. I’ll plan for potential deviations for the Enduro Open and the Women’s classes. On Thursday, I work with the TV guys to film the track preview. Friday is busy with meetings, rider briefings and the Akrapovič Super Test. During Saturday and Sunday, I go with the bike to the locations where potential problems can occur. Often these are in the Polisport Extreme Test or GMOTO Enduro Test, like a mud hole. I try to focus on potential problems and solve them as quickly as possible.”

More than ever, sustainability is important in EnduroGP. What measures do you consider with FIM Ride Green?

“For this year, we were able to return to a lot of the same locations, which helps a lot. I always suggest using as little tape as is necessary to mark the course. If we don’t need it, don’t use it. Especially in the forest, the goal is to keep it clean.”

Generally, what are your initial impressions of the special tests when you arrive?

“Every time is a new discovery! Sometimes the tests can be too easy and sometimes we have to tame them back. Every country we visit has a different point of view and tradition of enduro. But the goal is always to end with a high level of test for the riders.”

Do you focus the difficulty of the special test towards the very top riders or for the majority of riders?

“I like to find a balance for all of the riders. Of course, the special test is made for the best riders, but you need to think of the other 100 riders coming through too. You can’t make something that is only possible for the top five riders. We look for a balance so that the very top guys can enjoy, and the others are challenged. It’s always a balance.”

Finally, what do you think makes a great special test?

“The length and intensity of it. It must also be visible and accessible for the public and media. But above everything, it must be stable and passable – becoming difficult at the end of the weekend when at its roughest.”

2025 Information

Don’t miss your chance to represent FIM EnduroGP in style this season. Explore the 2025 shop today at shop.endurogp.com.

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2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship

Round 1: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 4-6 April
Round 2: GP of Spain – Oliana – 2-4 May
Round 3: GP of Sweden – Skövde – 23-25 May
Round 4: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 1-3 August
Round 5: GP of Portugal – Vila de Rei – 12-14 September
Round 6: GP of Italy – Darfo Boario Terme – 26-28 September
Round 7: GP of Germany – Zschopau – 17-19 October

2025 Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship

Round 1: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 4-6 April
Round 2: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 1-3 August
Round 3: GP of Portugal – Vila de Rei – 12-14 September
Round 4: GP of Germany – Zschopau – 17-19 October