With the championship opening GP taking place under extreme winter conditions, the WR250F powered rider wrapped up a highly positive weekend claiming fifth on the second day of racing in Finland.

With the season-opening GP being an all-snow affair, Jamie McCanney and his Outsiders Yamaha team battled against sub-zero temperatures throughout the weekend in Finland. Making a steady start to the first day of racing, the Manxman increased his speed as the event progressed. Getting the 250cc class victory at the end of a long and demanding first day of competition, which included a number of night-time special stages, Jamie made the perfect start to the long 2018 season that lies ahead.

Feeling the effects of an exhausting 12-hour opening day, Jamie opted for a risk-free ride on the second day of racing in Finland. Avoiding costly mistakes, Yamaha’s official representative in the Enduro 1 class secured a sold fifth place result to wrap up a tough weekend of racing on a high note.

“It was a good weekend of racing here in Finland and I’m really happy to start the season with a win,” said an exhausted McCanney. “Day one went surprisingly well for us and I managed to get the victory. I’ve trained a lot in winter conditions and I was able to get a good pace during the day. Arriving in Finland a week ago, we also had the chance to set up my Yamaha really well for these extreme racing conditions. To be honest I preferred the conditions on day one, as we had our bike set up for these exact conditions. On day two I felt the effects of a long and tiring day one – it was really tough. Despite not feeling perfect on day two I dug deep and did my best for a top five result. Our eyes are set on the following GP in Spain now. We will do some more testing with the team in between and the goal is to come out swinging in Spain.”

Jamie McCanney and the Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team return to action in Santiago de Compostela, Spain for round two of the 2018 Enduro World Championship on April 27/29.