After a late decision to contest the SuperEnduro World Championship, Daniel McCanney was satisfied with seventh place overall in Krakow, Poland on Saturday.

Making his international debut for the relaunched Gas Gas set-up on the new EnduroGP 300 machine, McCanney admitted it was a late call to ride the event at the city’s at the city’s Tauron Arena.

’It was a very late idea by myself and the team, mainly just to get the new bike out and show how good it is from standard.’

He finished seventh in the opening race and managed to avoid a multiple fall at the first corner in the second to exit the tyre area in fifth place. McCanney did not take long to climb another position into fourth, which he managed to hold until the chequered flag.

The factory Gas Gas rider was on row two for the final race, but was blocked in his attempt to start from the inside. The Manxman tried to overcome this early setback in the short, sharp 10-minute sprint and eventually managed to make up a couple of positions to finish eighth.

Seventh overall was a sound result for Gas Gas in its return to the elite class with the support of off-road subsidiary Torrot.

’I was really happy to be back racing for Gas Gas in SuperEnduro,’ said Daniel. ’My first practice and qualifying was difficult as I hadn’t prepared enough for this event.

’My first race was seventh, which I was happy with, and delighted with fourth in race two.

’I began to feel more confident, but then had a really bad start in the last race, so to finish eighth in that, coming from way behind, and seventh overall on the night was perfect for me.

’I would like to thank all my team and Torrot for all the efforts they have made so we can be in the 2018 World SuperEnduro Championship.’

l Round two takes place on January 6 in the German town of Riesa.