KTM Enduro Factory Racing’s Matthew Phillips will begin his E3 Enduro World Championship title defence next weekend when the 2015 series commences in Talca, Chile.

Phillips will be once again teamed with Spanish veteran Ivan Cervantes in the E3 ranks. Both riders had six race wins and five seconds and wrapped up the season just nine points apart last year.

Cervantes dominated the first half of the competition but the crunch came for him when he was also injured in Sweden. This allowed Phillips, who by then was gaining in confidence to grab the initiative.

Both riders have the ability to take wins this year but Cervantes, a Red Bull athlete has had some injury problems that may slow his start to the season. Meanwhile Phillips is positive he’s in for another massive season.

“As we all expect and hope, to finish on the top podium is a realistic goal,” Phillips said. “I want to win the championship again this year and to take the best results possible for each race.

“I feel I am starting the year at a better level and I hope to improve throughout the season and make a bid for the outright. My bike is strong and we have a vision to improve more from here with some small adjustments.”

KTM will also feature Christophe Nambotin, again chasing down another E1 title, as well as Frenchman Antoine Meo, who saw his 2014 season cut short after a nasty accident that injured his hand at the fourth round in Finland.