The 24MX GetzenRodeo in Germany wrapped up the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro championship, with Billy Bolt claiming top honours in the closest of title races. As such the record books will forever show the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider as being the first ever FIM Hard Enduro World Champion!
Billy Bolt and team celebrate
Proving to be a sensational season of racing, the outcome of the title featured two riders – Billy Bolt and Manuel Lettenbichler. While Lettenbichler won on the day, it was Billy who ultimately secured the championship. Finishing second, the Brit clinched the title live on Red Bull TV…
Firstly Billy, we have to ask, what time did Saturday night’s world championship celebrations finally end?
Billy Bolt: “The celebrations didn’t go on too late, but that was because they got going once we got back to the truck after the race! It felt like the whole paddock arrived at the Husqvarna truck. The vibes were good, the music was pumping, and we had a good time celebrating – not just my win, but the season in general. I didn’t get out of my race kit until 9.00pm!”
Billy Bolt
When you crossed the finish line to become world champion, we could see the emotion hit home. Can you describe what that moment meant to you?
Bolt: “I’m not sure what the exact emotion was, but there was a lot of it. This was my third world title after WESS and SuperEnduro, but it felt so much more real. I can’t really explain why. With WESS in 2018 I was still young in my career and just went with the flow. SuperEnduro came during lockdown, so I missed that whole final day of nerves and celebration. But with Hard Enduro it was so much more intense because the outcome could have gone either way. There was a sense of relief to reach the finish, but elation that I was champion.”
Billy Bolt – 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro
We had a couple of weeks to wait between Hixpania Hard Enduro and the finale at GetzenRodeo. How did you manage the time?
Bolt: “In the build up to GetzenRodeo I could feel the enormity of the race and championship building. I was struggling to know what to do with myself. Most days I would think about what I needed to do and if I needed to change anything I was doing. Should I be testing, looking to improve or do more riding? I’d then tell myself to relax, I’d been winning all year, so why change things now at this stage. They were a tough few weeks, just trying to keep chilled and stay focused.”
Billy Bolt – Hero Challenge 2021
You had us on the edge of our seats when you dropped to sixth during the GetzenChamp race. Did you need a mental reset to get back into the race again because you recovered very quickly?
Bolt: “Believe it or not, I wasn’t stressing too bad. I wasn’t riding great because I had hurt my clutch finger in the morning race and was struggling to be smooth on the clutch. There was also a niggle in my left shoulder that was causing me to lean forward, which pushed my head down. I therefore couldn’t weight the rear wheel properly to get traction. I knew I wasn’t riding right due to those issues, but with the track being so intense I couldn’t correct it quickly. But eventually I settled down, allowed my rhythm to return and found the balance point, traction, and feel of the bike. I was sixth at that point, but I had complete faith in myself to get back to where I needed to be. Based on my pace in the morning race I knew I had the speed to do it and time was on my side too, so I didn’t panic. I even opted for a couple of easier lines to avoid wasting energy. My goal at that point was get back to second because I knew that’s what I needed to do to win the title.”
Billy Bolt – Hero Challenge 2021
There was a time when you might have cracked in a high-pressure situation like that. Is it now a combination of experience, maturity, and confidence as a rider that’s helping you rise to the occasion?
Bolt: “One hundred per cent. A few years ago there was a time when the outcome might not have been the same. The head would have boiled! The mental side of my racing was a weakness of mine, but now I feel like I’ve turned it around to be one of my strengths. These days when I’m in an intense racing situation, I can now control my emotions and make better decisions.”
Billy Bolt – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
It must be impossible to top your title winning moment, but what other race or moment stands out to you in this year’s championship, as one of the highlights?
Bolt: “Winning Abestone Hard Enduro is up there. It set the tone for the year and showed the level I was at with Mani. We hadn’t raced in such a long time due to Covid and I wanted to prove myself. Red Bull TKO tops it though. That was a big win for me as a rider. We had a lot of drama during the week due to our bike parts being held up in customs. I wasn’t on my own bike there. The battle was tight and I won it on the final lap. For me it was a turning point in the championship.”
Billy Bolt – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Of course, you’re the rider out there on track racing, but it feels like for us watching that the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team acts as a really solid unit. Is that the case?
Bolt: “Without doubt I wouldn’t want to be in any other team in the paddock. The environment we’ve built is special. We’re all pulling in the same direction and moral is always high. For GetzenRodeo, even though Graham wasn’t riding, his mechanic Damien Butler came to the race to support me. That shows how close of a team we are. I also feel like I’m allowed to be myself. They let me get on with doing the social media and vlogging side of my career that I enjoy because they see it relaxes me and benefits my riding. To be on a team that supports all the things I enjoy doing is special.”
Billy Bolt – 2021 Abestone Hard Enduro
Both you and Mani have really raised the bar this year and we saw some titanic battles. Did you enjoy those battles, and do races like that make you push the level even further than you thought possible?
Bolt: “I enjoy the battles. We both do. We share a high level of respect for each other and can trust ourselves to go at it hard, but safely too. We get on well and are good friends away from the track too.”
Finally, as the first world champion of Hard Enduro, how do you see the sport growing from here?
Bolt: “I think the sport is in a good place. Everyone involved is young and is going to be around for a long time. The decision making is for the better and for the future, so we’re heading in the right direction. Our ideas are being listened too. We need to be live on TV and in a close proximity so fans can watch and invest in what we do, so I can see some elements evolving and adapting. But right now we’re going in the right direction.”
Wade Young and Billy Bolt – Red Bull Romaniacs
2021 FIM Hard Enduro Final Standings
Pos
Rider
Man
Points
1
Billy Bolt
Husqvarna
104
2
Manuel Lettenbichler
KTM
104
3
Wade Young
Sherco
83
4
Mario Roman
Sherco
76
5
Jonny Walker
Beta
66
6
Alfredo Gomez
Husqvarna
63
7
Michael Walkner
GASGAS
46
8
Teodor Kabakchiev
Husqvarna
36
9
Taddy Blazusiak
GASGAS
29
10
Dominik Olszowy
KTM
24
2022 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Provisional Schedule
Billy Bolt has claimed victory at Round Five of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, leading home a field of world-class talent in the 2021 Red Bull TKO, beating Manuel Lettenbichler and closing to within just one-point in the standings for the lead.
2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Hot on the heels of round four in Romania, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship headed to the new ground of North America for the iconic Red Bull TKO in Sequatchie, Tennessee. High humidity mixed with an intense race format and rough, rocky terrain, ensured round five was anything but an easy ride.
A Saturday evening Straight Rhythm prologue kicked things off. Immediately on pace, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt was up to speed as he topped the multi-heat format over GASGAS Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak, with Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker third.
Billy Bolt – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
A Sunday morning Hot Lap qualifier determined the starting order for the first of two TKO races, where the field of 60 riders would be whittled down to 30 and then finally down to 15 for the 45-minute Final Knockout.
2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro – Billy Bolt
While Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler was fastest in the Hot Lap, Bolt had the measure of everyone by comfortably winning both times out in the TKO Races. The opening TKO Race didn’t deliver many surprises as the top riders safely made it through, but second time out, Blazusiak was one of the top players not to make the 15-rider cut for the final, ending his day earlier than expected.
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Lining up for an intense Final Knockout, Lettenbichler quickly got his wheel in front and led the opening lap before Bolt took over. The duo were close throughout until a tricky hill climb caught Bolt out, letting Lettenbichler back in front. With just one lap to go, Lettenbichler had the victory in his grasp, but Bolt refused to back down, and with time running out he made one last push to secure the win by just two seconds.
Billy Bolt – P1
“After winning the two qualifiers, I got out to a good lead in the final and felt in control until I messed up the hill climb in the closing stages. Then it got intense! At that stage I didn’t have much left in the tank to charge back at Mani. I got back up to him and just managed to get it done on the final lap. It’s been tough in this heat too, something I’m not that used to. But the crowd didn’t disappoint, the noise and atmosphere was wild for the final. Overall, this win has been great for my championship and now I’m sitting just one point behind Mani.”
Billy Bolt – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Manuel Lettenbichler – P2
“It got pretty close for the win with Billy. I got the hotshot in the final and he passed me, but we stayed quite close and rode almost together after that. I was leading on the last lap when I made a mistake and caught my foot peg on a rock and got stuck, so he passed me back. But it was close until the end. This race is a cool format. It’s nice to do something different and with the terrain here and the humidity, it makes it really hard work.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Winner of the 2020 event, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart came into this year’s Red Bull TKO fresh from his rookie success at Red Bull Romaniacs, just two weeks previously. On form and keen to show the European FIM Hard Enduro regulars what the North Americans are capable of, Hart immediately rose to the challenge, placing fourth in the Straight Rhythm prologue.
Trystan Hart – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Third-fastest in the first knockout, the young Canadian then placed second in race two. Using his TKO experience to the fullest, having won the 2020 event, Hart maintained an extremely strong pace through the 45-minute final, but couldn’t quite match the pace of the leaders. Bringing his KTM home in third, the 24-year-old was pleased with his result, especially considering the quality and experience of the field.
Trystan Hard claimed the final podium spot behind Bolt and Littenbichler
Trystan Hart – P3
“With the full Hard Enduro roster here, third is my best ever result with these guys so although I didn’t win, I’m pretty happy with that. In the final the top guys just sprinted right off the bat and I didn’t, so I lost that early tow and rhythm. But I gave it my all today and when I crossed the finish line I had nothing left in the tank. To be on the podium with the best riders in the world is pretty cool.”
Trystan Hart – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young put in a strong ride to take fourth, with his teammate Mario Roman in fifth.
For Billy’s teammate Alfredo Gomez, TKO was one of mixed fortunes. Looking forward to the rocky boulder gardens, Alfredo quietly set about setting himself up for a strong performance in the final race. Comfortably making it through the qualifiers, he then got to work in the 45-minute final race. In contention for a top three, multiple crashes in the closing stages ultimately hampered his progress and he dropped back to sixth.
Alfredo Gomez – P6
“It’s been a hard day. After good rides in the TKO qualifying races I was pretty confident about what I could do in the final. I started on row two but made good progress on the first laps and had a nice pace going. But then, while getting close to the guys in third and fourth I crashed, then I crashed some more and I was physically done at that stage. It’s a little frustrating, I felt my speed was there, but my luck was not.”
Alfredo Gomez – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
At the end of the first of three Knockout Races, Taddy brought his EC 300 home in eighth. With the extremely physically demanding terrain taking its toll on his shoulder, in Knockout Race two Taddy could do no better than 21st and as a result was unable to line-up for the Final Knockout.
Taddy Blazusiak – DNF
“TKO certainly hasn’t finished how I hoped it would, but it’s been great to be back racing in the US. Coming into the event with an injured shoulder, I knew things were going to be difficult, I just didn’t know how hard I would find it. Everything started great with the Endurocross Straight Rhythm. But the deeper I got into the event the tougher it got for me, and it got to the point where I couldn’t hold on. The Hot Laps went good, I got a good time there. The first Knockout Race was ok, but already I knew my shoulder wasn’t as strong as I needed it to be. And halfway through the second Knockout Race I had to stop.”
Taddy Blazusiak – 2021 Red Bull TKO Hard Enduro
The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship continues with round six at Poland’s Hero Challenge on September 11/12.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
FIM ISDE & FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy postponed until 2021
Penrite Honda throw down the gauntlet – Off-Road Tyre Change Challenge
Jorge Casales fifth in shortened X-Trial World Championship
Kirk Gibbs talks the 2020 MX1 NZ Motocross Championship
Billy Bolt talks winning the 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
Cory Texter shares American Flat Track 2020 aspirations
Andrew Short talks joining Yamaha Rally Official Team
Toni Bou keeps rolling on two wheels at home
Penrite Oils Honda Racing Team reveal MX Nats 2.0 livery
FIM postpone 2020 Speedway of Nations
2020 Championship Calendars (Updated)
2020 MXGP
2020 Motocross of European Nations
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
2020 WESS Enduro World Championship
FIM ISDE & FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy postponed until 2021
Following discussions between the FIM, FMI and the local organising committee of the 2020 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) and the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy (EVT) in relation to the ongoing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the associated restrictions, it has been decided to postpone the events until the same period in 2021.
Australia’s Juniors at the 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
While the ISDE was not due to take place until late August early September of this year – between Lombardy and Piedmont, Italy – there are many influencing factors that made it necessary to take a decision sooner rather than later regarding the 95th edition of what remains the oldest event in the FIM international calendar.
The annual off-road event attracts several hundred competitors from more than thirty countries around the World each year, all of whom which have to commit to extensive travel and logistic plans several months in advance of the ISDE.
Moreover, the ISDE demands many months of forward planning and work to prepare many hundred of kilometres of course, all of which rely on the permission of the various local authorities and stakeholders.
2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
With this in mind the FIM, FMI and the local organising committee decided that in the best interest of all parties, and to ensure that the ISDE continues to hold it place as one of the most important events in the off-road calendar that all early decision to postpone the event was the right and proper action.
The 95th edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro will now take place from 30th August to 4th September 2021 with the 5th edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy from 2nd to 4th September, between Lombardy and Piedmont in Italy.
Penrite Honda throw down the gauntlet: Off-Road Tyre Change Challenge
Penrite Honda have thrown down the gauntlet, announcing their Off-Road Tyre Change Challenge, inviting motorcyclists to post up their tyre challenge and time, tagging @Hondaracing_aus, with a winner to be announced at the end of each week.
The person that wins will get a set of tyres anywhere in Australia or America, thanks to Bridgestone and Penrite Honda.
The rules are simple:
The tyre is deflated
The bead can be broken
Tyre starts on the wheel
Take the tyre off
Put the tyre back on
No mechanical or motorised machines can be used
Tyre levers
Here’s a look at the Penrite Honda team showing us how it’s done:
Most importantly, don’t forget to tag @Hondaracing_aus and tell all your friends.
Jorge Casales fifth in shortened X-Trial World Championship
GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jorge Casales has been confirmed as having finished fifth in the 2020 FIM X-Trial World Championship, following the cancellation of the final two rounds of the series due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Competing in four of the five events held, Jorge’s best result came at the X-Trial of Barcelona, where he finished third overall. Not competing in the second round of the series, Casales returned to action at round three – X-Trial Budapest. Despite many weeks of focused training and preparations ahead of the event, a tough night inside the city’s Sport Arena nevertheless saw the Spaniard match his opening round result in fifth.
Jorge Casales
Round four of the series was unquestionably the highlight of the championship for both Jorge and GASGAS Factory Racing. Competing in front of his home crowd, Casales not only secured his best result of the 2020 X-Trial series but also claimed his first ever indoor podium result. In finishing third alongside countrymen Toni Bou and Adam Raga, Jorge lifted himself to fifth in the X-Trial championship.
Unbeknown to riders at the time, the X-Trial Bilbao was to be the final round of the 2020 FIM X-Trial World Championship. Finishing fifth on the night, Jorge ended the series in fifth position, tied on points with fourth-placed Benoit Bincaz and just six points behind third-placed Jeroni Fajardo.
With the 2020 FIM X-Trial World Championship over, the FIM X-Trial of Nations is due to take place on the rescheduled date of November 6, inside the Arena Stade in Liévin, France.
Jorge Casales
“It’s a shame that the season has to end earlier than expected, but clearly the current situation is more important that motorsport. At the last event, in Bilbao, things didn’t go so well, so the next event in Andorra was very important to me as an opportunity to gain championship points. I was preparing myself well for that race but with how the situation is at the moment it’s time to stay home and hope that the situation improves soon. Then I will get ready for the Trial World Championship. We will also push for the Spanish championship, which we lead at the moment – I’m really focused on the start of the outdoor season. I want to thank the team for the work done and the effort that everyone puts in. I’m really happy with the new team, my first year back at GASGAS, and being able to make a podium in the X-Trial series was great. We keep improving every week.”
X-Trial World Championship 2020 Final Standings
Toni Bou – Montesa/Spain – 100 points
Adam Raga – TRS/Spain – 75
Jeroni Fajardo – Sherco/Spain – 34
Benoit Bincaz – Beta/France – 28
Jorge Casales – GasGas/Spain – 28
Jaime Busto – Vertigo/Spain – 28
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Kirk Gibbs talks the 2020 MX1 NZ Motocross Championship
After a four round, every race battle of death with Cody Cooper, Yamaha’s Kirk Gibbs emerged as the 2020 MX1 New Zealand Motocross Champion, making him a two time winner. After a few quiet drinks with the JCR team in Taupo, Gibbs flew back to Australia and was immediately quarantined in his own house as part of the war against Covid- 19.
With his two week ban coming to an end, Yamaha Motor Australia got the inside scoop from the champ to see how his championship unfolded.
On paper, the New Zealand championship doesn’t look as difficult to win as it always turns out to be. Australian riders have struggled there in the past and really the only two riders to have won there in the past decade are yourself and Jay Wilson. What makes winning a NZ National so hard?
“Cody Cooper makes it hard in MX1. He is an experienced and determined racer that knows how to get it done in NZ. He knows the tracks extremely well, is an awesome starter and still carries good speed for the full 20 minutes. This year, I think I had a little bit of speed on him but my starts at round one weren’t so good, but I worked hard on those and once I was able to be a consistent top three starter, the race results came a little easier. But racing Cody in New Zealand is a challenge and he is still a great rider.”
Kirk Gibbs
Again, it came down to a last race deal with yourself and Cody Cooper but you did have small points buffer on him going into the last race, so were you confident you could get the job done?
Kirk Gibbs: “I had a seven point buffer going into the last race and that was because I won the first moto of the day which not only gave me some extra points but also some confidence to run his speed at Taupo. I was confident going into the last race as with seven points, I could still finish third and secure the championship and because the depth isn’t that strong in MX1 in New Zealand at the moment, I knew I just had to get a good start, stay out of trouble and that would be enough to get the championship.”
The relationship between Yamaha, JCR and CDR is a close and strong one and you have worked a deal to ride with both race teams, how does that work and come about?
Kirk Gibbs: “I guess it started from the relationship both Josh and Craig formed several years ago when Josh was racing for CDR. A lot of the team sponsors carry over and it makes an easy transition between the two race teams and both work together to get the best results for us. Craig came over for a round this year to see how things were going and worked with Josh so its really a unified team and a great environment to be in.”
Kirk Gibbs – Image by CD Photography
What about the management style of Josh and Craig? Two completely different kinds of guys yet they both get the job done?
Kirk Gibbs: “They are both different, but I think they are more alike in a lot of ways. Both are ex successful racers, both run successful race teams, both are determined and passionate about racing and both are intense in their own individual ways. Craig is more a hands-on guy who likes to get involved with the rider and solve issues or problems while Josh tends to let things roll a bit until he feels they are going off track and he then steps in and rights everything. Both have a huge amount of racing knowledge and its great to have both of them there to help when required.”
What are the differences between your JCR and your CDR Yamaha YZ450F?
Kirk Gibbs: “The bike I race in New Zealand is virtually standard. We can’t run race gas in New Zealand, the motor is standard apart from an exhaust system but having said that, the only difference is I run a GYTR head on my Australian bike and some race fuel. A standard 450 is so good these days, you don’t need a lot of things done to it to be competitive anywhere in the world.”
Kirk Gibbs – Image by Clmintiepix
Why do you keep going back to NZ. You have been going for five years now?
Kirk Gibbs: “Because I don’t do supercross, doing the New Zealand Nationals makes perfect season for me and the same length as the guys that do supercross. The fact that working between CDR and JCR is seamless and the timing is perfect for our season, then I’m always happy to do them. It also works as the perfect preparation for our MX Nationals. The tracks in NZ are great to ride and well prepared, the intensity of a 20 minute race is good, and the people treat me well, so I love going over there.”
What have you been doing since you got back? Going crazy looking at the same four walls?
Kirk Gibbs: “My two week isolation is up tomorrow, so I am looking forward to that even if its just to get out and go for a cycle or a run down the beach. Like most athletes, sitting still drives me crazy and my partner has been home as well and I’m sure I am starting to drive her mad, so she will be happy to see my get outside in the coming days.”
Kirk Gibbs tops the podium at Rotorua
What are your thoughts on the 2020 season? How does this break effect your training and preparation?
Kirk Gibbs: “We just have to take the information as it comes and be ready when things are good to go. The isolation break has probably done me some good as I had a big three month block of training prior to New Zealand and now after the two week break, I will probably do something similar again and have another three month block that will take us to the end of June where hopefully we might be able to race again.”
Billy Bolt talks winning the 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
Bouncing back from injury in the best possible way, Billy Bolt claimed this year’s FIM SuperEnduro World Championship to deliver Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing back-to-back indoor titles. Ending his rookie campaign as runner-up in 2018, a serious leg injury shortly after clinching the World Enduro Super Series title saw one of the enduro’s most-promising riders forced to sit out the 2019 SuperEnduro season.
Billy Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
For 2020 Bolt was determined to finally show what he was capable of. With the Husqvarna FE 350 mounted rider securing seven race wins from 12 starts, Billy clinched the title in style, proving himself a World Champion indoors and out.
After sitting out the 2019 series due to injury, where did your expectations lie entering round one? Did you believe you could immediately become a serious title contender?
Billy Bolt: “When I was testing and training with other riders, I got a feeling of where I was at and I was happy with my speed going into round one, based on their speed. Of course, once you get inside the stadium things do change. Also, Poland was still only my sixth SuperEnduro race and I had missed a full season racing indoors, too. I was nervous about things, but confident in how I had prepared.”
Billy Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
You talked a lot about consistency throughout the season. How difficult is it to find that in SuperEnduro, especially in the heat of the battle?
“It’s incredibly difficult to stay consistent in SuperEnduro. With the start order reversed for race two, it can really shake things up with a lot of overtaking to be done. Also, the intensity of each race means it’s difficult to stay consistent. So much changes which makes it such an exciting sport. I worked a lot on improving my consistency in Spain and Hungary and as a result managed to win five of the six races. Overall, I won seven races from 12 starts.”
Topping superpole on three out of four occasions is quite the contrast to your 2018 season. What have you learned to become so fast over one qualifying lap?
“Superpole was something I was keen to improve on from my first season. I was dreadful at it during 2018. Back then I struggled to commit to what I believed was the fastest line around the course. I spent too much time watching what others were doing. Even on the sighting lap I was still questioning myself and that’s the time to have it dialled and pieced together in your head. So often I crashed because I wasn’t committed enough. Now I’ve put that behind me. I’ve gained trust more in myself and the process. Superpole performances were probably one of the biggest improvements I made this year.”
Billy Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
Germany was a technical track where many felt that you would dominate on, but it was arguably your toughest round. Was it simply a case of pushing too hard, trying too hard to win?
“Germany was a tough track to get right. I felt good in training and I had different lines to most people. My rhythm in the matrix and rock corner was a lot faster than everyone else, but unfortunately there’s no points for practice. I just didn’t put it together on the night. I was upset with how I rode superpole and then fell and got my handlebars stuck in my boot while leading the opening race. It wasn’t until after the event that I watched the video of the race and saw I had about a 15-second lead, before those mistakes. After that I learned to manage my races better and pay attention to who is around me if I’m leading.”
Arguably the most difficult part of SuperEnduro racing are the tracks themselves – conditions change throughout the night and from round to round. How important is it having a team like Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in your corner?
“The Prestige class don’t get to ride the track when it’s fresh. A lot of categories have already laid down some lines, so it doesn’t change too drastically for us. Practice and timed training can be quite hectic though because we don’t get that much setup time on the track. So, having a team like Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in my corner is critical. They are spotting new lines as they develop and are giving feedback after each session so we can be at our best for when the start gate drops.”
Billy Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
Despite you being a ‘bigger’ rider, you raced the FE 350 for SuperEnduro. Does it offer the right balance of power, speed and agility for you?
“I prefer the FE 350 for SuperEnduro. You can be super aggressive on it and that suits my style indoors. It’s also lighter than the FE 450, which means I can muscle it around better through the sections, like you would the FE 250. It’s got the best of both worlds and is now the bike of choice indoors.”
Now a two-time World Champion – indoors and out – has it taken you by surprise how far you’ve come in such a short space of time?
“Yeah, it’s a crazy feeling. I’m now a two-time World Champion at 22 years of age. And I’m also relatively new to this sport, too – I only started riding an enduro bike four years ago. I feel proud of how far I’ve come, but at the same time I still feel like I’m only getting started and have a lot more to prove to myself.”
Billy Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship
Although we currently face a challenging outdoor season due to COVID-19, are both body and mind now in a good place to carry this winning momentum into the WESS Enduro World Championship and fight for the World title you won in 2018?
“The situation we’re in is frustrating, but people’s health is more important than race results at this time. I’m in good form and eager to race when we get the call. I feel good even though my leg is not yet 100 per cent. If we do face an extended break in racing, I’ll use that to my advantage to keep rehabbing and building on what I’ve achieved with it so far.”
Social media is an important part of being a professional athlete and you certainly bring fire to the game. Do you enjoy making those video clips and do they help you push the limits of what’s possible on a bike?
“I enjoy it a lot and I hope that comes across on screen. Like anything social media has its positives and negatives, but it’s good to share these videos and show that we have a fun side to our riding, too. It’s not always about putting in the motos. I like to get creative too and it’s cool that people seem to enjoy that. If it brightens up someone’s day, I’m happy.”
Finally, what will it mean to return to SuperEnduro in December as World Champion with the #1 plate?
“At the moment it does feel strange being the SuperEnduro World Champion because I didn’t get those end-of-season podium celebrations. But returning to Poland in December with the #1 plate on my Husqvarna will definitely cement what’s been achieved this year. When I think about what has happened during the last 12 months, it hits home. Last year I was sat in hospital wondering if my foot would ever work again, while watching the racing go on without me. So, to come back in such a dominant way is great for myself and the whole team. We’ve finally got to show what we were capable of all along.”
2020 SuperEnduro World Championship – Final Standings
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 227 points
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 209
Jonny Walker (KTM) 192
Alfredo Gómez (Husqvarna) 161
Blake Gutzeit (Husqvarna) 112
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Cory Texter talks American Flat Track 2020
2019 served as the crowning achievement of Cory Texter’s long and varied career as a professional flat track racer. It had it all – runs of undeniable brilliance, demoralizing defeats and the resulting crises of confidence, title-winning glory, and personal tragedy.
Ultimately, the year saw the achievement of a lifelong goal; Texter was crowned the 2019 AFT Production Twins National Champion, and that’s something that can never be taken away from him. But now it’s 2020. What can he deliver as an encore?
Corey Texter – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
A few days prior to the Daytona TT’s original date, Texter’s top-secret plan to race as a wild card in the premier-class opener was made public. Unfortunately, that plan was almost immediately derailed when the nation, like the world, effectively came to a screeching halt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rather than fly the flag for the AFT Production Twins class in the first-ever AFT SuperTwins race, Texter packed his bags and returned to Pennsylvania.
Corey Texter: “The Friday before DAYTONA was scheduled to go, I took my family back home. After training in Florida for six or seven weeks, I went home, got groceries, and just got things situated so I could be in control of what I can be in control of. Since then, I’ve just been sitting up here, training and trying to keep things rolling as much as I can. It’s not too bad. I live right out of Lancaster City, which is suburb-y… I’m still allowed to go to a private motocross track I can ride at, and I can run and bicycle. I have a gym in my basement too. I’m just trying to utilize my time the best way I can and do things that the other guys might not be doing.”
Corey Texter – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Even though he’s retained the ability to keep his edge physically, it can be more challenging to remain sharp mentally, especially with so much still uncertain.
Corey Texter: “It’s really tough – just to find the motivation. Everybody is so bummed out about life right now. Training is pretty much a lifestyle for me, but it can still be difficult to structure things when we don’t know how long this is going to last. Ideally, you’d want to ramp up your training, but you don’t want to get burnt out from over-training either. I have ramped up my gym workouts a little bit, because I think I have some time to build up a little more strength. And I just try to ride as much as possible. My team has had some extra time to do some things with the bike that we didn’t necessarily think we’d have enough time to do before — more dyno work and things like. In that way, it was good to have a little more time. Obviously, under the circumstances, nothing was good about it, but it does allow them a little more time to prepare and get ready.”
The AFT Production Twins category is intended to serve as both a talent incubator and feeder series to groom future AFT SuperTwins stars. And its first champion – a rider with premier-class podiums on his résumé – almost immediately shifted his focus to a title defense rather than look to turn his 2019 success into a springboard back up the Big Show.
Corey Texter: “I think if I would have stayed on the path I was going – if I would have won more races – then maybe some teams would have looked at me and there might have been an opportunity. But for whatever reason, my whole career… I think there are people who still in the back of their minds are like, ‘Cory Texter, he can’t get the job done.’ I was on the podium multiple times as a privateer in the premier class one season. I proved time and time again that I have what it takes to beat the top guys, and I’ve still never been offered that elusive, no-worries factory ride or anything like that. And now I’m a little bit older and teams are looking at the younger riders and things like that.
Corey Texter – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
“It’s frustrating but it keeps me motivated. If I felt like people were all in on me… I don’t know, maybe I wouldn’t have as much drive as I have right now. I’ve beaten every single rider in the SuperTwins class at one time or another on various racetracks. I’d like to race SuperTwins if I had the right opportunity and right program to do it. I still think I have some unfinished business in that class. But I’m really happy with the team I’m riding for and the bike I’m on.”
That fact alone underlines the importance of the Production Twins class.
Corey Texter: “The guys I ride for travel to the races in a van, and they built the bikes in their garage. And we beat a multi-million dollar team in Estenson Racing, and we beat the factory Harley guys. And we beat them consistently. It’s not like we had to buy a $50,000 motorcycle. It’s cool what the Production Twins class offers in allowing privateers to win races and earn championships. As long as AFT keeps the class on the path it’s on, I think it’ll continue to grow. I don’t want to see manufacturers buy their way into special treatment. Keep it production. Keep the rules cut and dried, black and white, so all the bikes remain equal, and I think it’ll grow every year. I think this class is just what the sport needs.”
Corey Texter back in 2018 in the Singles class – Image by Scott Hunter
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texter maintained a healthy perspective in balancing racing and life. This new reality has only further cemented that outlook.
Corey Texter: “I’ve always been a bigger picture kind of guy, and this is definitely bigger than racing right now. It bums me out for everybody, especially people losing their and everything else within the industry. I’ve been getting emails from sponsors saying, ‘Hey, we’re shut down. We can’t send you product.’ I come from a family-owned Harley dealership, so I know the struggles with the economy as well as anybody. And for me, as a professional athlete, it’s tough. I rely on sponsorship so much. I can’t just eat hot dogs and mac and cheese to save money — I have to focus on my nutrition. When you don’t have any money coming in, it’s tough, especially when we don’t know for sure when we’ll be able to race again. But at the same time, I don’t feel right to ask some of these people for money because they are struggling too. Like everyone else, I’m trying to come up with ways to just get through it.”
Corey Texter – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands MileCorey Texter back in 2018 – Image by Scott Hunter
Tragically, while the team, bike, and rider all return in 2020 to defend their crown, there’s a major void – mechanical and emotional – that must be filled. With Texter explaining:
Corey Texter: “Last November, Jon Reid, my best friend and my mechanic last year, was killed in an automobile accident. Jon went on the victory lap with me after my first win in Texas, and he was the first guy to hug me after I won the championship. Unfortunately, he’s no longer with us. That’s been really tough for me this off-season… just losing a best friend and somebody who believed in me and was constantly keeping me motivated. We have some other guys that are stepping up, some other friends of mine – Julian Sparacino and Adam Renshaw. I can hire good mechanics. I can hire the best set-up guys or whatever. But for me where I’m at in my career, it’s just as important to have people around me on race days that I’m comfortable with. Guys I know want to be there to help me, not just to collect a paycheck. I like to have that family atmosphere on race day.”
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Andrew Short talks joining Yamaha Rally Official Team
Joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Official Team in 2020 is Andrew Short, winner of the 2019 Rally du Maroc and runner-up in the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.
The 37-year-old from Smithville, Texas, USA, who also has an FIM Motocross of Nations victory to his name, spoke of this new venture with Yamaha for 2020:
Andrew Short
“I’m really excited to join the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Official Team. The bike, team and opportunity for me to conquer Dakar is really exciting and I look forward to the future and what it holds. Every time you join a team, there’s new personalities, team-mates, bike, personnel and all these things to look forward to. I know that to race at a high level you have to have a lot of passion and I do for rally racing, so I can’t wait to be around like-minded people, making memories, racing hard and enjoying it.”
Andrew Short & Ross Branch join Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Official Team for 2020
Short has impressed in all three of his Dakar appearances, finishing sixth in 2019 and taking another top 10 result earlier this year. Now, he has his sights set even higher.
Andrew Short
“My main goal for this year is Dakar. I’ve done well in the world championship; I’ve grown and got much better over the years in the rally. I believe I’ve got a long way to go and hopefully, my experience will keep growing so that I can have good success at Dakar, that’s the target. The main thing in rally is to be consistent. I’ve had success at a few races and then the next I might not be quite there. Dakar is a long race and you have to be consistent, so this is something I will work on. I want to be in the mix every day to put myself in the best position, minimise mistakes and be there at the end for the win. That’s where I hope to be and what I aim to work on this year.”
Toni Bou keeps rolling on two wheels at home
Toni Bou shows us how it’s done, even if you’re stuck in isolation at home. Probably not a great idea to try this yourself though… don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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Penrite Oils Honda Racing Team reveal MX Nats 2.0 livery
Australia’s Penrite Oils Honda Racing Team have revealed their new 2.0 MX Nationals liveries, with Team Director Yarrive Konsky positive the liveries will enjoy the same visual success as their previous ones.
Penrite Oils Honda Racing Team 2020 MX Nationals livery
Yarrive Konsky
“I love collaborating with Australian designer Sam Morton who owns SKDA. We have come up with some great liveries over the years. The 2.0 graphics represent Honda’s global direction with team graphics. We gave it our own unique look and colours. The gold really pops and highlights the premium products Australia’s made and owned Penrite Oils delivers customers” – said Konsky
The Penrite Factory Honda Team appreciates the support from Australian owned and operated companies during this trying time, with SKDA director Sam Morten proud of the partnership.
Sam Morten – SKDA
“Each year I can expect Yarrive to come up with several livery changes, I like how involved he is, it pushes my boundaries. Each kit has their own meaning. This year’s Australia day kit was representative of what our country was experiencing through the bush fires. It was amazing and we were able to raise awareness and money for some of Australia’s charities” said Morten.
Penrite Factory Honda Racing are patiently waiting for racing to resume, with the battle right now taking place off the track and the team urged everyone to follow all rules and regulations so everyone can get back to doing what we love sooner rather than later.
Yarrive Konsky
“This is unchartered territory; we need to be agile and flexible. We will be ready for racing when it resumes, and we urge everyone to follow all the rules set by the government. The sooner we can contain the virus the sooner we can return to some normalcy.”
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FIM postpone 2020 Speedway of Nations
Following health and safety directives issued by the governments of Germany and Latvia, amid global health concerns over COVID-19, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and BSI Speedway have made the decision to postpone the first two events of the 2020 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations in Landshut, Germany on April 25 and Daugavpils, Latvia on May 2 respectively.
2020 Speedway of Nations postponed
Furthermore, on the advice of Public Health England and in line with UK government emergency measures on movement, which includes the suspension of outdoor events, the FIM and BSI Speedway have postponed the final of the Speedway of Nations, scheduled for Belle Vue, Manchester on May 8-9.
Paul Bellamy – Promoter of Speedway World Championships
“We know that fans will be disappointed by the postponements, but the health and safety of the entire speedway community is of paramount importance to us, and we trust that people appreciate that it is not possible to stage the events in April and May. We thank our fans, riders and partners for their understanding in these difficult times.”
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2020 Championship Calendars (Updated)
2020 MXGP
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
July 5 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
July 19 – Trentino, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
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The LATEST News
Roczen & Cianciarulo win AMA Motocross at Hangtown
Villopoto wins at Hangtown
Gajser and Prado win MXGP of Portugal
Kras wins Portuguese EMX
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019
Duvall wins Ohio GNCC
Madsen wins SGP of Poland
Garcia wins WESS in France
Brayton set for 2019 Aussie SX Championships
Chad Reed returns for 2019 AUS-X Open
Wollongong SX to feature ‘Speed & Style’ Championship
James Stewart finally announces retirement
Roczen & Cianciarulo Win AMA Motocross at Hangtown
The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicked off last weekend with the Bell Helmets Hangtown Motocross Classic and it was Ken Roczen who got the overall in the 450 class while Adam Cianciarulo bounced back from a tough loss in supercross to win the 250 class overall.
Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld
450 Report
The opening moto saw riders taking on a track that was breaking down faster than usual thanks to rain in the lead up to the weekend and there were battles right from the get-go but the real head-turner was Roczen blowing by Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson and early leader Cooper Webb to take the lead before the completion of the opening lap.
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld
Once he had a clear track Roczen quickly put multiple seconds between he and Webb, while Anderson, Zach Osborne and Tomac rounded out the top five but Tomac made his way by Osborne before actually passing Anderson for third but Anderson quickly got back around the defending champ then started his way to the rear wheel of Webb.
With ten minutes to go the rain began to fall and Anderson’s pace increased, while Tomac’s dropped which carried the two riders into different directions with Anderson moving by Webb for second as Tomac lost a spot to Osborne to be in fifth.
Jason Anderson – Image by Hoppenworld
Despite the rain, Roczen continued his flawless ride all the way to the finish where he took the opening moto win by 15 seconds over Anderson, Webb and Tomac who was gifted fourth when Osborne crashed in the slippery conditions.
In muddy conditions Marvin Musquin emerged with the second moto holeshot over Webb, Tomac and Roczen but it wasn’t long before Tomac was in the lead ahead of Roczen and the two soon opened up a gap over Anderson who got by his training partners in Osborne, Webb and Musquin.
Cooper Webb – Image by Hoppenworld
Roczen’s impressive early pace allowed him to jump by Tomac into the lead but the Honda rider couldn’t shake Tomac and as they approached lapped riders just before the halfway point it worked to the benefit of Tomac who seized the moment to dive to the inside the reclaim the lead.
From that point on, he left Roczen and the rest of the field behind taking the chequered flag by 43 seconds over Roczen while a resilient Musquin never backed down in his pursuit of Anderson for third, and successfully got back around, but in the closing laps a hard charge from Osborne ultimately put the rookie onto the moto podium.
Marvin Musquin – Image by Hoppenworld
Roczen’s 1-2 outing provided him with his first win since the final round of his championship-winning 2016 season. Since then he has endured through a pair of career-threatening injuries to each of his arms, in which he was forced to fight his way back from more than 10 total surgeries. It’s been a long and difficult road, but Roczen was able to prevail for the 16th win of his career.
Ken Roczen
“It’s been a very, very long time [since I won a race]. Overall the whole day was good,” said Roczen. “It’s difficult at the first race to know what to expect [from yourself] and to know where everyone else is. I just did my best every time I was on the track and it got us a win. It was really sloppy out there and [when conditions are like that] it can easily go in either direction [bad or good], so it feels good that we ended up on the positive side of it.”
Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld
Tomac’s second-moto win vaulted him to second overall (4-1), while Anderson rounded out the overall podium in third (2-5) so Roczen holds a slim four-point lead over Tomac in the 450 Class standings heading into the second round. Anderson sits nine points back in third.
As for the Aussies and Kiwis, factory Yamaha fill-in rider Dean Ferris came back from two bad starts to end the day with 11-8 moto finishes for ninth overall while Todd Waters took his privateer Husqvarna to 12-13 finishes for a credible 12th outright, but there was a disappointing result for Cody cooper who earned 15th in the opening moto before not finished the second mud moto.
450 Class Overall Results Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (1-2) Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (4-1) Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (2-5) – Image by Hoppenworld
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250 Report
Justin Cooper narrowly grab the holeshot over Chase Sexton and Cianciarulo while Hunter Lawrence started well outside the top ten but that wouldn’t last for long with the Aussie flying his way into the top ten.
Justin Cooper – Image by Hoppenworld
Up front Cooper successfully held on to that advantage and established himself as the early leader, with Cianciarulo slotting into second and Sexton into third but with about eight minutes left the Kawasaki rider was all over Cooper’s rear fender, but the Yamaha rider withstood the charge and used lapped riders to his advantage to extend the lead once more.
Hunter Lawrence had forced his way up to sixth place after passing teammate RJ Hampshire and just as they were closing in on fifth placed Colt Nichols, Hunter high sided over an inside rut and was clipped by Hampshire’s footpeg gouging a wound across Lawrence’s arse.
Hunter Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Cooper went wire-to-wire on to take the second moto win of his career by 1.8 seconds over Cianciarulo, who rode to an uneventful second-place finish but the battle for third came down to the final corner, where a moto-long charge by Dylan Ferrandis, who started sixth, culminated with a stellar last lap in which he stole third from Sexton as they came to the line.
Lawrence dropped all of the way back to 18th but managed to climb back to 11th place, four places ahead of fellow Aussie Wilson Todd who was up to 12th at one point in the moto.
With rain falling, the deciding moto got underway with Nichols earning then holeshot from Cianciarulo who quickly moved to the lead while Cooper and Ferrandis were at the tail end of the top ten as Lawrence and Todd sat just outside the top ten.
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld
With the track deteriorating to a slippery mess, Cianciarulo easily opened up a considerable margin over the rest of the field but as the moto wore on, Ferrandis and Nichols began to inch closer to second placed Alex Martin but the Suzuki rider was able to hang on to the runner up spot while Nichols and Cooper got around Ferrandis in the dying laps
In the end Cianciarulo took the moto win by 16.3 seconds over Martin, Nichols, Cooper and Ferrandis while Todd finished in a sensational ninth place, three places ahead of a struggling Larence.
Colt Nichols – Image by Hoppenworld
Cianciarulo’s 2-1 effort gave him the second overall win of his career in his first start since the 2017 season, following knee surgery last summer. He becomes the 32nd different rider to earn a 250 Class victory at Hangtown.
Adam Cianciarulo
“It means a lot [to get this win], for all the kids out there that watch us, we go through such peaks and valleys. [This win] is a testament to understanding that the most important shot is your next one. You’ve got to keep fighting. It feels great to get a win at the opening round of the [Pro Motocross] season and start this summer off on a high note.”
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld
Cooper’s resilient second moto landed him in the runner-up spot (1-4) for the second time in his career. Nichols (5-3) and Ferrandis (3-5) ended up in a tie for third, but by virtue of his better result in the final moto Nichols earned the tiebreaker.
Cianciarulo establishes a four-point lead over Cooper in the 250 Class standings entering the second round, while Nichols and Ferrandis sit 11 points back.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish) Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (2-1) Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (1-4) Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (5-3) – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Moto Results and Overall
Adam Cianciarulo 2 -1
Justin Cooper 1-4
Colt Nichols 5-3
Dylan Ferrandis 3-5
Chase Sexton 4-6
RJ Hampshire 6-7
Michael Mosiman 7 -11
Alex Martin 23-2
Shane McElrath 14-8
Christian Craig 13-10
Hunter Lawrence 11-12
Wilson Todd 15-9
250 Class Championship Standings
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 47
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 43
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 36
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 36
Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 33
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 29
Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 24
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 22
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 20
Christian Craig, El Cajon, Calif., Honda – 19
Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 19
Wilson Todd, Australia, Husqvarna – 18
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Villopoto wins at Hangtown
The Hangtown Motocross Classic fans at Prairie City OHV Park were treated with seeing multi AMA motocross and supercross champion Ryan Villopoto taking on a field of 32 riders and win the first round of the 125cc All-Stars race.
Ryan Villopoto – Image by Hoppenworld
RV piloted his No. 2 Yamaha to victory ahead of fellow YZ rider Robbie Wageman while 16-year-old Brandon Ray rounded out the podium in third aboard a KTM.
125cc All Star Results
Ryan Villopoto, Yamaha
Robbie Wageman, Yamaha
Brandon Ray, KTM
Wyatt Mattson, Husqvarna
Carter Dubach, Yamaha
Tyler DuCray, KTM
Angus Riordan, KTM
Cole Barbieri, Suzuki
Dennis Stapleton, Husqvarna
Ty Freehill, Yamaha
Derik Denzin, Yamaha
John Ayers, Husqvarna
Antonio Calavano, KTM
Bryson Olson, Honda
Conner Degraaf, KTM
Toline Tyler, KTM
Hunter Cross, KTM
Talon Gorman, Honda
Steven Stultz, Yamaha
Jared Lang, Honda
Dylan Simao, Yamaha
Geoff Wills, KTM
Tyler Edmondson, Honda
Aron Martin
Wyatt Bullen, Kawasaki
Brooks, KTM
Blaine Holdsclaw, Yamaha
Derek Cappiello, Yamaha
Chase Forsberg, KTM
Nick Roby, Kawasaki
Jeremy Ryan, KTM
Ryan Eager, Suzuki
Gajser and Prado Win MXGP of Portugal
The Portuguese circuit of Agueda has hosted the sixth round of the 2019 World Motocross Championship and it was Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado who went 1-1 in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.
MXGP of Portugal 2019
MXGP Report
Antonio Cairoli was in a winning position in both of the MXGP motos but the KTM rider stalled briefly in the opening moto while leading and tipped over in the second moto while in the same position and both times Gajser was right there to take advantage of the situation to claim both moto wins, the overall and to reduce Cairoli’s championship points lead to 34 points
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Cairoli took 2-2 for 2nd overall ahead of Arnaud Tonus who reached the podium with hard fought 3-3 finishes while Clement Desalle, Jeremy Seewer, Pauls Jonass, Julien Lieber, Romain Febvre, Glenn Coldenhoff and Gautier Paulin rounded out the top ten.
Tim Gajser
“Last weekend was tough, so I tried to forget it and just focus on this weekend. I was feeling good yesterday and also today, the riding was good, and I had two good starts. It was great racing and I am really happy to win both races, hopefully we can carry that moment to the next round.”
Tim Gajser
Antonio Cairoli
“On one side I’m happy because this is the goal to be on the podium and always consistent but on the other side I’m disappointed of course. I am happy like I said but focused on the next one where I will try to be consistent and not make these mistakes.”
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Arnaud Tonus
”It feels amazing, it is hard to find the right words at the moment, I have been through a lot so it is good to be up here. I really had to fight today, in the first race I was battling with Jeremy (Seewer) and he passed me in the beginning of the race so I had to come pass him back, it feels even better knowing that I fought to make it happen. I am super happy and I hope that I can keep it going.”
Arnaud Tonus
MXGP Results
MXGP Race 1 Top Ten
Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:00.609
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.197
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:17.885
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.240
Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:28.880
Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:29.847
Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:35.562
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:51.205
Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:52.970
Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:53.969
MXGP Race 2 Top Ten
Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:47.988
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:10.604
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:12.909
Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:15.819
Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.856
Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.225
Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:22.115
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:24.630
Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:27.080
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:30.999
MXGP Overall Top Ten
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 40
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29
Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 28
Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 28
Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 27
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 26
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 22
MXGP ChampionshipTop Ten
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 285 points
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 251
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 197
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 175
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 166
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 153
Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 137
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 136
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 122
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 120
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MX2 Race Report
Prado took the opening moto holeshot and eased away for an easy win over Thomas Kjer Olsen, Jago Geerts and Mitchell Evans but in the second moto Prado was forced to pass the fast starting Roan Van de Moosdijk for the lead and usually that is where the action stops for the lead but this time Mitch Evans decided he wanted to have a run at the front and soon passed Van de Moosdijk and Prado for the lead.
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Evans held the lead for four laps before Prado found his way through to take the lead and the eventual win ahead of Henry Jacobi, Evans and Kjer Olsen.
This was Prado’s 5th 1-1 result of 2019 and despite Kjer Olsen finishing second overall but it was a bitter sweet moment as he also lost the championship lead to Prado while for the second time in his rookie MX2 season Evans reached the podium in 3rd position.
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Portugal 2019
As for Jed Beaton, the Husqvarna pilot was a solid 12th in the opening moto despite a crash and a stall but the second moto went pear shaped with his bike being landed on after an early crash forcing the Aussie to DNF the race. Beaton sits 13th in the championship.
Jorge Prado
“This is the closest race to a home GP for me, we are very close to Spain and there are so many fans that came out and many were cheering for me, I really enjoy it. When I went onto the podium they went crazy so it is great to have a race like this and it was a great weekend. For me it was important to get the red plate because I feel more comfortable with it but it is tough to keep so I try to not make any mistake but in motocross you never know.”
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen
“I felt like my riding all weekend was really good so that was a huge positive. I felt pretty calm all weekend and I had a lot of confidence in my riding along with my technique on the bike. I am kind of bummed out about the mistake I made on the start of race 2 but it could have been much worse and I got up to 4thwhich was pretty good. I am just going keep working and focus on myself to be the best that I can, not worrying about much else.”
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Mitch Evans
“It feels great to be back on the podium, we had a few tough weekends with some little injuries and my fitness dropped off because of it. We are finally back to the normal program and I am feeling a lot better which also gives a lot confidence coming into the weekend.”
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jed Beaton
“It’s been a tough GP for me. I’m pretty beaten up and, yeah, things just didn’t go well despite two good starts. I went down in the second turn in the first moto so I just pushed as hard as I could. I stalled my bike at the end of the wave sections after passing about 10 riders, so I went back to last again. I gave everything to get to 12th, which I think was a good result considering what happened. I was about sixth off the start in the second heat but clashed with another rider over one of the jumps. I got landed on, my bike got landed on and it was pretty messed up and bent. There was no point in continuing so unfortunately I had to retire.”
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Portugal 2019
MX2 Results – Portugal MXGP
MX2 Race 1 Top Ten
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:07.339
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.304
Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:27.504
Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.329
Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +0:34.618
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:35.418
Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:44.519
Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:45.789
Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:51.829
Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +0:53.710 …12. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36:03.407
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Duncan Dominates Portugal WMX
Portugal hosted the second round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and it was Kiwi flyer Courtney Duncan who not only won both motos but also took over the championship lead.
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Duncan won the opening moto by 12 seconds ahead of Larissa Papenmeier and Nancy Van De Ven before dishing out a similar performance in moto two to take the win over Van De Ven and Papenmeier so the championship leaders red plate now belongs to Duncan with 89 points while former championship leader Van de Ven is four points back in second.
Aussie Tahlia TJ O’Hare struggled in the tough conditions to score just 7 points over the two motos for 19th outright to now sit 13th in the championship.
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Duncan will now return to New Zealand to continue her training before taking the red plate into round 3 in Loket, Czech Republic, July 27-28.
Courtney Duncan
“I was really happy with the weekend; the goal was to put two solid races together and I did that. I got blocked in at the first turn in that second race, but I didn’t panic, sorted out a good place to make a clean pass and could race away. I’m just taking it race by race at the moment and not really thinking about the championship, but I’m stoked to get the double win and take the red plate to the next round. We’ve got a nine week break now, so I’ll be going back to New Zealand to keep doing the work and come out swinging at Loket.”
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019
WMX Race 1 Top Ten
Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 25:37.493
Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:12.938
Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:20.911
Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:49.788
Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +0:59.251
Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:07.227
Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:13.030
Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:34.821
Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:39.651
Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:42.185
WMX Race 2 Top Ten
Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 24:51.296
Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:30.514
Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:45.003
Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:08.450
Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +1:13.670
Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:14.835
Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:24.616
Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:25.103
Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:28.714
Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Husqvarna), +1:39.760
WMX Overall Top Ten
Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 42
Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 42
Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 34
Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 29
Line Dam (DEN, HON), 28
Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 27
Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 23
Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 20
WMX ChampionshipTop Ten
Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 89 points
Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 85
Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 82
Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 67
Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 63
Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 61
Line Dam (DEN, HON), 54
Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 54
Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 49
Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 37
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Kras Wins Portuguese EMX
Portugal hosted the third round of the EMX2t championship and it was Mike Kras who grabbed his second overall in as many rounds to take over the championship points lead by one over Brad Anderson.
Kras won the opening moto from Todd Kellett and Youri van t Ende while Anderson was back in eighth before the second moto also went to Kras with Anderson in second ahead of Andero Lusbo.
Now leading the championship by 1 point over Anderson, Kras, and the rest of the field will head to Russia’s south in 3 weeks’ time for round four at Orlyonok.
EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Result
EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:58.291;
Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:06.600;
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:14.879;
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:16.610;
Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:17.066;
Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:23.102;
Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:25.081;
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:27.130;
Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:27.656;
Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:28.476.
EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 2 Top Ten
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:52.732;
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:05.300;
Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:07.202;
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:09.878;
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:11.292;
Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:27.263;
Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:28.560;
Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:34.053;
Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:43.325;
Ben Putnam (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:44.770.
EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top Ten
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 50 points;
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 38
Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 37
Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 36
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 35
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 34
Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 28
Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, YAM), 25
Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 24
Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 21 p
EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top Ten
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 119 points
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 118
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 101
Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 95
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 88
Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 86
Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 82
Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 60
Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 59
Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 59
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019
Youthstream have announced the venue and timing of the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and FIM Junior Motocross World Cup! On the 13-14th of July 2019 Junior Motocross riders from around the world will head to the famous circuit of Trentino in Italy’s North.
The event will return to Italy eight years after its last visit in 2011. The 2019 edition will take place at the same venue as the MXGP and MX2 World Championship of Pietramurata. The two-day event will host practice and qualifying sessions Saturday followed by racing of the three classes, 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc, on Sunday. Riding for themselves and also their country with the results of nations makes the event one of a kind and always creates a great atmosphere of both comradery and competition.
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019
The world class facility has been a long time favorite of riders and fans with its stunning backdrop and amazing surroundings. The venue, aside from being in one of the most passionate motocross countries in the world, is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Milan, Venice, and Verona.
The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship includes the 125cc and 85cc two stroke categories plus the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup. Along with returning competitors and even previous champions the junior rising talents of motocross will all be going to Trentino from different countries racing at the unique race for the chance to become an FIM Junior Motocross World Champion!
Duvall Wins Ohio GNCC
Thad Duvall has won the sixth round of the 2019 GNCC which was held in Ohio last weekend and in doing so has reduced his points deficit to championship leader Kailub Russell to just 13 points.
Kailub Russell – Image by Ken Hill
Duvall scored his second win of the year at Ohio ahead of Russell and Trevor Bollinger while Steward Baylor Jr and Josh Strang rounded out the top five.
XC1 Open
Kailub K Russell – 165
Thaddeus Duvall – 152
Steward Baylor Jr – 123
Trevor Bollinger – 111
Josh V Strang – 83
Ben Kelly is undefeated the XC2 class and took the Ohio win over Craig Delong and Evan Smith while Austin Lee and Michael Witkowski rounded out the top five.
XC2 250 Pro Result
Benjamin M Kelley – 180
Michael Witkowski – 119
Evan Smith – 107
Austin Lee – 91
Liam Draper – 78
Becca Sheets got her second win of the season in the WXC class over Aussie Mackenzie Tricker and Rachael Archer while defending champion Tayla Jones had a shocker with a rare ninth place finish.
WCX Result
Becca N Sheets – 160
Tayla Jones – 153
Mackenzie Tricker – 125
Rachael Archer – 107
Shyann Phelps – 85
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Madsen Wins SGP of Poland
The much-awaited opening round of the 2019 FIM Speedway World Championship got underway with the Boll Warsaw FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland last weekend and the surprise winner was Danish star Leon Madsen who pounced on a Fredrik Lindgren error to hit the front and win the final.
2019 SGP of Poland
Madsen didn’t win any of his regular heats, but made it into the semis on eight points, before finishing second to Niels-Kristian Iversen in semi-final two to reach his maiden SGP final where he got his first win of the night when it mattered most and the European champion celebrated wildly with a 50,000-plus crowd.
Madsen made no secret of his bold SGP ambitions ahead of the meeting as he targets World Championship gold. But he insists he’s not piling the pressure on himself to land the world title at the first attempt.
Leon Madsen
“I don’t need to be No.1 this year. I am here to gain a lot of experience, especially on tracks like Warsaw. I am not here just to take part. I am here to fight for the championship. It was a good round tonight and I clocked a lot of points. If I can be consistent all season, things could be quite good. But I’m not setting the bar higher. I’m just in this game to fight for the championship. I don’t put it as a goal that I must be No.1 or in the top three. You are obviously here to fight for the championship and I feel I have the quality to do that.”
Despite recovering from a crash and coming third in the final it is Patryk Dudek who topped the World Championship standings with his 16-point haul.
2019 SGP of Poland
Patryk Dudek
“Before the last heat, I heard my name and I was thinking ‘oh, but let’s see what happens after the heat!’ I was third, so that’s not bad. I would like to say a big, big thank you to the fans. This night was tough for me and the season has been tough for me. Today was great. I want to say a big thanks to my team, my family and my sponsors. I hope to stay in the same position at the next round. But we will see.”
It was his third straight Warsaw final and Fredrik Lindgren was delighted to leave the PGE Narodowy cauldron of noise with another podium finish.
Fredrik Lindgren
“Overall I am very happy, I really enjoy racing here in front of this crowd. It is intense and you have to give 100 percent for all four laps. I am disappointed not to win after the start I made in the final. I made a huge mistake on lap two to lose the winning position. But I am also very happy with the way I was racing, the points I scored and the way our team worked together.”
It was far from the prefect start to the championship for the Aussie duo of Jason Doyle and Max Fricke who scored 6 and 5 points respectively after a full night of racing.
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Doyle kicked off in fine form, marking a strong return from injury not even two weeks prior. As the evening progressed, Doyle’s injuries weighed heavy, but the Australian star remained steadfast as he focussed on racking up as many points as possible. Doyle finished Round 1 of the 2019 SGP with five points, landing in 13th place in the World Championship standings.
Jason Doyle
“The bike is good and the crowd is awesome! We’re just trying to get the right set up at the moment because the conditions are different from practice, as we expected. Tonight we’re just trying to get points and stay consistent.”
Newcomer to the SGP line-up, Fricke tackled what was undeniably an intense environment, finishing Saturday night with three points. Now sitting on 16th place in the World Championship standings, Fricke suffered a blow when he crashed out during one of his heats, however the young Australian remained the image of positivity as he reflected on the turn of events.
Max Fricke
“I’m really grateful for this call up! It’s not something I ever expected to happen this year so I’m really grateful for this experience and to be able and come out in front of a huge stadium. I picked up a few points, learnt a lot, and lead a few laps in the end, but I threw it away, which is on me. Hopefully we can come back sometime during the year and do some more rounds of the SGP.”
2019 SGP of Poland Podium
Boll Warsaw SGP Result
Leon Madsen 13
Fredrik Lindgren 15
Patryk Dudek 16
Niels-Kristian Iversen 14
Bartosz Smektala 10
Bartosz Zmarzlik 10
Antonio Lindback 10
Robert Lambert 8
Martin Vaculik 7
Matej Zagar 7
Emil Sayfutdinov 6
Tai Woffinden 6
Jason Doyle 5
Janusz Kolodziej 4
Artem Laguta 4
Max Fricke 3
Dominik Kubera DNR
Rafal Karczmarz DNR
World Championship Standings
Patryk Dudek 16
Fredrik Lindgren 15
Niels-Kristian Iversen 14
Leon Madsen 13
Bartosz Zmarzlik 10
Antonio Lindback 10
Bartosz Smektala 10
Robert Lambert 8
Matej Zagar 7
Martin Vaculik 7
Tai Woffinden 6
Emil Sayfutdinov 6
Jason Doyle 5
Artem Laguta 4
Janusz Kolodziej 4
Max Fricke 3
Garcia Win WESS in France
Spain’s Josep Garcia has won round two of the World Enduro Super Series, storming to victory at France’s Trèfle Lozérien AMV ahead of Jamie McCanney and Nathan Watson.
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
For 2019, the second round of the WESS championship proved a challenge for the 600-plus riders competing with continuous rain throughout the three days of racing at France’s most-prestigious Enduro – Trèfle Lozérien AMV – ensured the 719 kilometres of riding were both physically and mentally demanding for all.
Josep Garcia
“To get my first WESS victory of 2019, and also to create a little piece of history by being the first non-French winner here at Trèfle Lozérien, is amazing. The conditions really didn’t suit me – I’m not really a big fan of wet, slippery mud. But I pushed hard on all special tests and, well, everything went perfectly. Coming here straight from Extreme Lagares wasn’t easy but I knew this race was going to be important to my WESS championship.”
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Behind Garcia the battle for the remainder of the podium places was fierce but McCanney held his ground over his rivals to take the runner-up result.
Jaime McCanney
“Right from when I started walking the special tests here in France I knew Josep Garcia would be the rider to watch. When conditions weren’t too wet, or when they suited the 450 more, I managed to win some tests. And I’m really pleased about that. But Garcia was really strong throughout the event. I’ve been away from enduro racing for some time now, firstly getting over a shoulder injury and surgery and then focusing on rally. To come here and get the result I’ve got is really great. Despite the weather it’s been a great event. I can’t say if I’ll be back for more WESS racing, but I’d love to compete at Hawkstone if my schedule allows it.”
Jamie McCanney – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Entering the final special test it was all to play for between Watson and Julien Gauthier for third with Gauthier holding just one tenth of a second in hand over the KTM rider and with both riders putting it all on the line, Watson edged out Gauthier by just over one second to snatch the final step of the podium in the last few moments of the race.
Nathan Watson
“I’m really happy with third overall, this is the first Classic Enduro I’ve raced since this event 12 months ago, so I came into it a little unsure what to expect but also confident that it would suit me. I had a consistent three days and kept things upright over the 15 special tests, which was really important. I’ve really enjoyed racing the 450 – being able to keep things smooth in these conditions has really helped me. Things were really close coming into the final test, just half a second between third and fourth overall. Thankfully, I managed to jump up one position to third, which was a great way to end the race.”
Nathan Watson – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
For Gauthier it was not to be and with his fourth place result it also marked the first time in the event’s history that a French rider wasn’t present in the top three positions. After a strong ride on day two, Tarroux slipped down to fifth, with teammate Theo Espinasse (FRA) completing the top six.
The eight-round World Enduro Super Series continues with round three at Austria’s Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble on May 30 – June 2.
Results – Round 2: Trèfle Lozérien AMV 2019
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 01:03:07.557
Jaime McCanney (Yamaha – GB) 1:03:49.586 +42.029
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1:03:55.612 +48.055
Julien Gauthier (Yamaha – FR) 1:03:57.013 +49.456
Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco – FR) 1:04:10.136 +1:02.579
Theo Espinasse (Sherco – FR) 1:05:04.311 +1:56.754
Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas – FR) 1:05:10.817 +2:03.260
Joe Wootton (Husqvarna – GB) 1:05:52.828 +2:45.271
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Brayton Set for 2019 Aussie SX Championships
Justin Brayton is the first of the international riders to confirm that he will compete in this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne on November 30 at Marvel Stadium as part of his attempt to win a fourth straight Australian Supercross Championship.
Justin Brayton
“The AUS-X Open is one of the greatest events outside of the US, and having been so close to winning it before, I’m determined to come back faster and ready to win in November. The racing at Sydney was always incredible but I think moving to Melbourne, into such an awesome stadium, is going to take Supercross racing in Australia to the next level and I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans in Australia. Marvel Stadium will be the closest thing Australia gets to the World Championship. The track will be full-sized and I have no doubt both the racing and the atmosphere will be electric on November 30.”
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld
The AUS-X Open Melbourne is the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
“I’m so pumped to be returning to Australia in 2019 and fighting for the Australian Supercross title for a fourth straight year with Penrite Honda Racing,” Brayton said. “I have the most amazing team when I head down under to race, and it would be awesome to bring home the trophy again, especially in front of the huge Melbourne crowd.”
Chad Reed returns for 2019 AUS-X Open
Two-time World Champion Chad Reed has announced he’ll be back to race on home soil this November 30 at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, as tickets go on sale from for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open.
Chad Reed at the AUS-X Open in Sydney in 2018
The 37-year-old will head to Victoria to race for the first time since 2012 and his first time racing in Melbourne since 2000, where he says he’ll be looking for redemption. The legend sat out the 2017 event due to injury and was unable to complete a fairytale comeback last year, with the 2018 World Champion Jason Anderson (USA), taking the win.
Chad Reed
“I’m definitely looking for redemption, to come out and work hard and just be better prepared on all levels myself, the bike, the team, so I can hopefully take out that AUS-X crown. Getting back to Melbourne to race will be awesome, it’s been a long time since I’ve raced there, I love the city, and I’ve never been to Marvel Stadium before so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld
Tickets for the event will be available exclusively through Ticketmaster.com.au, starting from $39.95, and are expected to sell out fast.
Australia’s largest Supercross event, the AUS-X Open, has proven successful for the Aussie hero since its inception, including back-to-back wins during the first two years in 2015 and 2016, and Reed says he’s proud to have watched the event grow over the past four years and how it has significantly changed the Australian Supercross industry.
Chad Reed
“My favourite thing about AUS-X Open as a rider and an athlete is it’s such a reflection for me, remembering back to when I was eight years old watching all the Australian greats in a Newcastle motordrome, and now seeing it, [AUS-X Open] being held at Marvel Stadium at the highest level makes me real proud to be apart of the sport. I was around for the first ever AUS-X Open in Sydney and I’m really proud to see how it’s grown into Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. It’s so hard to put into words the energy that you get at a stadium like Marvel, a stadium filled with 35-45,000 people, there’s just nothing like it. And really why I still, at 37-years-old, choose to do this as my day-to-day job. I love it, and I can’t replace that feeling and I’m always excited to come back for more.”
Chad Reed after winning the 2016 AUS-X Open
Reed will not have it all his own way in Melbourne, with what will arguably be the most competitive field of international supercross racers, to ever line up on Australian soil. More of the world’s biggest names in Supercross and Freestyle Motocross, including recent World Championship winners, will be announced in the coming days.
Already confirmed to compete on November 30, are current World Number 10 and defending Australian Supercross Champion – Justin Brayton, as well as 2019 World Supercross Championship Rookie of the Year and current World Number 8 – Joey Savatgy.
The 25-year-old American rider had an incredible rookie season in the premier 450SX1 class of the 2019 World Championship and is expected to be hard to beat at the AUS-X Open.
Joey Savatgy
“I can’t wait to head Down Under for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open. The calibre of riders that the event brings each year makes me so pumped to get out there and take it to the world’s best on Aussie soil. Racing Chad Reed at home, is certainly not going to be easy, but a challenge I’m ready for.”
Joey Savatgy competing in the World Supercross Championship
The largest international Supercross and action sports event in the world outside of the USA, the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, will feature the world’s best riders going head-to-head on a full-sized World Championship style Supercross track for the first time ever inside Marvel Stadium.
It will also be an engineering feat, arguably unmatched by any Supercross event in the world, as supports imported and constructed in the lower level carpark, prepare to handle the immense pressure of up to 6,000 tonnes of dirt, machinery and infrastructure, all positioned within Australia’s largest indoor stadium.
Featuring live music and entertainment, stunning pyrotechnics and the world’s best freestyle motocross riders battling to win the best-trick and best-whip competitions; the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne is an incredible entertainment spectacle for all ages.
The AUS-X Open Melbourne is the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA). *$39.95 Silver Tickets will incur additional transaction and booking charges.
Wollongong SX to Feature ‘Speed & Style’ Championship
Troy Bayliss Events have announced that the Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championship will be held on Saturday the 9th of November at Wollongong WIN Stadium – coinciding with Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championships.
The Australian Speed & Style Championship will also be featured at Wollongong
The exclusive feature for fans attending the Wollongong Supercross, Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championship will be run and won on the night, in a thrilling elimination style winner takes all format.
Australian and International riders are invited to compete, with the winner crowned the Official Australian Speed & Style Champion by sanctioning body Motorcycling Australia.
Speed and Style is a unique sport that originated at the American X-Games and combines the technical racing skills of Supercross with the incredible talents of Freestyle Motocross, giving fans an unbeatable mix of speed and wow.
Riders will race head-to-head, across whoops, over jumps and around berms with the added obstacle of a steel up-ramp and 75-foot gap for a finish line, allowing riders to perform backflip variations, huge whips and much more. Riders are judged based on a combination of time and the difficulty of tricks performed within the short action-packed race.
Troy Bayliss right – TDJ Images
Troy Bayliss
“If you haven’t planned your trip to Wollongong Supercross yet, I suggest you do. Not only will fans be treated to an incredible night of Bar to Bar Supercross Action they will now be on the edge of their seats watching the best in the business compete for the Recover8 Speed & Style title. Troy Bayliss Events welcomes Recover8 as the official partner to the Australian Speed & Style Championship. Recover8 is a brand new supplement product that is being widely promoted as a go-to product by many elite athletes here in Australia and around the world, and makes for a perfect fit for this exciting feature.”
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James Stewart finally announces retirement
James Stewart, the seven-time AMA Motocross and Supercross Champion, who has not raced since July 23, 2016, has finally announced that he is retiring from the sport.
James Stewart
“Where I’m at in my life, I think it’s time to say I’m retiring. I’ve retired, it’s hard for sure, because I love racing and I love the fans, I love the opening ceremonies, I love the autograph lines, but I don’t miss the sweat and tears and training and having to feel like you have to win every race and having to be James Stewart. I don’t love doing that anymore.”
James Stewart retires
Stewart had a controversial career where he at times put other riders at risk with his brash riding style and while he was once known as the “fastest man on the planet,” he was also known as the “fastest soil sampler on the planet” with multiple crashes tainting what was supposed to be a dominating and long career – of which neither materialised.
Stewart retires with 20 career 250/450 Class wins in AMA Pro Motocross (fifth all-time) and 28 career 125/250 Class wins (first all-time) and 50 supercross wins.
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Spain’s Josep Garcia has won round two of the World Enduro Super Series, storming to victory at France’s Trèfle Lozérien AMV. In testing conditions, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider became the first non-French winner in the 33-year history of the race. With Yamaha’s Jamie McCanney and Nathan Watson finishing second and third respectively, it also marked the first time a French rider placed outside the top three.
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
For 2019, the second round of the WESS championship proved a challenge for the 600-plus riders competing. Continuous rain and occasional fog throughout the three days of racing at France’s most-prestigious Enduro – Trèfle Lozérien AMV – ensured the 719 kilometres of riding were both physically and mentally demanding for all.
Trèfle Lozérien AMV Day 1
Day 1 of Round 2 of the World Enduro Super Series saw Spain’s Josep Garcia performed best on the wet, grassy special tests of the Trèfle Lozérien AMV to claim victory. With heavy rain greeting competitors on the opening day of racing, Garcia secured a 20-second winning margin over teammate Nathan Watson, with Yamaha Outsiders’ Jamie McCanney completing the top three.
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
After last weekend’s Hard Enduro opener in Portugal, the second stop of the 2019 series saw riders click into Classic Enduro mode. For day one of the Trèfle Lozérien AMV, the 600-plus entry were faced with over 200 kilometres of riding and five timed special tests. After a cold and damp start to the day, the forecasted rain arrived, ensuring a testing wet, muddy and slippery day in the saddle for all.
2019 Trefle Lozerien
At the head of the field it was McCanney who led the way after the opening special test with Watson, Jeremy Tarroux and Garcia in tow. On the second special test Garcia hit his stride. Topping the time sheets, he took over control of the race lead and was never headed. Sweeping the remaining three tests, the Spaniard ended day one with a 20-second lead.
Nathan Watson – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Behind Garcia the battle for the remainder of the top three was close. Showing that consistency pays off, Watson held firm and second, edging out McCanney by less than three seconds. Despite focused on Rally for 2019, Yamaha mounted McCanney showed he’s lost none of the speed that took him to the runner-up position in the 2018 Enduro World Championship, slotting into third.
Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas – FRA) 22:37.079 +51.932
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 22:40.582 +55.435
Trèfle Lozérien AMV Day 2
Spain’s Josep Garcia extended his lead with victory on day two of the Trèfle Lozérien AMV, in France. Setting a blisteringly fast pace in the fifth and final test of the day, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider leap-frogged his way from third to first in dramatic fashion.
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
The second day of racing at France’s most-prestigious Classic Enduro saw the 600-plus competitors greeted with continued wet and challenging conditions. Adding to the difficulty, fog blanketed the opening two special tests. The weather improved around midday, but rain in the afternoon, for the last and closing test, kept everyone guessing as to what was around the next corner.
Garcia continued to set the pace by topping the opening special test. However, with the top four riders separated by less than one second, the competition was fierce.
Julien Gauthier – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Julien Gauthier edged out Garcia by one tenth of a second to claim the fastest time in the second test, while Nathan Watson – seventh on the opener – began to work his way up the leader board by stopping the clocks as third quickest.
Keeping the racing unpredictable, Yamaha’s Jamie McCanney became the third different winner in as many tests, putting his name at the top of the time sheets for special test three finishing ahead of Gauthier, Jeremy Tarroux and Joseph Wootton.
Jamie McCanney – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Nearly five seconds behind McCanney, Garcia saw his early morning work undone and slipped to fourth overall. On the penultimate test, Garcia had regained his composure to top the time sheets for the second time. With numerous riders watching how the rain was affecting conditions, Garcia threw caution to the wind and went on the attack. Delivering arguably one of the day’s finest performances, the Spaniard blasted his way around the muddy sub-three-minute test in style to win the day.
Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas – FRA) 20:30.336 +29.096
Theo Espinasse (Sherco – FRA) 20:32.402 +31.162
Joe Wootton (Husqvarna – GB) 20:38.005 +36.765
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 20:49.243 +48.003
Trèfle Lozérien AMV Day 3
With victory on days one and two, Garcia entered the third and final day of racing as the rider to beat. Holding a 30-second advantage over McCanney and Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco – FRA), the race was his to lose.
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Second fastest to McCanney on the opening test, Garcia then won tests two and three. With victory almost his, another second fastest time on the penultimate test set things up for the 15th and final special test of the three-day race. With rain falling heavily, he kept things safe to cross the finish line as a first-time winner of Trèfle Lozérien AMV and victor of round two of the World Enduro Super Series.
Behind him, the battle for the remainder of the podium places was fierce. Helped in part by setting the quickest time on the opening test this morning, McCanney held his ground over his rivals to take the runner-up result.
2019 Trefle Lozerien
Entering the final special test it was all to play for between Watson and Julien Gauthier for third. Gauthier had just one tenth of a second in hand over the KTM rider. With both riders putting it all on the line, Watson edged out Gauthier by just over one second to snatch the final step of the podium in the last few moments of the race.
Jeremy Tarroux – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
For Gauthier it was not to be and with his fourth place result it also marked the first time in the event’s history that a French rider wasn’t present in the top three positions. After a strong ride on day two, Tarroux slipped down to fifth, with teammate Theo Espinasse completing the top six.
The eight-round World Enduro Super Series continues with round three at Austria’s Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble on May 30 – June 2.
Josep Garcia
“To get my first WESS victory of 2019, and also to create a little piece of history by being the first non-French winner here at Trèfle Lozérien, is amazing. The conditions really didn’t suit me – I’m not really a big fan of wet, slippery mud. But I pushed hard on all special tests and, well, everything went perfectly. Coming here straight from Extreme Lagares wasn’t easy but I knew this race was going to be important to my WESS championship.”
Josep Garcia claims the WESS Round 2 win
Jamie McCanney
“Right from when I started walking the special tests here in France I knew Josep Garcia would be the rider to watch. When conditions weren’t too wet, or when they suited the 450 more, I managed to win some tests. And I’m really pleased about that. But Garcia was really strong throughout the event. I’ve been away from enduro racing for some time now, firstly getting over a shoulder injury and surgery and then focusing on rally. To come here and get the result I’ve got is really great. Despite the weather it’s been a great event. I can’t say if I’ll be back for more WESS racing, but I’d love to compete at Hawkstone if my schedule allows it.”
Nathan Watson
“I’m really happy with third overall. This is the first Classic Enduro I’ve raced since this event 12 months ago, so I came into it a little unsure what to expect but also confident that it would suit me. I had a consistent three days and kept things upright over the 15 special tests, which was really important. I’ve really enjoyed racing the 450 – being able to keep things smooth in these conditions has really helped me. Things were really close coming into the final test, just half a second between third and fourth overall. Thankfully, I managed to jump up one position to third, which was a great way to end the race.”
Nathan Watson – 2019 Trefle Lozerien
Jonny Walker
“Le Trefle has been wet, cold and muddy but it’s actually been good and I’ve enjoyed the riding. The tests were really slippery but really fun with a lot of different line choices. I haven’t ridden much enduro lately, the last classic enduro that I did was Le Trefle last year. I’d have liked to have raced more but because of my injury it’s not been possible. Anyway, I’m happy with the way the weekend has gone. I would like to be higher up in the results than I am, but considering that this year there are more top-level riders I’m happy with my result.”
WESS Results Round 2 – Trèfle Lozérien AMV 2019
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 01:03:07.557
Jaime McCanney (Yamaha – GB) 1:03:49.586 +42.029
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1:03:55.612 +48.055
Julien Gauthier (Yamaha – FR) 1:03:57.013 +49.456
Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco – FR) 1:04:10.136 +1:02.579
Theo Espinasse (Sherco – FR) 1:05:04.311 +1:56.754
Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas – FR) 1:05:10.817 +2:03.260
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Cairoli & Prado dominate MXGP of Lombardia
Mantova in Italy hosted the 5th round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship last weekend with the MXGP of Lombardia being completely dominated by Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado in the MXGP and MX2 categories respectively.
MXGP took to Lombardia for Round 5
MXGP Report
On a track that was full of sloppy mud it was smooth sailing for Cairoli who recorded the perfect weekend leading 42 laps over the weekend to take wins in the qualifying race on Saturday and both points scoring motos on Sunday for his fourth Matova GP win this time ahead if Pauls Jonass, Gautier Paulin, Clement Desalle, and Glen Coldenhoff.
Antonio Cairoli
“It is very nice to be again in Italy, despite the weather there were a lot of people today, so I am very thankful they keep coming and keep cheering. I am really happy of course, thanks to all the team for their hard work again and I am looking forward to next week in Portugal which is another track that I really like.”
Antonio Cairoli – MXGP of Lombardia 2019
Pauls Jonass
“It feels really good to be back here and especially with the MXGP guys. It has been a tough winter and a tough few months but it feels really great to be up here. We still need to keep working hard because I’m far off from my best shape but we will keep working and hopefully I can be back on the podium again soon.”
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Lombardia 2019
Gautier Paulin
“When the track is really rough like this you can gain a lot of points but you can also lose them. I am pretty happy, after the break we made a big step with the bike, I really feel good. Today wasn’t the result I expected but I am on the box so it is always a pleasure for my team and myself. There will be good GP’s coming and I can’t wait to get behind the gate again.”
Gautier Paulin – MXGP of Lombardia 2019
MXGP of Mantova 2019 Results
MXGP Race 1
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 36:48.024
Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:10.064
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:21.379
Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:27.299
Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:39.542
Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:49.512
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:52.425
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:57.535
Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:03.646
Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +1:10.362
MXGP Race 2
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 35:37.572
Brian Bogers (NED, Honda), +0:07.068
Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:11.327
Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:15.790
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:15.887
Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:17.780
Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:47.849
Benoit Paturel (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:51.229
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:54.290
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +1:11.509
MXGP Round Overall
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 50 points
Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 42
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 33
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 30
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 29
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 26
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 26
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 26
Brian Bogers (NED, HON), 23
Benoit Paturel (FRA, KAW), 19
MXGP Standings
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 241 points
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 201
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 175
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 146
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 142
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 124
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 118
Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 109
Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 100
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 94
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MX2 Report
Prado took his fourth GP win over championship leader Thomas Kjer Olsen, Davey Pootjes and Aussie Mitch Evans but he win from Prado was not enough to take over the red plate from Olsen but the gap now drops from the previous 20 points to only 7.
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Lombardia 2019
Evans rode solid in the tough conditions for 8-6 moto results to now sit eighth in the championship points while Jed Beaton scored a sensational third in the opening moto and was running in sixth in the second moto until a crash put him back to an eventual 17th for seventh overall to now be 12th in the championship points.
Jorge Prado
“It is great to come back, get on the podium, and winning the GP was very important for me, especially for my confidence after a month off. Today it was important to get a good start, I failed at that yesterday but today I got really good starts which were key to the race. It is very tough to not make mistakes, get good starts every time, and don’t crash, I just need to keep concentration to lead.”
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Lombardia 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen
“Overall it was a great weekend for me, in the first race I had that problem on the start where I was down for a bit, I was pretty far behind but I was able to make up some spots in the first laps and get into to a good position pretty quick I worked into the top ten and even got into 6th. So, after being down it was pretty good for me, I even stopped to change my goggles. Overall I felt like I was riding good this weekend.
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Lombardia 2019
Davy Pootjes
“It is really good and I am really happy because it has been tough. This podium should have happened maybe 4 years ago but because of crashes, injuries, and some bad luck it didn’t happen. Last winter, together with DIGA Procross, we made a plan, worked really hard, and it payed off. I feel this is the place where I should be and I am not done yet.”
MX2 of Mantova 2019 Results
MX2 Race 1
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:18.651
Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:05.836
Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:26.496
Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:40.315
Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +1:05.236
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +1:12.915
Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, KTM), +1:37.577
Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +1:47.716
Morgan Lesiardo (ITA, KTM), +1:50.638
Richard Sikyna (SVK, KTM), +1:51.878
MX2 Race 2
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 36:52.290
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:08.779
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:36.069
Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:52.541
Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:58.348
Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +1:01.889
Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +1:11.299
Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:13.390
Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, KTM), +1:17.228
Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +1:19.630
MX2 Round Overall
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 37
Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 36
Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 28
Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, KTM), 26
Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 25
Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 24
Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 22
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 20
Mathys Boisrame (FRA, HON), 20
MX2 Standings
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 207 points
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 200
Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 157
Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 150
Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 145
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 141
Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 122
Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 117
Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 112
Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 105
Kras & Guadagnini Win 2-Stroke Classes in Lombardia
Europe’s Two-Stroke categories of EMX2T and EMX125 were on hand at Lombardia last weekend with two days of racing action won by Mike Kras (EMX2T) and Mattia Guadagnini (EMX125).
EMX125 Report
Guadagnini’s veteran like performance saw him take both race wins and as a result the overall ahead of Simon Laegenefelder (2-7) and Eddie Jay Wade (12-2) results. Guadagnini’s points lead is now 35 as the class takes one week off before returning alongside the MXGP of France at Saint Jean d’Angely.
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EMX2T Report
Kras won the opening moto from the Pommie pairing of Todd Kellett and Brad Todd then in the second moto championship leader Brad Anderson took the win from Kras and Erik Williams so Anderson continues to lead the championship by 14 points over Kras.
Mike Kras
EMX2T Results
EMX2T Race 1 Top Ten
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 30:20.257
Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:04.771
Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:12.084
Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +0:13.931
Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:21.327
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:26.705
Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:39.726
Ben Putnam (GBR, Yamaha), +0:43.108
Johannes Klein (AUT, KTM), +0:44.718
Erik Hugyecz (HUN, KTM), +0:45.229
EMX2T Race 2 Top Ten
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 30:21.942
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:31.382
Erik Willems (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:36.552
Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:57.783
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +1:05.100
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +1:06.501
Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:09.430
Johannes Klein (AUT, KTM), +1:38.804
Marco Paganini (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:47.383
Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +2:10.543.
EMX2T Overall Top Ten
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 47 points
Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 38
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 33
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 30
Erik Willems (BEL, HUS), 26
Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), 26
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 25
Johannes Klein (AUT, KTM), 25
Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 25
Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 20
EMX2T Championship Top Ten
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 83 points
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 69
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 67
Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 58
Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 58
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 50
Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 46
Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 42
Ben Putnam (GBR, YAM), 39
Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 39
Roman Wins WESS of Portugal
Spain’s Mario Roman has claimed victory over Wade Young and Manuel Lettenbichler at round one of the 2019 World Enduro Super Series – the Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares, in Portugal.
Extreme XL Lagares – Saturday Urban Enduro
Following two days of action-packed Endurocross and City Prologue racing, the stage was set for Sunday’s Hard Enduro feature race with 300 competitors taking on the two laps of the demanding course.
Extreme XL Lagares – Sunday
Alfredo Gomez and Taddy Blazusiak led the field away but Lettenbichler soon moved into the lead and opened up a five-minute advantage over Young with Billy Bolt, Jonny Walker, Graham Jarvis and Roman all in tow.
Extreme XL Lagares – Sunday
Heading out for lap two, Lettenbichler was now six minutes clear and looking strong but Roman and Young had other ideas and impressively upped their pace in the deteriorating conditions and it wasn’t long Roman put his Sherco in front and, in charging all the way to the finish, claimed a memorable victory and the opening win of the WESS season. Young finished four minutes behind as runner-up.
Mario Roman
“I feel amazing, it’s so good to get the win, in 2016 I finished about a minute behind Alfredo and then two years in a row I had mechanical issues with my bike, but I always believed in myself and knew I could do it this year. On the first lap I was lying fifth or sixth and I couldn’t see the top two guys, but as the race went on, I started to feel stronger and was able to push 100% and pass the others one-by-one. The track was so much more difficult on the second lap and I knew I would be able to make up time on those tricky sections.”
Mario Roman claims the WESS 2019 Round 1 win at the Extreme XL Lagares
Wade Young
“It feels great to get second today. At one point I was down in sixth and I was lacking some confidence after struggling in one of the rivers – that spent a lot of my energy. I came back strong though and towards the end people were starting to get tired and I was able to dig a little deeper and keep going.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Wade Young
Jarvis initially looked to have snatched third from Lettenbichler on corrected time, but the German was awarded time he lost on lap one due to a track marking error and finished on the podium. With Jarvis content in fourth, Bolt completed the top five, while Walker rounded out the top six.
Manuel Lettenbichler
“I am so happy with my result and overall I had a really good race, I didn’t realise at first the gap to the others was so big. I tried to stick to the same pace on the second lap, but Mario and Wade must have been flying. I think they probably pushed each other on the difficult stuff and were able to maintain a good speed when it got really tough. Graham also caught me at a few places, but I was able to stay ahead. I had to stop to move a bridge on the first lap so that cost me some time, but thankfully they have awarded that back to me and I have come away with third. It would have been nice to get the win, especially after leading for over half of the race. But whatever the result, I am happy with my riding and it’s been a good start to this year’s WESS championship.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Manuel Lettenbichler
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round two, the Trèfle Lozérien AMV in France, next weekend, May 17-19.
Results – Round 1: Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 4:01:43.21
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 4:05:59.04 +4:15.83
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4:07:09.68 +5:26.47
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 4:07:16.12 +5:32.91
Jonathan Richardson (Husqvarna – GB) 5:11:22.83 +1:09:39.70
2019 World Enduro Super Series Standings (after round 1)
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 1000 points
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 850 pts
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 770 pts
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 690 pts
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 610 pts
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 570 pts
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 530 pts
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 490 pts
Travis Teasdale (KTM – RSA) 460 pts
Jonathan Richardson (Husqvarna – GB) 430 pts
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Great Britain & Australia bound for Speedway of Nations Final
The Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Race Off 2 was held in Manchester last Saturday night and it was England with 26 points who triumphed over Australia and Denmark so all three teams have secured their places at the Finals in Togliatti, Russia on July 20 and 21.
FIM Speedway of Nations – Image by Haggis Hartman
It was an impressive night for GB as triple world champion Tai Woffinden (12), Craig Cook (8) and Robert Lambert (6) all piled up the points while Australia booked the second automatic qualification berth after finishing level on 22 points with Denmark, but out-ranking their rivals after Chris Holder and Max Fricke finished second and third behind Danish rider Leon Madsen when the teams met in heat 18.
Max Fricke and Chris Holder – Image by Haggis Hartman
Holder scored two points from his opening two rides, but hit back with a win and two seconds.
Chris Holder
“It wasn’t too bad. It was a tough night and it’s a tough place here – everybody can be fast here. It’s a big, wide-open track. The bike setup is pretty much everything. My first couple were terrible, but once we got it working well, it got better. Me and Max had a couple of good races. The name of the game was just to get through in the top two. We didn’t want to be in the knock-out heats. We managed to sneak in, so we’re happy with that.”
Chris Holder – Image by Haggis Hartman
Denmark were forced to beat France in the final knock-out heat to earn their spot in Russia on a night plagued by bad luck.
Niels-Kristian Iversen
“We did it the hard way, it was difficult. We did have some bad luck and it cost us some points. I believe we could have won the meeting if things had gone our way in a few races. But we qualified and that’s the main thing. We really wanted to avoid the knock-out race at the end because you never know what’s going to happen in these races. We felt confident we were going to do it, but it is a little bit nerve-wracking. We had to do it the hard way, but we are through.”
Great Britain, Australia and Denmark are joined in the Finals by hosts Russia as well as Race Off 1 winners Sweden, Poland and Germany.
FIM Speedway of Nations – Image by Haggis Hartman
The next World Championships action sees the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series launch with the Boll Warsaw SGP of Poland this Saturday.
Race-Off 2 Results
GREAT BRITAIN 26
Tai Woffinden 12, Craig Cook 8, Robert Lambert 6.
AUSTRALIA 22
Chris Holder 9, Max Fricke 12, Jaimon Lidsey 1.
DENMARK 22
Niels-Kristian Iversen 15, Leon Madsen 5, Frederik Jakobsen 2.
FRANCE 16
David Bellego 10, Dimitri Berge 6, Gaetan Stella 0.
American Flat Track ace Brandon Robinson put together a flawless performance to win last Saturday night’s Vance & Hines So-Cal Half-Mile at the Southern California Fairgrounds in Perris, Calif.
AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter
Robinson controlled the once stopped and restarted Main Event from race’s opening lap and by taking victory he became the first AFT Twins rider to claim more than one victory in 2019.
Brandon Robinson
“They all feel amazing. It’s great to be up here. Any time you’re on the box is good, but winning… this is what it’s all about. This is what we put in all the hard work for. My team busted their butts. My team owner, Jerry Kennedy, gives us everything we need to win. My crew chief, Brent Armbruster — the guy is amazing. We make a lot of decisions together, but there are some times he bails me out and gets the bike right. Man, he hit the nail on the head again tonight. This one is for my team.”
AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter
After holding off Sammy Halbert for the first part of the race Robinson took the win by nearly two seconds over championship leader Briar Bauman and Halbert who in turn got the nod over fellow Harley rider Jarod Vanderkooi and defending champion Jared Mees.
AFT Twins Podium 1) Robinson, 2) Bauman, 3) Halbert – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Twins Main Event – So-Cal Half-Mile
Brandon Robinson Indian FTR750 0:21.040
Briar Bauman Indian FTR750 +1.833
Sammy Halbert Harley-Davidson XG750R +3.646
Jarod Vanderkooi Harley-Davidson XG750R +4.031
Jared Mees Indian FTR750 +4.280
Bronson Bauman Indian FTR750 +5.993
Brandon Price Indian FTR750 +9.720
Davis Fisher Indian FTR750 +10.050
Robert Pearson Indian FTR750 +10.622
Larry Pegram Indian FTR750 +12.028
AFT Twins Standings
Briar Bauman 102
Brandon Robinson 89
Jared Mees 78
Jarod Vanderkooi 66
Sammy Halbert 61
Henry Wiles 53
Jeffrey Carver Jr. 51
Larry Pegram 51
Bronson Bauman 50
Robert Pearson 45
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
AFT Singles Report
Ryan Wells backed up his first podium of the season at the Arizona Super TT with his first win of the year in a virtual wire-to-wire triumph at the So-Cal Half-Mile ahead of podium first timer Michael Inderbitzin and championship leader Dalton Gauthier
Ryan Wells – AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter
Ryan Wells
“TTs have never been my super strong suit so I knew getting a podium (at the Arizona Super TT), we had worked out the bugs that needed to be worked out. The Yamaha was awesome. It was huge for me to come in here and get the win. To lead all 15 laps… it was a long race for me mentally. It felt awesome to lead some laps and come out with the win. I can’t say enough about the whole Estenson racing family. That pit over there is literally a family. The camaraderie is awesome and I couldn’t get a win for a better group.”
Ryan Wells topped the AFT Singles podium – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Singles Main Event – So-Cal Half-Mile
Ryan Wells Yamaha YZ450F 0:21.367
Michael Inderbitzin Honda CRF450R +0.406
Dalton Gauthier Husqvarna FC450 +1.315
Dan Bromley KTM 450 SX-F +2.085
Jesse Janisch +Yamaha YZ450F +2.332
AFT Singles Standings
Dalton Gauthier 96
Jesse Janisch 86
Dan Bromley 73
Mikey Rush 71
Ryan Wells 56
Euro Flat Track Kicks Off
The Indian Motorcycle European Flat Track series, presented by the Dirt Track Riders Association (DTRA), kicked off at the Hells Race, Lelystad Stadium on Sunday May 5. Dirttrack Lelystad in Holland hosted the first ever running during the amazingly popular annual Hells Race meeting.
Over 150 riders raced classes including Hooligan, Vintage, Pro, Amateur, Newbie and Minibike. The program was action packed with some fantastic racing around Holland’s premier short track venue.
The Hooligan class battle did not disappoint at Hells Race. Racing was fast and tough on the soft light shale surface. The big bikes were hard to handle on the tight and deep short track, and rain during the afternoon made the racing really tricky.
It was Gary Birtwistle who skilfully lead the final from beginning to end. After a poor start Max Hunt managed to race to a very well deserved second place. Leah Tokelove, who raced superbly in her heats on the Indian Scout took a well-earned third place on the podium, giving the UK first, second and third positions.
Hooligan Class
Gary Birtwistle – UK
Max Hunt – UK
Leah Tokelove – UK
Jonathan Falkman – Sweden
James Smith – UK
All three championship classes provided some amazing action and with riders from nine countries, the event had a truly international feel. The Pro Class was packed with Europe’s top dirt track riders, with a large showing from the UK, coupled with a strong field of other top riders from the Spain, Netherlands, Italy and Poland. The heats provided really tight racing. It was Ferran Sastre who was the only rider to win all his heats and took first pick for the Pro Final.
Sastre had some very strong competition from Maikel Dijkstra who was fresh from training with Moto Anatomy’s Johnny Lewis and was showing some excellent pace on his home track. Both Toby Hales (Greenfield Dirttrack) and Gerard Bailo (Greenfield Dirttrack) flew in from riding Copa Rodi in Spain the day before.
Franc Sala was also racing well and taking heat wins. In the Pro final it was Ferran Sastre who raced with superb skill to win, with Maikel Dijkstra taking a very close second and Sala third giving the Spanish riders a strong presence on the podium.
Pro Class
Ferran Sastre – Spain
Maikel Dijkstra – Netherlands
Franc Sala – Spain
Toby Hales – UK
Gerard Bailo – Spain
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The vintage Class had a massive entry with some really close racing on some of Europe’s most beautiful vintage machines. German rider Martin Huning was on fire in all his heats and won the finaI. In second place was DTRA Race Director Anthony Brown who was very strong in all his heats. And in third place was Swiss rider Michel Colaizzi.
Vintage
Martin Huning – Germany
Anthony Brown – UK
Michel Colaizzi – Switzerland
Sean Kelly – UK
Christophe Canitrot – France
Krazy Horse’s Hooligan Team return to continue their UK DTRA flat track championship attack with the Indian Scout at MCN’s Festival of Motorcycling, Peterborough Arena, on May 18th and 19th – Join the event and experience the spectacle of Flat Track racing alongside live demo ride opportunities, see the entire Indian Motorcycle range on display and enjoy all the festival has to offer.
2019 Hooligan Championship Dates
May 17/19 – MCN Festival, Peterborough Showground, UK
June 15 – El Rollo, Wheels & Waves, ESP – European Championship
August 9/10 – DIRTQUAKE, Arlington Stadium, Sussex, UK
September 21/22 – Greenfield Oval, Alford, UK – European Championship
Sipes Wins Hawaiian Supercross
Aloha Stadium hosted the first Supercross event in Hawaii in several years and it was former ISDE winner and multi-talented Ryan Sipes who came away with a surprise win over multi-Australian Supercross Champion Justin Brayton and multi-Arenacross Champion Tyler Bowers.
Ryan Sipes claims the Hawaiin Supercross win from Justin Brayton and Tyler Bowers
The event used a three-moto format and Sipes dominated the overall standings with 1-1-1 moto finishes ahead of Brayton, who finished second overall with 3-2-2 moto scores while Tyler Bowers rounded out the podium with 4-5-4 moto results.
Hawaiian Supercross Results 2019 450SX
Ryan Sipes: 1-1-1
Justin Brayton: 3-2-2
Tyler Bowers: 4-5-4
Mike Alessi: 7-4-3
Austin Politelli: 2-3-12
Ben LaMay: 6-9-6
Josh Hill: 8-8-7
Alex Ray: 11-6-8
Jimmy Decotis: 5-13-11
Kyle Chisholm: 13-7-5
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Broc Tickle Back in 2020
FIM have finally given their verdict on American racer Broc Tickle, who was suspended from the sport due to a report from the WADA accredited laboratory in Cologne indicating an adverse analytical finding of 5-methylhexan-2-amine, a specified substance under Section 6 (Stimulants) of the 2018 FIM Prohibited List, in a urine sample collected from him at the San Diego round of supercross.
Broc Tickle in 2018
Tickle had this to say on social media: “Finally got official sentencing from CDI panel and FIM, bummed I won’t be railing some corners this summer in Pro Motocross. I’ll be back 2/10/2020.”
Three Aussies Set for Hangtown
There will be three Aussies at the opening round of the AMA Motocross championship which will be held at Hangtown this weekend with Hunter Lawrence in the 250 class for Geico Honda being joined by Dean Ferris on the Factory Yamaha team and Todd Waters running a privateer Husqvarna.
Hunter Lawrence
Moto News reported last week that Waters flew straight to America after winning the 5th round of the Australian MX Nationals at Murray Bridge with friends and family helping to contest the first three rounds of the series on a production FC450 Husqvarna.
Todd Waters
“With a seven-week break in the calendar, I’ve decided the best training I can do is to race, so I’ll head to the US this week with a small entourage of family and friends to line up as a privateer at the first three rounds of the AMA Outdoors.”
Todd Waters
Ferris on the other hand got the call from Yamaha to fill in for the injured Aaron Plessinger with the Monster Energy Yamaha team alongside Justin Barcia.
Dean Ferris
“I’m super excited about this opportunity to race with the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team. I’ve won a lot of races on the YZ450F, so it’s a perfect fit for me to start my campaign in America. I’m looking forward to getting the outdoor season rolling in Hangtown next weekend!”
Dean Ferris
As for Lawrence, the former GP front runner was injured right before the supercross season and has spent the last 17 weeks getting ready for Hangtown to look for the young hard charger to be at the pointy end for the opening round and beyond.
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Manjimup to Welcome Clout and Gibbs
CDR Monster Energy Yamaha Team members Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout are set to make the trip across the Nullarbor to take on the best in the West at Australia’s most prestigious single motocross event, the Manjimup 15000 on the 1st and 2nd of June. Kirk Gibbs is a past champion of the event and longing to have his name added to the trophy one more time.
Kirk Gibbs
“I have done Manjimup a few times over the years and it is an event that every motocross racer should do. It’s an amazing track to ride that offers challenges in its layout, its terrain and its physical demands. The atmosphere at the venue is also nothing like we experience back on the East Coast. There is always a big crowd on hand that line the entire track and make plenty of noise as they watch the races. They are motocross people who know about the sport and are enthusiastic to cheer on their favourite rider. My shoulder should be good to go and I’m looking forward to heading back to Manjimup and catching up with all the WA fans.”
Kirk Gibbs
For Luke Clout, 2019 will mark his first appearance at the event and the has the current MX Nationals points leader exciting about the prospect of racing on the famous Manjimup circuit and experience the race for the first time.
Luke Clout
“I have heard so many good things about Manjimup and it’s awesome to know I will finally be taking the trip over to contest the event. Dacka has told me so many stories about his time racing Manjimup and I hope my time there is half as exciting as his. And I’m not sure if I can bare another story about riding a 500cc two stroke on a track rough enough to swallow an ocean-liner. I have seen the track on video and watched some races there and it looks like such a fun track to ride. The schedule looks hectic with six motos during the day but that’s fine with me and I can’t wait to get behind the gate and race Kirk as well as all the WA riders.”
Luke Clout
X Trial Australian Championship returns for 2019
The 2019 X Trial Australian Championship contenders will compete in Perth and Wollongong in back-to-back weekends kicking off on WA on the 20th of July.
X Trial Australian Championship returns for 2019
X Trial features the best eight riders that get an invitation to test themselves through 5 difficult sections each weekends which will offer spectators 3 hours of entertainment.
Eight riders start the qualifying round and four progress to the final, to be crowned the X Trial Australian Champion!
X Trial Australian Championship
Round 1
Perth – Saturday July 20th, HBF Stadium, Mount Claremont WA
Gates open at 6pm – Main Event 6:30pm Start
Round 2
Wollongong – Saturday July 27th, WIN Ent Centre, Wollongong, NSW
Gates open at 6pm – Main Event 6:30pm Start
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Weekly Up-Date on Our Aussies Abroad
Jed Beaton – Rockstar Husqvarna
Championship: World MX2 Motocross Championship Current Standing: 12th after Round 5 of 17 Notes: Jed was on fire at the MXGP of Lombardi in Italy last weekend with a third in the opening moto before crashing out of 6th late in moto two in horrendously wet conditions to finish 17th for 7th overall – Jed has moved from 13th to 12th in the championship points.
Jed Beaton
Mitch Evans – 114 Honda
Championship: World MX2 Motocross Championship Current Standing: 8th after Round 5 of 17 Notes: Mitch had a solid weekend at the MXGP of Lombardi in Italy last weekend with a 3rd in Saturday’s Qualifying race before going 8-6 on Sunday for 6th outright to maintain his 8th in the championship points – Evans was involved in a first corner crash in the opening moto so to claw his way back to 8th in the conditions shows his talent.
Mitch Evans
Tayla Jones – Rockstar/Husqvarna/Moose Racing/Shaw Wines
Championship: GNCC Current Standing: 1st after Round 5 of 13 Notes: Tayla won the latest round in Indianapolis on May 5 and has extended her points lead in the WXC class to 11 over second placed Becca Sheets.
Tayla Jones competing the 2019 GNCC – Image by Ken Hill
Caleb Grothues – SDM Corse Yamaha
Championship: EMX250 Current Standings: 16th after Round 2 of 8 Notes: The former Australian and World Junior Motocross Champion rode well at the opening round but was forced to sit out the second round due to injury but the West Aussie should be back for the next round in France on the 26th of May.
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Hunter Lawrence – Geico Honda
Championship: AMA Motocross Championship Current Standings: TBA Notes: Hunter was looking sharp heading into the supercross championship before he crashed right before the opening round so he is now healed and by all accounts 100% ready for the outdoors which kicks off at Hangtown on May 18.
Hunter Lawrence – Hoppenworld Image
Jett Lawrence – Geico Honda
Championship: TBA Current Standings: TBA Notes: Jett joined the Geico Honda amateur program for 2019 and to date he has raced a handful of events like the Mini-Os etc – as soon as he races and there are results it will be right here.
Jett Lawrence
Tahlia ‘TJ’ O’Hare – KTM DIGA Racing Team
Championship: MXW World Motocross Championship Current Standings: 13th after Round 1 of 5 Notes: Tahlia’s initiation into the world motocross scene was at the toughest track on the circuit in Valkenswaard but she managed to get through with a solid 13th but look for TJ to move up the points standings at the second round in Portugal on May 19.
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Chad Reed – JGR Suzuki
Championship: AMA Supercross Current Standing: 15th after Round 17 of 17 Notes: Chad was part of a multi bike crash at Seattle when he was sitting 7th in the championship and after the series was completed the Aussie still ended up 15th in the points – we now hold out hopes that Chad will line up for the AMA Motocross Championships.
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld
Wil Ruprecht – Johansson MPE Yamaha
Championship: EnduroGP – Junior Class Current Standing: 2nd after Round 2 of 7. Notes: Wil once again proved his world class riding ability at Valpaços in Portugal last weekend with a 2nd and a 4th over the two days of competition where some of the veterans of the sport declared it one of the toughest events in recent history.
Championship: MXW World Motocross Championship Current Standings: 8th after Round 1 of 5 Notes: Meghan sat out the World Championships for four years and her first round was marred with some minor mistakes but there was no mistaking her speed so look for Meghan to have a much better round in Portugal on the 19th of May.
Championship: GNCC / AMA Enduro Current Standing: 6th after Round 5 of 13 Notes: Josh ended the ‘X Factor Whitetails’ at Peru near Indianapolis in a disappointing 13th outright but he still sits 6th overall in the series with 8 rounds remaining.
Josh Strang
Mackenzie Tricker – KTM/MEPMX/Fly Racing
Championship: GNCC Current Standing: 3rd after Round 5 of 13 Notes: Mackenzie ended the ‘X Factor Whitetails’ at Peru near Indianapolis in 9th place which is her poorest performance in years but she still sits third in points with 8 rounds remaining and my bet is still for the former motocross champion to pull off a win this season.
Mackenzie Tricker – Image by Dario Agrati
Max Whale – Weirbach Racing Kawasaki
Championship: AFT Singles Current Standings: 14th after Round 5 of 18 Notes: Max narrowly missed out on going to the final at the SoCal Half Mile on the 11th of May after scoring 12th in his Semi final so he has dropped to 14th in points but there are still 13 rounds to go.
Max Whale at TareeSmarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Spain’s Mario Roman has taken an early lead in the battle to become this year’s ultimate enduro champion, claiming the overall victory at round one in Portugal. Putting in a determined display of riding, the Sherco Factory Racing star produced a terrific late race charge to top the podium ahead of teammate Wade Young, with early race leader Manuel Lettenbichler third.
Mario Roman claims the WESS 2019 Round 1 win at the Extreme XL Lagares
Friday Qualification & Semi-Finals
Back with a vengeance, Jonny Walker took the win on the opening day of competition at round one of the World Enduro Super Series at the Extreme XL Lagares.
Round one of the 2019 World Enduro Super Series got off to a spectacular start with a night of tightly-fought Endurocross racing in Lagares, Portugal, and among the entry of almost 300 competitors, over 50 Pro riders went head-to-head during a series of qualification heats and semi-finals to reach the final race.
Extreme XL Lagares – Josep Garcia
Showing their best during the evening, Jonny Walker, Taddy Blazusiak, Manuel Lettenbichler, Graham Jarvis, Josep Garcia, Alfredo Gomez, Wade Young, plus home favourite Diogo Vieira took to the start line of the six-minute plus two lap race as favourites.
Lettenbichler was fastest out of the starting gate, but with Garcia, Blazusiak and Walker in hot pursuit the pressure was on. Blazusiak made a dive for the lead at the end of lap one and took over proceedings. However, a mistake in the slippery rock garden on lap two allowed Walker to jump past both Blazusiak and Lettenbichler and into the lead.
Extreme XL Lagares – Friday
Comfortable out front, Walker commanded the rest of the race, resisting to any late attacks Blazusiak could offer to claim victory on day one in Portugal. The win also marked Walker’s first major win since crashing out of the World Enduro Super Series in Poland in September of last year. Behind Walker, Blazusiak chased his teammate across the line for second, while Lettenbichler took third. Gomez pushed hard to place fourth, while Garcia impressed with a strong fifth.
Spain’s Alfredo Gomez showed himself to be the rider to beat on day two of the World Enduro Super Series opener. Proving to be the Urban Enduro master, the rider claimed victory in the spectacular Porto Prologue, in the all-out battle for supremacy on the cobbled streets of Porto.
Extreme XL Lagares – Saturday Urban Enduro
Gomez led home a stacked field of over 50 Pro riders, with Taddy Blazusiak and Billy Bolt joining him on the podium in second and third respectively.
In the heart of the world heritage city’s bustling tourist district, the world’s best Enduro riders were treated to a tough and technical Endurocross arena that was linked to the city’s narrow cobbled streets. Thousands of spectators lined the sides of the race course adding to the incredible atmosphere in Porto.
Extreme XL Lagares – Saturday Urban Enduro
With the Hobby, Veteran and Expert riders first to tackle a shortened version of the track, it was the Pro class riders who turned up the heat around the narrow, cobbled streets. Already a multi-time winner of the prologue, Gomez once again showed his rivals who’s the boss by topping the qualification.
With pole position secured for the final, Gomez didn’t disappoint and immediately put his Husqvarna out front. Commanding the cobbled climbs, he eased away from the chasing pack to take the win. Behind him the battle for the remainder of the podium was played out between Blazusiak, Bolt, Walker and Manuel Lettenbichler. Holding firm despite a few mistakes, Blazusiak grabbed second.
Extreme XL Lagares – Saturday Urban Enduro
In a showdown for third, Bolt held off a late attack from Walker to complete the top three. In his bid for the podium, Walker misjudged the floating bridge and ended up in the river. With Walker taking an unplanned bath, Lettenbichler capitalised to take fourth, with Wade Young fifth.
Alfredo Gomez
“The start was key to winning the prologue final. I managed to get into the lead and was able to control the pace. I’m not sure why but I always enjoy riding it – I think it’s because you are so close to the spectators on the track. Tomorrow will be the real test. I’d really like to come away with the win – I feel like I can do it, we’ll just see how things go.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Saturday Urban Enduro – Alfredo Gomez topped the podium from Taddy Blazusiak and Billy Bolt
Pro Class Qualification
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4:38.75
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 4:49.88
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4:50.99
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 4:52.24
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 4:53.52
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 4:54.58
Diogo Vieira (Yamaha – PRT) 4:57.00
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 5:00.51
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 5:03.71
Travis Teasdale (KTM – RSA) 5:04.71
Pro Class Final
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP)
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL)
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB)
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER)
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA)
Sunday Extreme XL Lagares
Following two days of action-packed Endurocross and City Prologue racing, the stage was set for Sunday’s Hard Enduro feature race. Among the 300 competitors entered, over 50 Pro riders took to the start line of the demanding two-hour long course, which was to be completed twice. Notoriously difficult, the addition of blisteringly hot sunshine ensured a punishing start to the 2019 WESS championship.
Extreme XL Lagares – Sunday
Fastest seeded Alfredo Gomez led the field away, with Taddy Blazusiak following suit 15 seconds later. At the first major riverbed rock step, Blazusiak had reeled Gomez in and led from the front, with Lettenbichler hot on his heels having also caught and overtaken the Spaniard.
Midway through lap one the running order changed. Setting an insanely fast pace, Lettenbichler moved into the lead and opened up a five-minute advantage over Young with Billy Bolt, Jonny Walker and Graham Jarvis all in tow. Just behind them sat Roman.
Extreme XL Lagares – Sunday
Heading out for lap two, Lettenbichler was now six minutes clear and looking strong. But Roman and Young had other ideas and impressively upped their pace in the deteriorating conditions. The duo reeled in the young German, who appeared to have run out of steam at the crucial moment.
Breaking both Young and Lettenbichler, Roman put his Sherco in front and, in charging all the way to the finish, claimed a memorable victory and the opening win of the WESS season. Young finished four minutes behind as runner-up.
Extreme XL Lagares – Sunday
Jarvis initially looked to have snatched third from Lettenbichler on corrected time, but the German was awarded time he lost on lap one due to a track marking error and finished on the podium. With Jarvis content in fourth, Bolt completed the top five, while Walker rounded out the top six.
In the one-lap Expert class race, Carlos Ordoa secured a commanding victory beating nearest rival Nuno Pereira by 31 minutes. Alberto Aramburu completed the top three.
Extreme XL Lagares – Sunday
Jose Ferreira was the winner of the Hobby class. Finishing 17 minutes behind, Ricardo Cerqueira was second with Tiago Oliveira third.
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round two, the Trèfle Lozérien AMV in France, next weekend, May 17-19.
Mario Roman – P1
“I feel amazing, it’s so good to get the win. In 2016 I finished about a minute behind Alfredo and then two years in a row I had mechanical issues with my bike, but I always believed in myself and knew I could do it this year. On the first lap I was lying fifth or sixth and I couldn’t see the top two guys, but as the race went on, I started to feel stronger and was able to push 100% and pass the others one-by-one. The track was so much more difficult on the second lap and I knew I would be able to make up time on those tricky sections.”
Mario Roman claims the WESS 2019 Round 1 win at the Extreme XL Lagares
Wade Young – P2
“It feels great to get second today. At one point I was down in sixth and I was lacking some confidence after struggling in one of the rivers – that spent a lot of my energy. I came back strong though and towards the end people were starting to get tired and I was able to dig a little deeper and keep going.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Wade Young
Manuel Lettenbichler – P3
“I am so happy with my result and overall I had a really good race. I didn’t realise at first the gap to the others was so big. I tried to stick to the same pace on the second lap, but Mario and Wade must have been flying. I think they probably pushed each other on the difficult stuff and were able to maintain a good speed when it got really tough. Graham also caught me at a few places, but I was able to stay ahead. I had to stop to move a bridge on the first lap so that cost me some time, but thankfully they have awarded that back to me and I have come away with third. It would have been nice to get the win, especially after leading for over half of the race. But whatever the result, I am happy with my riding and it’s been a good start to this year’s WESS championship.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Manuel Lettenbichler
Graham Jarvis – P4
“I’m really happy with how things went today, especially as I haven’t really been on the bike for the past two weeks due to some niggling little injuries. I was feeling a bit tense on the first lap but loosened up on the second and was able to up my pace a little. The bike felt great today and I was really able to attack the gnarly stuff – some of it I was able to get up in one go. The course was as challenging as ever – there was even a new gully for this year that was about half a mile long. I had fun though and it feels good to get a top result, even if I did just miss out on the podium. I’m looking forward to my next race now and hopefully I can get a similar result, or better.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Graham Jarvis
Billy Bolt – P5
“I’m so happy with my result, it’s been a long three days, but I got to the finish. I didn’t really have a plan coming into today’s race, I just wanted to try and stick with the other guys for as long as I could. My pace on the first lap was good, I just didn’t quite have the energy to keep up when we got back into the technical stuff on the second lap. I gritted my teeth and kept going, but it was quite a lonely second lap to be honest. I’m over the moon with the result – it feels like a win. Six weeks ago, it didn’t look like I would be ready to ride here after my injury, so to be able to finish with such a strong result feels amazing.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Billy Bolt
Jonny Walker – P6
“That was seriously tough out there. I had a crash really early on and that didn’t help. I’m still struggling with my grip strength and even though my speed is there, I’m not able to push quite as hard as I would like. I was able to stay with the front runners on the first lap but then coming around on the second lap I got stuck in one of the rivers and lost some time. I had some good battles out there and I have to be happy with sixth, but I know I still have some work to do before I’m back at 100%. Next week we’ve got the classic enduro in France, I had a good ride there last year so I’m hoping for the same again.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Jonny Walker
Alfredo Gomez – P7
“It was very tricky out there, one of the toughest day’s riding I have had for a long time. It was so slippery, and I had quite a few crashes. I set off first and unfortunately lost sometime early on when I made a mistake. I think three riders passed me and then we got into the first river and I struggled to stay with them. It’s a shame because yesterday my pace was so good and to come away with the Prologue win felt great. Today I just couldn’t get comfortable with things. We have a week until the next race so I will try to recover as best as I can and get prepared for France.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Alfredo Gomez
Taddy Blazusiak – P8
“Overall, I’m happy with my ride today, it was really tough and very long. I got a rock in my eye when trying to pass a lapper and that put me off for a bit. It was just one of those tough days, but this is WESS and it’s all about collecting points when things don’t quite go your way. I led the race a little early on, which was fine, but I struggled a little when we got to the rivers. It was so slippery and the second time through was even more tricky. I got to the finish in one piece, which is the main thing. Soon we’ll be straight into classic enduro at Le Trefle. It means I’ll be back on the 350, which should suit me as it’s what I have been riding all SuperEnduro season.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Taddy Blazusiak
Josep Garcia – P13
“The event started off really well on Friday with the Superenduro. I felt really good and was able to battle with the top guys. I finished fifth, which I was really happy with. On Saturday I had a couple of crashes in the streets of Porto, so I didn’t post such a great time but managed to qualify 12th for the main race. My first lap today didn’t go so well, the track was a lot more slippery than last year and there were a lot of tricky climbs we had to make. On the second lap I started to feel more comfortable and was able to keep a good speed. I am really happy to make it to the finish because here that is a big achievement after over four hours. I have earned some good points and that’s really important for the championship.”
Extreme XL Lagares – Josep Garcia
Results – Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 4:01:43.21
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 4:05:59.04 +4:15.83
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4:07:09.68 +5:26.47
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 4:07:16.12 +5:32.91
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What Went Down Last Weekend?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race
AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Primm, NV
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
2019 AORC Dates Announced
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
What Racing is Left for 2018?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
From all accounts Sydney’s fourth annual Monster Energy AUS-X Open was a cracker with current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson taking the SX1 class win while fellow Yank Cameron McAdoo won the SX2 class overall on the same night that Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson wrapped up there SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.
AUS-X Open
Anderson was in a class of his own to dominate the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty for using the Joker lane twice.
Jason Anderson
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come.”
Dean Wilson late inclusion bore fruit with the likeable Scotsman finishing a more than credible second overall ahead of Dan Reardon, Brayton, Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.
SX1 Overall Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
SX1 Final 1
Jason Anderson
Justin Brayton +3.724
Dean Wilson +7.364
Dan Reardon +11.788
Luke Clout +11.887
Brett Metcalfe +13.134
Chad Reed +20.359
Jace Owen +25.250
Lawson Bopping +28.480
Dylan Long +30.505
SX1 Final 2
Jason Anderson
Dan Reardon +3.353
Dean Wilson +4.015
Chad Reed +8.670
Brett Metcalfe +14.420
Justin Brayton +16.270
Luke Clout +19.227
Lawson Bopping +23.333
Jace Owen +23.776
Dylan Long +25.272
SX1 Final 3
Jason Anderson
Dean Wilson +2.014
Dan Reardon +9.058
Dylan Long +14.071
Justin Brayton +18.705
Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
Jace Owen +21.064
Brett Metcalfe +22.203
Luke Clout +36.894
Robbie Marshall +1 lap
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderson – 75
Dean Wilson – 62
Daniel Reardon – 60
Justin Brayton – 53
Chad Reed – 47
Brett Metcalfe – 44
Luke Clout – 42
Dylan Long – 40
Jace Owen – 39
Lawson Bopping – 35
SX1 Australian Supercross Championship
The SX1 Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship this time ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon on his privateer Yamaha.
Justin Brayton
“I’m stoked to win this championship, I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium
Final SX1 Championship Points
Justin Brayton – 115
Brett Metcalfe – 106
Dan Reardon – 90
Jace Owen – 84
Dylan Long – 77
Luke Clout – 72
Robbie Marshall – 57
Lawson Bopping – 53
Jesse Dobson – 41
Nicholas Sutherland – 39
AUS-X Open – SX2
The AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night with three second places to take the overall ahead of defending champion Jackson Richardson who won the final two races after finishing sixth in the opening final while Hayden Mellross ended the night in third to end up just 6 points shy of championship winner Jay Wilson who overcame a heavy crash to come home in 6th overall.
SX2 Final 1
Jy Roberts
Cameron McAdoo +0.837
Dylan Wills +2.506
Jacob Hayes +3.404
Hayden Mellross +4.526
Jay Wilson
SX2 Final 2
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +3.821
Hayden Mellross +5.505
Dylan Wills +7.762
Jay Wilson +8.879
SX2 Final 3
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +0.534
Hayden Mellross +1.435
Josh Osby +2.681
Jacob Hayes +3.510
SX2 Overall
Cameron McAdoo – 66
Jackson Richardson – 65
Hayden Mellross – 56
Dylan Wills – 53
Jacob Hayes – 45
Jay Wilson – 43
Josh Osby – 42
Aaron Tanti – 39
Tomas Ravenhorst – 37
Kaleb Barham – 36
SX2 Australian Supercross Championship
Jay Wilson has won the 2018 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship after a nail-biting weekend thanks to a heavy crash during Saturday’s qualifying that saw the former Australian Motocross Champion almost miss the final before battling tooth and nail to win the championship by just six points over Hayden Mellross.
The Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider carried an 11 point lead in the championship over Mellross and only 13 points separated the top four riders but with the final round in the tight confines of Qudos Bank Arena and the triple final format, it was anything but a foregone conclusion as it went all the way down to the wire in an epic nights’ racing.
Aaron Tanti – SX2
Despite a poor grid pick in each final Wilson went 8-5-7 over the three moto format to earn 6th overall while his championship rival in Mellross managed 5-3-3 finishes for third overall.
Jay Wilson
“I’m not going to lie, that was just terrible riding and the worst I have raced for in so long, but we got through the night, got the championship done and I just couldn’t be happier. I was nervous all weekend and then that crash yesterday really took it out of me but I was determined to be strong and win my first supercross championship. Last year at the same venue was where I got my career back on track so it’s awesome that I was able to win a championship here and I have so many people to thank that have helped me get back to this point. Everyone at Yamaha who supported in me and believed in me when I was down and out, our team that does an amazing job each week, especially Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, who always have my back and have always played a part in my success. Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughter for allowing me to do this and my family who were here tonight. It feels amazing to finally win this championship and it’s something I will remember for a long time. It was a stressful weekend and things got heated at times. but it was great racing with Hayden, Jacob and Wilson Todd and I want to also congratulate them on some great racing over the five rounds. I have really enjoyed racing them and we have kept it clean at each round and it’s been a lot of fun.”
SX2 Final Championship Points
Jay Wilson 103
Hayden Mellross 97
Jacob Hayes 91
Wilson Todd 75
Jackson Richardson 74
Josh Osby 68
Aaron Tanti 62
Dakota Alix 61
Dylan Wills 60
Bradley Taft 50
The Junior Lites 250cc Class was taken out by Jake Cuka, who put in a consistent season to claim the championship while in the 85cc Class it was Brad West who rode a calculated and conservative ride at the final round in Sydney, coming home in fourth place overall to seal the championship.
The two-stroke cup class was taken out by Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney as the two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini while in Best Trick Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans while in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliff-hanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks’ time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands
History has been made as Billy Bolt is crowned the inaugural World Enduro Super Series at the eighth and final round, Red Bull Knock Out in The Netherlands which was won by Nathan Watson who got the better of MXGP star Glen Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
The Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race saw 1000 competitors taking to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier which was won by Watson before 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.
In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned champion.
Billy Bolt
“To become the ultimate enduro champion is huge – I can’t believe it yet and it’s going to take a while for this moment to sink in. The race itself was crazy. I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes everywhere. Also, the track conditions changed so much every lap and then the tide came in on the start straight, reducing it to half its width. I knew I needed to stay out of trouble as much as possible. And despite two crashes of my own making I pretty much did that. Overall, it’s been such a long season, with so many different races. Winning round one at Extreme XL Lagares feels a life time ago. To race everything from Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and now Beach Racing and come out of it all as the ultimate enduro champion is amazing.”
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media
Results – Red Bull Knock Out, WESS Round 8
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.56
WESS Championship Podium – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 4800 points
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4470 points
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 4103 points
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4010 points
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3675 points
Paul Bolton (KTM – GBR) 3377 points
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220 points
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 3010 points
Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 2900 points
Lars Enockl 2272 points
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Cole Martinez has been crowned the “King of Stuttgart” at the 36th ADAC Stuttgart Supercross after winning the main event on Friday and took out the overall victory with a fourth place in the second race on Saturday while last year’s winner Cédric Soubeyras of France won Saturday’s main event ahead of compatriot Gregory Aranda, who also finished second in the overall standings ahead Soubeyras.
Cole Martinez, the 26-year-old Suzuki rider from Rimrock, Arizona, was overjoyed at the award ceremony: “After much bad luck in recent years, I am grateful that I was able to come back to Stuttgart and that it has worked so well this year. ”
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
Ryan Villopoto elected to withdraw from last weekend’s AUS-X Open after his father, Dan passed away last week while riding with friends at Cahulla Creek in Southern California. Ryan wrote a heartfelt message on his social media account explaining the decision.
Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto
‘I just want to share a note with the @sxopensupercross fans to sincerely apologize as I will not be there today. As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years. I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realize a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon’
Yamaha AORC 2019 Calendar Released
The 2019 calendar for the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has been officially revealed, confirming dates, locations and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.
Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for Round 7 as the series will return to Broken Hill NSW, for a 4-hour desert Cross Country.
AORC Dungog
Kicking off the season will be Rounds 1 & 2 in Gympie QLD, taking place 9 – 10 March 2019. The Championship will then move to NSW for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April. Round 5 & 6 will see the series then return to Kyogle, NSW after a successful event in 2017, NSW on July 20-21. Broken Hill, NSW will again feature on 10-11 August and, then it’s off to SA from 31 August – 1 September. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016 on 14-15 September. Specific locations of the South Australian rounds will be released in due time.
2018 saw a number of firsts for the Championship with a Desert Cross Country along with several new support classes with the Amateur 125 cup, Vintage Cup and Pony Express. AORC will reveal what will be in store for 2019 in the coming weeks.
2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD; 9 – 10 March 2019
Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW; 6 – 7 April 2019
Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW; 20 – 21 July 2019
Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW; 10 – 11 August 2019
Round 8 & 9: SA; 31 August – 1 September 2019
Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC; 14 –15 September 2019
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
At the time of writing Australia is taking to the track for day one of the 93rd FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and Australia’s World, Junior and Women’s Trophy Teams are in good stead after spending time in reconnaissance over the past week to prepare for a hot and dusty six days ahead.
Australia 2018 ISDE riders
Located two hours west of the Chile’s capital, Santiago, the city of Vina del Mar will play home to the world’s best Enduro riders over six days of adrenaline pulsing action. Organisers have planned three unique and challenging routes to test this year’s competitors, with the opening two days seeing riders tackle the aptly named ‘Pacific Challenge’.
Days three and four move our riders inland to see how well they handle rocky terrains, alongside dust and high heat. The second last day will find riders navigate a forestry course at Penuelas Lake and Wood, before competitors head into the sixth and final day with traditional a Motocross test in front of the Pacific Ocean in Vina del Mar.
Leading Australia out down the streets along Vina del Mar beach as the Flag Bearer was Australia’s World Trophy Team member, Josh Strang while Australia’s Women’s World Trophy Team received a very warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony, as they bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win.
Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker
Scoring their first trophy back in 2013 in Sardinia, Italy, Australia’s three ladies, Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, are set to once again bring the fire to their international counterparts, serving unstoppable and unrivalled skills. Reflecting on arriving in Chile and the past week of testing and familiarising with the tracks.
Jessica Gardiner
“We’ve done a lot of walking here in Chile. It’s been quite hilly and therefore quite difficult to walk. It’s also been quite hot, and even though the metre says its only 22 degrees it really feels like 32! We’ve learnt that it’s going to be far more technical than the standard fast and flowing grass tracks usually seen at the ISDE. So there’s going to be more technique involved, which should make it interesting to decipher all the riders quickly! It’s been great to be with the girls in our Women’s World Trophy Team! We’ve found a new teammate in Mackenzie Tricker, so hopefully us Aussie girls can keep the ball rolling and stay strong. We’re preparing for a long, hot event, so we are going to have to really rely on our air filters changes and keeping our coolers up to date. So, fingers crossed for a good event!”
Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Joshua Strang
The class with arguably the most intense competition is the World Trophy, and Team Australia has already been coined as a strong and dominant force for 2018, with the potential to take out the trophy. Strang reflected on the team’s hunger and drive.
Josh Strang
“The conditions and terrain here in Chile are somewhat different to what I’m used to. But I think once the race starts today, I’ll no doubt just on into it and be good to go! The next six days should be pretty great, and all the Aussies are in good spirits!”
Fraser Higlett, Tom Mason and Andrew Wilksch
Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team member, Tom Mason, wrapped up the team’s experience so far in the lead up to today’s first race.
Tom Mason
“We’ve just finished up walking and testing out the tacks, and it’s been an awesome couple of days! The tracks here are the same as back home in Australia so we’re feeling pretty comfortable. All the bikes are ready and tested, and everyone feels ready! What we’ve found out from testing the tracks is that we just need to survive it, so the next six days will be pretty rough, but we’ll see how we go!”
World Trophy Team
Daniel Milner
Daniel Sanders
Lyndon Snodgrass
Joshua Strang
Women’s World Trophy Team
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
Junior World Trophy Team
Fraser Higlett
Tom Mason
Andrew Wilksch
Team Manager – Don Atkins
There will be a full report on the ISDE in next week’s Moto News.
What Racing is Left for 2018?
Last weekend’s AUS-X was a dead-set cracker as was the final rounds of the WESS and we can look forward to seeing how our Aussie team fare at the ISDE next week – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:
Australasia
New Zealand Supercross Championships
24 – SX Open – Auckland
1 – South Waikato
15 – Southland
America
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Nov. 17 – Hamilton
2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
Europe
ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
KTM’s Nathan Watson wins season finale from Coldenhoof & Martens
Billy Bolt has been crowned 2018’s Ultimate Enduro Champion at the eighth and final round of the World Enduro Super Series – the Red Bull Knock Out held in The Netherlands.
Billy Bolt – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider claimed the top step of the championship podium ahead of Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and round winner Nathan Watson.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Bolt is well-known for his Hard Enduro ability, while runner-up Lettenbichler was the championship’s best placed privateer, with motocross turned enduro racer Nathan Watson claiming the final position and representing the championship’s diversity and enduro spirit.
Nathan Watson – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Billy Bolt – 2018 Champion
“I can’t believe it, this is going to take some time to sink in. To be the first World Enduro Super Series champion is awesome. The race was crazy, I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes abandoned everywhere. The track changes every lap – there’s hardly a start straight now the tide has come in so much. It was frustrating at times when you got stuck or lost time due to someone else’s mistake, but that’s the nature of the race and generally the whole event went well for me. It’s been such a long season, with so many different races – to finish at the top when it’s all come to a close – it feels unreal. It’s been a real rollercoaster season for me with some challenges and then my knee surgery, to stand here now having won WESS is brilliant. It’s been a real team effort. The Rockstar Husky guys have really done everything and more to allow me to win this championship. It’s been a real team effort.”
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media
The sixth edition of the Dutch Beach Race saw Watson stormed his way to a debut win on the Scheveningen shoreline, taking victory over home favourite Glenn Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.
After seven rounds of Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro and Cross-Country racing, the first season of the multi-discipline Enduro series drew to a spectacular close at the infamous Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race. 1000 competitors took to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier – won by Watson and 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Eager to impress in front of his home crowd, Coldenhoff set the early race pace, with Watson, Martens, Camille Chapeliere and Britain’s Todd Kellet in tow. During the opening half of the race, Coldenhoff set a blisteringly fast pace and appeared to have all under control.
However, the opening of the extreme X-Loop for the final hour dramatically changed the flow of the race and Watson – putting his Enduro skills to good use – fought his way into the lead. Continuing his fast pace during the final laps, and with the track at its roughest, Watson stormed ahead to claim a 90-second margin of victory over Coldenhoff, with Martens coming through for third.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Nathan Watson – 3rd overall & Red Bull Knock Out winner
“I am so happy, I have been looking forward to this race all year. To take the win feels amazing, especially after finishing runner-up the last two times. I put myself under a lot of pressure coming here, everyone had me down as the favourite but anything can happen, especially in beach racing. I was ill last week and I didn’t expect to be so strong, but the whole race went perfectly. Glenn got away really fast at the beginning but I knew if I held on, I should come strong at the end. I can’t thank the team enough, it’s been a seriously tough year for me – I’ve experienced a lot of new events and learned a lot. To jump up to take third overall in the WESS championship is incredible.”
Nathan Watson – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Ydwer van der Heide
Glenn Coldenhoff – 2nd at Red Bull Knock Out
“That was a tough race, I am happy with second but it’s disappointing not to take the win. I started off really well and took the joker lane twice and was still leading at the halfway point. I was close to running out of fuel at the pitstop and lost a bit of time there but still felt good and had about a minute lead. When they opened up the X-Loop it was ok at first but on the second time through there were a lot of riders already stuck. I wanted to make sure I completed it properly but in the end the organisers were directing everyone up the side. I put in a lot of training for the event after the Motocross of Nations and I’m glad to take the runner-up, I just wish it was one step further up the podium.”
Glenn Coldenhoff – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.
However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned Ultimate Enduro Champion.
Billy Bolt – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Despite giving his best effort, Lettenbichler was unable to get the better of Bolt in the deep Dutch sand, finishing a creditable 15th to take the runner-up result in the 2018 World Enduro Super Series. In the fight for the final step of the championship podium, Watson’s round eight victory saw him leap past teammate Josep Garcia who placed 16th – to secure third overall.
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2018 runner-up
“It’s been an amazing year and to end it as the championship runner-up is beyond my pre-season expectations. I knew Billy was good in the sand, so my plan here was to try and keep him behind me and do my best to claim as many points as possible. I wasn’t sure how things would be after hurting my thumb at the Gotland Grand National. But the adrenalin has kept the pain away today and I’m really happy with my ride. Overall, I have had some strong podiums and I really feel like I have come into my form and that I’m riding at the top of my game. To end WESS as the series’ runner-up is amazing, but now I have to come back even stronger next year and take Billy’s title. Congratulations to him, it’s been a great year battling with him.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
In becoming the Ultimate Enduro Champion of 2018, Billy Bolt claimed the World Enduro Super Series prize of a KTM X-Bow.
Billy Bolt won a KTM X-Bow – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Red Bull Knock Out – WESS Round 8 Results
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.561
WESS Championship Podium – Lettenbichler, Bolt, Watson – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
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What Went Down Last Weekend?
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Gotland Grand National – Sweden
GNCC – Ironman, Indianapolis
AMA EnduroCross Series – Everett, WA
French Beach Racing Championship – Loon-Plage
FIM Oceania Trial Championship – Christchurch, NZ
Dean Wilson Confirmed for AUS-X Open
Pauls Jonass Signs with Husqvarna
Seewer Second at Sugo
Young Returns for Wildwood Rock
S-X Open Auckland to host KTM Junior Supercross Challenge
What Racing is Left for 2018?
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Gotland Grand National – Sweden
The wild and muddy Gotland Grand National saw Swedish riders fill the podium at round seven of the World Enduro Super Series but it was Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) who ultimately claimed victory while Billy Bolt recovered well to finish 13th overall and maintain his overall lead in the WESS championship standings with one round remaining.
2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
With torrential rain on the Friday night coupled with over 3000 competitors the conditions turning incredibly muddy for the 35th edition of the iconic event so it was the local riders who faired best in the deteriorating conditions with Elowson securing his maiden GGN win over Robert Kvarnstrom and Ken Bengtson while Taddy Blazusiak, who was by far the best of the WESS stars, worked hard in the final stages of the race to claim fourth ahead of another local in Sebastian Martensson.
For WESS the title contenders, Spain’s Josep Garcia crossed the finish line in 12th to slightly close the gap to series leader Bolt, who finished 13th. Although holding 25th with one lap remaining, a crash in the closing stages of the race pushed Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – Germany) back to 43rd overall.
2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
With just the final round of the championship remaining, Bolt extends his advantage over Lettenbichler to 275 points. Garcia, in third, closes to within 445 points of the second placed Lettenbichler. Blazusiak’s fourth place result at GGN sees him move up to fourth overall, but more importantly he now sits just 25 points behind Garcia as the race to become this year’s ULTIMATE ENDURO CHAMPION soon moves to The Netherlands for Red Bull Knock Out.
The World Enduro Super Series concludes with the eighth and final round with the iconic Red Bull Knockout on November the 10th.
Albin Elowson
“I’m so happy to take the win here in Gotland. I knew I had the speed before the race, but you never know what can happen around here, especially in these conditions. I got a decent start and tried to make some passes in the early chaos. I had a good fight with Robert Kvarnstrom but after the first pit stop I was able to open up a small gap and managed to maintain that lead for the whole race. Overall, I felt good and was happy with my pace. I went through a lot of goggles – that’s one of the main things at this race, you have to keep your eyes clear in order to ride properly. Also, a big thanks to the team. They were great and both pit stops were excellent. Finally, it’s good to be able to show what I am capable of – especially with the GGN now part of WESS. I know I have the speed, I just have to build my confidence a little and hopefully I can get some more good results in the future.”
Albin Olowson – 2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
Robert Kvarnstrom
“That was a really tough race. It was so wet and so muddy. I think it was one of the toughest editions of GGN that we’ve ever done. I got a good start and was running with Albin Elowson early on, but a few mistakes and some issues with the traffic cost me time and he gapped me. After that I just rode my own race. I found some more speed towards the end, but it wasn’t quite enough to pressure Albin for the lead. Congratulations to him for the win – I’ll have to come back next year and fight for the victory again.”
Robert Kvarnstrom – 2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
Taddy Blazusiak
“To finish fourth for my first time riding this race and in these conditions is a result I’m pleased with. GGN is a unique race and one the Swedish riders clearly excel at. With the weather turning bad, it was always going to be difficult to match their experience in this type of mud. But I feel we did a good job – we worked well as a team to adapt to the changes and challenges we faced, as they happened. In total I only had two small crashes, but I did struggle with keeping clear vision especially in traffic and that cost me some time. But like I said, fourth is a good day and I’m happy with that.”
2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
Billy Bolt
“I had a tough first lap. Another rider crashed in front of me and I managed to stop, but then someone else crashed into me from behind and we were all stuck in a mud puddle. I got going again but got mixed up in another crash and went down again – that’s when I broke the throttle tube. I made the mistake of stopping to try and fix it and lost so many places as a result. After the first pit stop I was able to push on a bit more and regain some places. I’m a little bit disappointed not to have finished higher – I think without the problems I could have – but importantly I have stretched my lead at the top of the standings as we now look towards the final round in Holland.”
Billy Bolt – 2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
Graham Jarvis
“That was really tough, it was hard to learn the terrain and hard to get into it early on. It was difficult to know how much grip there was because there were a few slippery places but in other places it wasn’t too bad, just very muddy. It took a while to get a bit more confident but when I did I was faster on the last few laps. It was hard to get warmed up and get going early on, but that was the same for everybody.”
Alfredo Gomez
“It was so cold out there today – I don’t think any of us expected it to be so tough. The first half of the race went well, but after that my brake pads wore out and everything got a lot more challenging. I think my riding was good but as the race went on I started to get very cold and it was tricky to keep to a good pace.”
Alfredo Gomez – 2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
Results – Gotland Grand National, WESS Round 7
Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 6 laps, 2:59:02;
Robert Kvarnstrom (Yamaha) 3:01:52;
Ken Bengston (Husqvarna) 3:03:38;
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 3:06:59;
Sebastian Martensson (Husqvarna) 3:08:33;
Johan Carlsson (Husqvarna) 3:08:42;
Calle Bjerkert (Husqvarna) 3:10:10;
Joakim Ljunggren (KTM) 3:10:44;
Oskar Ljunstrom (Husqvarna) 3:11:08;
Marcus Gothenberg (Husqvarna) 3:11:16 …13. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 3:14:24 …27. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 3:22.54 …32. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 3:26:05
World Enduro Super Series Standings (After Round 7)
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 4420pts;
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 4145pts;
Josep Garcia (KTM) 3700pts;
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 3675pts;
Wade Young 3220pts;
Nathan Watson (KTM) 3103pts;
Paul Bolton (KTM) 3092pts;
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 3010pts;
Jonny Walker (KTM) 2900pts;
Lars Enockl (Gas Gas) 2272pts
GNCC – Ironman, Indianapolis
Last weekend’s AMSOIL Ironman GNCC signified the end of the 2018 season with well over 1000 competitors taking to the woods in Crawfordsville, Indiana for the 24th annual event and it was Steward Baylor Jr. came away with his first overall win of the season while Ben Kelly wrapped up the XC2 championship.
XC1: As the race began it was Ryan Sipes grabbing the early lead however, after a crash on the first lap Sipes would come through timing and scoring in eleventh place. Ultimately Sipes would end his day early after pulling off during the second lap.
Steward Baylor Jr. – Image by Ken Hill
Trevor Bollinger held the lead early in the race, battling with Baylor Jr. throughout the duration of the race, while Josh Strang made his way through the pack after starting in the sixth place position so as the white flag came out, Strang had his sights set on Bollinger and would make the pass stick before the chequered flag flew.
Baylor Jr. took the win and wrapped up third place in the series while Strang and Bollinger rounded out the podium with Ricky Russell, Grant Baylor, Layne Michael, Pascal Rauchenecker, Jordan Ashburn and Andrew Delong rounded out the top ten.
Josh Strang – Image by Ken Hill
XC1 Open Pro Event Results
Steward Baylor (KTM)
Josh Strang (HQV)
Trevor Bollinger (HON)
Ricky Russell (YAM)
Grant Baylor (KTM)
Layne Michael (HQV)
Pascal Rauchenecker (HQV)
Jordan Ashburn (BET)
Andrew Delong (GAS)
Jesse Groemm (KTM)
Overall National Championship Standings
Kailub Russell (297)
Thad Duvall (262)
Steward Baylor Jr. (219)
Trevor Bollinger (208)
Ben Kelley (192)
Josh Strang (189)
Josh Toth (177)
Ricky Russell (142)
Grant Baylor (115)
Craig Delong (104)
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XC2: As the XC2 250 Pro class took off it was Josh Toth grabbing the holeshot and early lead but Ben Kelley was soon leading the way and the overall on adjusted time. Toth would come through in second and the battle for the XC2 National Championship was on. The two would swap positions multiple times before Kelley was forced to pit where the KTM crew performed a tire change. Kelley would return to the race in second-place, with Toth reclaiming the lead.
Ken Belly XC2 – Image by Ken Hill
Toth would continue his charge, finishing ahead of Kelley for his sixth win of the season and also earning the second overall position against the XC1 Open Pro competitors. Kelley was able to put his head down and push on the final lap to bring home his first-career XC2 250 Pro Championship.
Beta USA’s Mike Witkowski has been steadily improving throughout the season, and after finishing fourth two weeks ago in Ohio he made the move into third this weekend. This marks Witkowski’s first XC2 podium appearance of the season, and his best finish on his Beta motorcycle while Craig Delong finished in the fourth place position, while Husqvarna-backed rider Evan Smith rounded out the top five.
XC2 Podium, Kelly, Toth, Witkowski – Image by Ken Hill
XC2 250 Pro Event Results
Josh Toth (KTM)
Ben Kelley (KTM)
Mike Witkowski (BET)
Craig Delong (HQV)
Evan Smith (HQV)
Austin Lee (HON)
Jonathan Johnson (YAM)
Brendan Riordan (YAM)
Alex Teagarden (HQV)
Hunter Neuwirth (YAM)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings
Ben Kelley (323)
Josh Toth (305)
Craig Delong (199)
Austin Lee (170)
Evan Smith (158)
Mike Witkowski (147)
Pascal Rauchenecker (145)
Jonathan Johnson (141)
Liam Draper (131)
Zack Hayes (99)
XC3: When the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class took off it was the Sherco rider, Daniel Mundell taking the holeshot but it was Jesse Ansley taking the last win of the season. Chris Bach and Jake Froman would round of the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am podium.
Jesse Ansley XC3 – Image by Ken Hill
WXC: With the 10 a.m. race consisting of 893 riders, it was Aussie hard charger Tayla Jones who came through in second overall and first in WXC class followed by Becca Sheets, Rachel Gutish and Mackenzie Tricker.
WXC Podium – Becca Sheets, Tayla Jones, Rachel Gutish – Image by Ken Hill
AMA EnduroCross Series – Everett, WA
The Wind Arena in Everett hosted the penultimate round of the AMA EnduroCross Series and it was Colton Haaker who came away with the main event win after a race long battle with championship rival Cody Webb while Kyle Redmond rode a strong race to take the final podium spot.
Colton Haaker – AMA EnduroCross – Image by Tanner Yeager
Behind the top three the racing was just as intense and it was Ty Cullins, Noah Kepple, Geoff Aaron, Cooper Abbott, Max Gerston, Keith Sweeten and Mason Ottersberg who rounded out the top ten.
With just the Boise, Idaho race next weekend remaining, Haaker holds a six-point advantage over Webb. Redmond holds third with Tremaine fourth and Aaron fifth. Ty Cullins is sixth and leading the Junior Championship for riders twenty-one and under.
Colton Haaker
“I finally won Everett. I have never won here, and I felt that tonight was critical for the championship because I didn’t want next week to be a game seven win or lose in Boise. The championship is not done but it is a little easier now. I knew it was getting close to the finish and Cody made a mistake coming out of the rocks. It was now or never so I committed to the double and he came over on me a little, but he backed out and, from there, I just needed one more clean lap. I am bummed about Ty (Tremaine) getting hurt but, as we came to lap them, our lines just came together.”
Colton Haaker – AMA EnduroCross – Image by Tanner Yeager
Cody Webb
“That was tough for me to battle back and forth with Colton like that and this EnduroCross is tough. It was a great race and a great show for the crowd. We got really close when he passed me on that double. I had to pull out of that and I pushed to the end but ended up crashing in the rocks. I am happy that I rode better than I did in Denver but, of course, I am not happy about giving up the win.”
Kyle Redmond
“It was a great race. The track was super technical and tough, which suited my style. Me and Ty were battling for third in the championship and the race. Unfortunately, I think he got landed on. We were in a tight battle and they (Haaker and Webb) were in a tight battle and there was not enough room. I have worked really hard this year and I’m happy to get a good result.”
Colton Haaker topped the podium from Cody Webb and Kyle Redmond – AMA EnduroCross – Image by Tanner Yeager
Main Event Results
Colton Haaker, Husqvarna
Cody Webb, KTM
Kyle Redmond, Husqvarna
Ty Cullins, Beta
Noah Kepple, GasGas
Geoff Aaron, GasGas
Cooper Abbott, KTM
Max Gerston, Beta
Keith Sweeten, KTM
Mason Ottersberg, Beta
Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna
Kevin Dupuis, Husqvarna
Quinn Wentzel, Husqvarna
Ty Tremaine, Beta
Super EnduroCross Championship Points
Colton Haaker – 126 points
Cody Webb – 120 points
Kyle Redmond – 81 points
Ty Tremaine – 80 points
Geoff Aaron – 75 points
Ty Cullins – 73 points
Noah Kepple – 71 points
Cooper Abbott – 65 points
Mason Ottersberg – 45 points
Dustin McCarthy – 44 points
French Beach Racing Championship – Loon-Plage
The second round of the 2018/19 French Beach Race Series was hosted by the Moto Club du Littoral at Loon-Plage in northern France and it was Yamaha’s Milko Potisek who took the win after 24 gruelling laps ahead of Jeffrey Dewulf (KTM) and Yentel Martens (Husqvarna).
Yentel Martens
Series leader entering the Loon-Plage event following his winning performance at the opening round of the championship, Martens was forced to push hard during the opening laps of the race following a disappointing start. Completing the first lap down in 14th position he made up five places during the second lap to break inside the top 10.
Quickly up to sixth, he moved to third by the end of the fourth lap before hitting the front on lap five but on lap 11 he dropped to third which is where he finished.
Yentel Martens
“That was a tough race. I didn’t get a great start, so I had to work hard to get back to the front. I felt good during the early stages of the race – I was able to push hard and had a good rhythm going. After my pit stop I had some problems with my stomach. It was tough after that, but I’m happy. Apart from my stomach things were good – I’m pleased with third and look forward to the next round of the series.”
Yentel Martens
Digging deep during the final laps of the race, KTM’s Camille Chapeliere moved into fifth with two laps remaining and held the position to the finish. He ended the race as the fifth and final rider to complete 24 laps.
Camille Chapeliere
“Today was a good day, but I had a little crash in the second lap and dropped back to 18th. It was difficult to get back and pass the riders ahead of me. But I had a good rhythm and after my first refuelling I was ninth. My team told me that I was riding well and push hard. I kept pushing and I was fifth at my second fuel stop. I was riding kind of alone during the final stages of the race. The track was good, very physical but I feel like I am working in a good direction and I’m looking forward to the next round of the series.”
Camille Chapeliere
The series continues with round three in St Léger de Balson on December 1/2.
Results – French Beach Racing Championship, Loon-Plage
Milko Potisek (Yamaha) 24 laps 2:30:42.7;
Jeffrey Dewulf (KTM) 2:31:32.2;
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna) 2:33:44.7;
Daymond Martens (Yamaha) 2:35:11.8;
Camille Chapeliere (KTM) 2:37:49.6
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FIM Oceania Trial Championship – Christchurch, NZ
Christchurch hosted the FIM Oceania Trial Championship last weekend and despite the tough conditions and strong competition, it was the Australian team of Kevin Zarczynski, Sarah Chivers and Tom Woodhouse who proudly returned the Championship Cup and Shield to its rightful home. Made up of three members;, Team Australia displayed true grit and perseverance as they faced tough conditions and competition right to the end.
Team Australia
Day one saw Zarczynski dominate to win the solo class while Junior class rider, Tom Woodhouse earned second place overall before Sarah Chivers, who tackled challenges throughout the day that impacted her overall score, landing her in third position.
Kevin Zarczynski
“We overcame many challenges over the weekend, the first being that it was a three-day competition, which is unusual for Tom and Sarah who have never ridden a three-day trial before. Second, the event was held at three different locations which is very different for Trial, because normally the entire event is held at one location. Third, we were in streams all day. Everything was wet and a totally foreign environment for our team who are well practiced in drier conditions.”
Regardless of these difficulties, the team continued to bring the fire in Day two, with Woodhouse maintaining his position in second place overall. But eyes were on Chivers who overcame the terrain to move on up to second place in the Women’s class.
Coming into the third and final day of the Championship, Australia and New Zealand went toe to toe in a fight right to the finish for the Championship Cup and Shield. Zarczynski maintained a dominant lead throughout the day to score first place, but it was the perseverance of his two team mates, Woodhouse and Chivers that saw Team Australia bring the glory back home. Woodhouse claimed third position for the day in the Junior’s class, whilst Chivers fought her way right to the top to dominate her rivals and take out first place in the Women’s class.
It was a Cinderella story moment for Chivers and her team as she scored that top position and helped restore the confidence she may have lost on Day One!
Sarah Chivers
“I was a little bit worried coming into the Championship, because I haven’t been able to compete as much this year. And the first day was such a shock! But by the last day I was really pleased with my riding and it ended up helping us make it over the line.”
Zarczynski could not be happier with the team’s end result.
Kevin Zarczynski
“It was a chance to have a new group of young riders that were competing in their first International Trial. Each member contributed to our overall win thanks to their focus and perseverance. It was all to play for on the last day. Our team improved throughout the weekend, especially in the streams, and eventually progressed to be on par with the local New Zealand riders. This was in particular for Sarah, who lost the first two days, but progressed enough to succeed in winning the last day.”
Coming into the Championship with a long family history of motorcycle sport, Woodhouse was thrilled with their efforts throughout the weekend.
Tom Woodhouse
“I was really excited coming in the event but having to adapt to a different bike hindered my initial efforts. I also found the streams slippery and difficult to handle but eventually I found the right grip and the rest is history.”
2018 FIM Oceania Trial Championship – Christchurch, NZ
In what ended up being an epic International showdown, the comradery and hospitality displayed by our New Zealand counterparts was nothing short of excellent.
Dean Wilson Confirmed for AUS-X Open
The Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney is shaping up to be a grand slam of the world’s best superstars this year, with the flying Scotsman – Dean Wilson confirmed for the November 9 and 10 blockbuster inside Qudos Bank Arena.
Aus-X Open 2017 – Dean Wilson
Wilson raced to a career-best seventh overall during this year’s Monster Energy FIM World Supercross Championship despite missing rounds due to injury and included his first ever 450cc SX1 Supercross podium coming at the Indianapolis round inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Wilson won the Saturday Main-Event SX1 Final at the 2017 AUS-X Open and believes the event provides a perfect platform to bounce back into the international spotlight, as he looks to secure a factory ride for the 2019 World Supercross Championship.
Dean Wilson
“I’m super excited to be returning to the AUS-X Open again in 2018, It’s perfect timing for me to come down and really put in a good performance; with the high calibre names that are competing this year, if I can beat them, then I’m back on the international radar, which is what I’m aiming for.”
Dean Wilson
During last year’s event, the 26-year-old took top honours during the Saturday night final, backing that up with a strong second place on Sunday.
Dean Wilson
“Obviously last year went really well – I won the first night and then backed it up with a second on the second night, which was awesome. But just the overall atmosphere and vibe – to come and see Australia and Sydney during the summer time was incredible, and I can’t wait to head back down under.”
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Pauls Jonass Signs with Husqvarna
Husqvarna Motorcycles have signed Pauls Jonass to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team, where the 21-year-old Latvian will compete on Husqvarna’s FC 450 machine throughout the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Pauls was crowned the 2011 85cc Junior World Champion, winning the 125cc Junior Motocross World Championship two years later the the World MX2 Championship in 2017 so at just 21 years of age, Jonass is one of the most promising young riders on the circuit.
Pauls Jonass – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
“I’m really excited to be part of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team. The switch to the MXGP category is a big move for me but I can’t wait to get started. Joining such an acclaimed team gives me a huge amount of motivation to continue working hard in order to achieve my goals. I’m looking ahead to a great future with the team. I’ve known Antti [Pyrhönen] and the rest of the team members for some years already and it feels good to start working with them. Following my knee surgery last month, my goal right now is to start riding my Husqvarna at the earliest possible time. I want to maximise my time on the bike, so I can be fully-fit and ready to enter this exciting new season in the MXGP category.”
Pauls Jonass
Diego Clement – Head of Motorsport at Husqvarna Motorcycles
“We are extremely happy to have former MX2 World Champion Pauls Jonass join our team. We truly believe Pauls has the potential to become a frontrunner in the extremely competitive MXGP category. Pauls is one of the most experienced motocross racers of his generation and already a three-time World Champion. His speed is never in doubt, and he has impressed us, as he has the wider motocross community, with his ability to perform on varying track conditions. It’s going to be an exciting new season and we are all looking forward to seeing Pauls do battle against the MXGP class elite aboard our FC 450 machine.”
Kimi Räikkönen – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (IceOne) Team Owner
“With Pauls joining our team the goal is to continue our success. The Motocross World Championship is the most competitive global motocross series and we’re pleased to be strengthening our team with a former World Champion. I am confident all members of our team will give their best to help Pauls achieve his goals in the MXGP class.”
Pauls Jonass & Antti Pyrhönen
Antti Pyrhönen – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP Team Manager
“We are all looking forward to working with Pauls Jonass as he starts an exciting new chapter in his professional motocross career. Everyone knows Pauls is an extremely hard working rider, which we know will help him fit in perfectly with our team. Already being a world champion speaks volumes about his capabilities. He is both physically and mentally strong and has demonstrated time and again that he is able to excel even under the toughest conditions. We all can’t wait to start working with this young and extremely talented rider.”
Seewer Second at Sugo
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s debutant Jeremy Seewer got the next chapter in his MXGP career off to a positive start in Sugo, Japan, with a silver medal performance at the final round of the 2018 All Japan Motocross Championship.
Jeremy Seewer
“It was a very special weekend from many points of view. It’s been different but a really nice experience, it was a nice track, very technical. I was second two times, but the result was not so important today, it was just about having fun and I had a lot of fun out there today. Now, I look forward to a few days of testing.”
Jeremy Seewer
Saturdays’ rainfall made for challenging conditions. Seewer’s versatility was highlighted as he took to the track for the first time on board his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP YZ450F in the early hours of Sunday morning and after a few minor suspension adjustments, managed to set the second fastest lap time in the Qualifying Practice session.
The sun beat down on the Sugo circuit ahead of race one where Seewer chased Japan’s defending champion Kei Yamamoto and the former two-time World Champion Tim Gajser around the first corner before following Gajser past Yamamoto a few turns later. As the terrain improved, so did his lap times and after moving into second-place the 24 year-old focused on adapting to the track conditions but suffered from arm-pump almost instantly and had to ease off the pace and settle for second.
After making some more suspension changes ahead of race two, changes that would reduce the chance of arm-pump on the tight, compact, rough and rugged Sugo circuit, Seewer felt more comfortable in the final race where he pulled an outstanding holeshot on board the standard YZ450F that he was riding. Despite being on a standard bike, Seewer still looked fast and ‘at home’ for the full 17-Laps as he charged hard to another second place finish, and second overall for the weekend.
Following his first podium appearance with the Monster Energy Factory Yamaha MXGP Team, Seewer will remain in Japan for three days of testing before he returns home to Switzerland where he plans to rest for a few weeks before resuming his off-season preparation in December.
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Young Returns for Wildwood Rock
South African Wade Young has raced his Factory Sherco to victory at the 2018 running of the infamous Red Bull Romanics then backed that up with emphatic victories at the 111 Megawatt in Poland and again at the Sea to Sky event in Turkey and he is now focused on winning this weekend’s Wildwood Rock Extreme on the outskirts of Melbourne.
The 22 year-old Red Bull athlete arrived in Australia just in time for the Moto GP at Phillip Island last weekend where he was able to see the elite of road racing up close and personal for the very first time.
Wade Young
“I really enjoy Australia, it’s so different to everywhere else I race around the world yet it’s so similar to back home in South Africa. It was so cool to bet at the Moto GP. It was the first time I have seen Moto GP live and it was great to cheer on my countrymen Brad Binder and Darryn Binder. It was a cool way to start off this visit to Australia before I race Wildwood this weekend.”
Wade Young
Young and his Sherco Factory mechanic Franck Boulisset are now preparing for the Wildwood Rock Extreme at the Motul Pirelli Sherco Team workshop in Melbourne with Boulisset fine tuning a Sherco 300 SE-R supplied by Sherco Australia.
Despite winning the 2017 Wildwood Rock Extreme by a comfortable margin and currently enjoying career-best form, Young remains focused on the task ahead of him this Sunday.
Wade Young
“2018 has definitely seen some of my biggest results but I have also had some bad luck and not achieved all the results I was after, so I’m looking forward to Wildwood. It’s not super-hot and not a super long race but the rock garden section is tough going. It’s really hard and quite physical and high intensity and I expect the track to be a bit harder than last year.”
Wade Young
The four-hour race will test rider and machine but with Young in peak physical condition, it’s hard to look past the defending champion as a possible winner.
Stephen Tuff
“Wade is a beast of a competitor, he’s confident in what he does yet remains humble and never gets too far ahead of himself. It’s a pleasure to watch him in action because he can do things on a motorcycle most of will never be able to do. Watching him navigate seemingly impossible obstacles leaves me with pure admiration for his dedication to becoming the best extreme enduro rider in the world.”
The 2018 Wildwood Rock Extreme is on this Sunday at 227 Feehans Road, Wildwood, just 15-minutes-drive from Melbourne airport. On-track actions begins at 9.00am with the main race starting at 11.00am.
S-X Open Auckland to host KTM Junior Supercross Challenge
The KTM Junior Supercross Challenge will make its highly-anticipated New Zealand debut during the 2018 Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland next month, set to take centre-stage at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, 24 November.
Just two weeks following its second AUS-X Open Sydney appearance alongside the S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship series opener, there will be a total of 10 aspiring supercross stars aged between seven and eight years old who will take to the track on supplied KTM 50 SX machinery at round two.
Patrick Stafford – Manager, KTM New Zealand
“We’re very excited to introduce the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) in New Zealand. It’s been a long time coming, to have an international supercross event here in New Zealand, and it’s awesome to be a part of it. The KJSC has been extremely successful in the United States, as well as Australia, so we are looking forward to seeing the successful applicants take part in S-X Open Auckland at Mt Smart Stadium. This will be an incredible experience for KJSC riders and we are certain they will remember it for a lifetime to come!”
What Racing is Left for 2018?
There is still plenty of motocross, supercross and enduro events between now and the New Year with the most prominent being the AUS-X Open this coming weekend then the 2018 ISDE in Chile – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:
Australasia
Australian Supercross Championships – Nov. 9-10 – AUS-X Open – Sydney
New Zealand Supercross Championships
Nov. 24 – SX Open – Auckland
Dec. 1 – South Waikato
Dec. 15 – Southland
America
2018 AMA EnduroCross Series – Nov. 3 – Boise, ID
2018 World Vet Championships – Nov. 3-4 – Glen Helen, CA
THOR Mini Olympics – Gainesville, Florida – Nov. 18-24
2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
2018 AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Nov. 9-11 – Primm, NV
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross
Nov. 3 – Quebec
Nov. 17 – Hamilton
Europe
Stuttgart Supercross – Nov 10. Stuttgart, Germany
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Nov. 10 – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands
ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
French Sand Championship
Dec. 2 – Rd3 – Saint Leger de Balson
Dec. 9 – Rd4 – Hossegor
Jan. 6 – Rd5 – Grayan-et-L’Hopital
Jan. 27 – Rd6 – Le Touquet
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Over 150 riders raced classes including Hooligan, Vintage, Pro, Amateur, Newbie and Minibike. The program was action packed with some fantastic racing around Holland’s premier short track venue.
Sastre had some very strong competition from Maikel Dijkstra who was fresh from training with Moto Anatomy’s Johnny Lewis and was showing some excellent pace on his home track. Both Toby Hales (Greenfield Dirttrack) and Gerard Bailo (Greenfield Dirttrack) flew in from riding Copa Rodi in Spain the day before.
Pro Class
2019 Hooligan Championship Dates
