Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has claimed a hard-fought third place overall result at the fifth round of the World Enduro Super Series – 111 Megawatt in Poland. With teammates Graham Jarvis placing eighth and Alfredo Gomez ninth, Bolt’s results sees him climb to the runner-up position in the WESS championship standings.
As winner of the opening round of the World Enduro Super Series in Portugal, Bolt headed to the Polish Hard Enduro keen to put his Husqvarna back on the podium. Working diligently during the short summer break following his fourth place at round four’s Romaniacs, Bolt began his race weekend in confidence spirits.
Finishing fourth in qualification, he started Sunday’s three-lap race around Europe’s largest coal mine inside the top five. But numerous crashes on the motocross section of the course saw him fall back before working hard to fight his way back up the leader board. Racing his way into contention, he held seventh as they began lap three. Hitting his stride, the 21-year-old began to rapidly tick off the riders in front of him. Setting up a thrilling finish, Bolt claimed third, ending his race just seven seconds behind second placed Taddy Blazusiak.
Although not favouring the sandy conditions, Graham Jarvis was keen to put his best foot forward at 111 Megawatt. A bad start left him with work to do on lap one as he was slowed by the dust. Building speed with each kilometre, the Husqvarna rider steadily worked his way inside the top 10 to cross the finish line in eighth.
With 111 Megawatt marking Alfredo Gomez’ second WESS outing in 2018 following early season knee surgery, the Spaniard knew challenging for a podium result would be a difficult task. Nevertheless, acquitting himself well and showing his fitness was not lacking, Gomez overcame a costly early mistake to finish ninth.
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round six at Hawkstone Park, Great Britain on September 22/23.
Billy Bolt: “I’m really pleased with finishing on the podium. This was the race that I was least pleased with my performance last year, so to turn things around and finish third is great. I had a poor first lap – I crashed three times on the motocross section. It seemed to me like that section of the track was different to what we rode on during the qualifying. I felt good going into the last lap. I knew Watson and Lettenbichler were ahead of me but that if I could stay close to Watson coming into the extreme stuff it would be close. I managed to get ahead of both of them and just didn’t look back. We’ve got three tough races left, but this has definitely been good for me as far as the championship is concerned. I’ll keep working hard.”
Graham Jarvis: “I got a horrendous start. There was so much dust that I just played it safe and took my time during the first lap. I was battling for the lower places, so I was pleased that I was able to increase my speed on the second lap. I felt like I rode well all things considered. Things were definitely faster this year than previous years, there weren’t so many technical hill climbs, where I’d normally be able to make up some time. I knew I was losing time on the motocross section of the track, but like I said I’m pleased enough with the way it’s gone for me.”
Alfredo Gomez: “It was so dusty, I felt like I was in someone’s dust the whole race. I tried to enjoy it as much as possible. I found a good rhythm and was battling with (Jaume) Betriu in the motocross section and Jarvis in the Enduro sections. I made a mistake on the only hard uphill on the last lap – I had to go a little off my line because of a rider ahead of me and I couldn’t make it to the top. Graham passed me there and made some time. For my second race back from injury I’m pleased with the way things went. It’s a busy time of the season now, so I’m looking ahead to the coming races.”
Results: 111 Megawatt, WESS Round 5
1. Wade Young (Sherco) 3 laps, 2:10:52.04; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 2:13:01.82; 3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 2:13:08.63; 4. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 2:14:15.07; 5. Nathan Watson (KTM) 2:15:34.21; 6. Josep Garcia (KTM) 2:17:54.59; 7. Blake Gutzeit (Yamaha) 2:19:07.06; 8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 2:19.37.07; 9. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 2:20:45.11; 10. Paul Bolton (KTM) 2:22:24.86…
World Enduro Super Series Standings (After round 5 of 8)
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 3405pts; 2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 3290; 3. Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220; 4. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 2900; 5. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 2320; 6. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 2308; 7. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 2295; 8. Paul Bolton (KTM – GB) 2262; 9. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1928; 10. Travis Teasdale (Beta – RSA) 1790…
