Taddy Blazusiak Wraps Up World Title
Cycle News Staff | March 10, 2013
KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak wrapped up the 2013 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship after finishing first, second and third in the final round of the series in Tours, France today.
Starting the event with a comfortable points lead in the SuperEnduro series, Blazusiak put the finishing touches on the title by securing a third overall event win.
With his focus on securing the championship, the Pole made the best possible start to the night by winning the first of the three finals. Britain’s Jonny Walker led the race for the first four laps, but once into the lead Blazusiak stayed there and took the win, finishing five seconds ahead of David Knight.
The reverse start of the second final resulted in Blazusiak being forced to battle his way into the top three. With Spain’s Dani Gibert taking the lead from the start, Taddy closed to within three seconds of the eventual race winner. In finishing second, Blazusiak did all that he needed to do to successfully defend his SuperEnduro World Championship title.
With the World Championship secured, Taddy looked to be headed for his second win of the night in the third and closing final. Claiming the holeshot and staying there for the opening laps, he was followed by Knight and Walker. But an uncharacteristic mistake in the difficult rock garden saw him drop back to third, and with only a handful of laps remaining was unable to work his way back past the riders ahead of him.
“Coming into the championship with a 29-point lead, I knew what I needed to do to secure the title,” Blazusiak said. “In the first final I managed to get into the lead on lap four and controlled things from there to take the win. With that victory I knew it would be possible to secure the title in the second heat. But with the start order reversed I also knew it wouldn’t be easy. Starting on the outside of the second row I got blocked off entering the first corner so I decided to be patient in my riding. From last place I was able to move up a couple of positions on the first lap and then keep working forward. Once I got to second position I rode smart to secure the title. When I was leading the third final I crashed in the rocks and slipped back. I recovered well to finish third and with it also claim the overall win on the night. Winning the championship along with topping each round of the series is fantastic, and I can’t ask for anything more.”
Knight finished second in the title chase, 32 points behind Blazusiak, 162-130. Walker was third with 119 points.
