Cycle News Staff | December 11, 2023
The Tauron Arena in Poland had the riders on edge from the very beginning, as a challenging and technical layout awaited them. The track forced the competitors to be in top form both physically and mentally. However, it made for one of the tensest rounds of recent years, even though the ever-strong Billy Bolt, once again took home an overall win, the 24MX Leader Plate and the best time in SuperPole.
The factory Husqvarna rider, Bolt, had to keep an eye on 2022 AMA EnduroCross Champion Jonny Walker (Beta) from the very start of the first race, and it was neck and neck for the Airoh Holeshot, with Bolt just edging in front of Walker. Behind the two Brits, local hero Dominik Olszowy (Rieju) placed himself in contention despite having far less experience than the two powerhouses in front of him. He managed to stay ahead of the likes of Will Hoare (Beta) and Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM). Back in the lead, Walker was still hanging on to Bolt’s rear wheel, with the two men delivering a thrilling race and making no mistakes. It was only when they caught the backmarkers that Bolt managed to take a little advantage over the Beta rider. In the closing laps, Hoare managed to grab the advantage over Lettenbichler and Olszowy.
Billy Bolt celebrates winning the second round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Poland. Photos: Future7 Media
There was an uproar in the arena at the end of race two when Walker did the unthinkable and crossed the line in first place, proving that Bolt can indeed be beaten. His opponents had been waiting a while for the opportunity to shake things up for the three-time World Champion. Walker’s victory quickly took shape, despite the reverse grid start, as he managed to pass early leader Mitch Brightmore (GasGas) smoothly and slot into his own rhythm out front. Bolt, who often has a steady approach to the reverse-grid races, found himself down the field for longer than he’d hoped and stuck in traffic. However, the Husqvarna rider made his usual charge to the front, but as more laps passed, it seemed Walker had everything under control.
Bolt had his hands full with Beta rider Jonny Walker (22), who ended Bolt’s moto win streak in race two.
A small fall for the Beta rider on the final lap had the crowd on its feet, but Walker still rejoined faster than Bolt could catch him and claimed the race victory.
Behind them, Hoare, once again, took third, just ahead of Olszowy, who managed to control Lettenbichler this time.
Bolt edges them off the start.
With one win apiece for the two Brits, it was all to play for in the final race of the night. Bolt, spurred on by the fact that he had to put in one final fight, made a lightning start and dashed straight for the holeshot. Walker and Olszowy slotted into strong second and third positions, giving the crowd plenty to cheer about. Before long, it was a battle of the Brits, as Bolt and Walker pulled away out front. The gap between the pair remained very small, with less than two seconds separating them at the halfway point of the race. The battle remained intense until the checkered flag, but Walker couldn’t quite gain the advantage over Bolt.
Manuel Lettenbichler was fourth overall but wanted better.
Bolt won the last race in style and, once again, took the overall victory.
Third place overall was fought out between Lettenbichler and Hoare after Olszowy suffered late-race falls in the third race and dropped down the order. The Englishman placed fourth in the last race of the night, just one spot behind his German rival, allowing him to claim the overall podium once again.
Will Hoare joined Walker and Bolt on the overall podium.
Bolt was the Polish GP overall winner ahead of Walker and Hoare. This British hat-trick was identical to that of the first round in France. Bolt consolidates his leadership in the world rankings, and he leaves 2023 with 14 points ahead of Walker. Hoare is third in the standings, 27 points behind Walker and 41 behind Bolt.
Round three takes place in Germany on January 6.
Overall podium.
“I’m pretty happy with a 1-2-1,” Bolt said. “I rode well in the second race; I just made a few bad decisions and took too long to get to the front. I think everyone was expecting an eruption when I got back to the pits, but I was pretty chill to be honest. I knew I rode well, but I just didn’t put myself in the right place on the track. Overall, though, I was happy with my riding the whole night, and I got better each race, I think. I switched up my line in the rocks on the final race, so I think that made a difference and gave me some breathing room on what was a difficult track that Jonny pushed me hard on all night.”
Bolt celebrates with a Nac Nac.
“It was good tonight,” said Walker. “I felt like I had a strong pace. I didn’t make too many mistakes, either. Second overall again, but I’m looking forward to Germany, especially after beating Billy in one of the races tonight! We had some nice battles, and it’s always fair racing between us two, plus it was a nice show for the fans. The track was difficult, but it was really good fun. I can go for the Christmas break feeling good.”
The action’s been close this season.
“I’m happy tonight, especially as I didn’t even get into the SuperPole,” said Hoare. “To be honest, I think that setback [fired] me up for the races. The three races went well, and I got third overall, so I’m happy with that result after also doing the same in France a couple of weeks ago. It’s good for me to be running with these top guys, and I’m hoping for the same again in Germany.”
“I’ve got mixed feelings about today, to be honest; I was hoping for a little more,” admitted Lettenbichler. “I did a lot of testing during the week to try and find a better rhythm on the bike and came here to Poland aiming for a podium. My speed has improved, but I’m a little way off the pace of the top two guys. I’m still riding a bit stiff, and so it’s not easy to find a good flow, especially on such a tight track.”
OVERALL RESULTS
- Bill Bolt (Hus) 1-2-1
- Jonny Walker (Bet) 2-1-2
- Will Hoare (Bet) 3-3-4
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 4-5-3
- Dominik Olszowy (Rie) 5-4-8
