Cycle News Staff | January 9, 2024
A painful leg injury in qualifying didn’t prevent Englishman Billy Bolt from winning the German round of the FIM SuperEnduro Series on January 6.
Partway through the qualifying practice session in the WT Energiesystem Arena in Riesa, Germany, Bolt (Husqvarna) suffered a bad landing after the finish line jump. The Englishman remained on the ground for several seconds, complaining of pain throughout his left leg. After being checked by the medical personnel, he made the brave decision to suffer through the round and try to score points, with the aim of maintaining his championship lead.
In the first race of the night, Jonny Walker (Beta) needed to be opportunistic and build on the strong form he’s had all season. He flew to the Airoh Holeshot but was overtaken by Bolt in the Matrix after the tricky bridge section, proof that the Husqvarna rider had lost none of his attacking spirit. However, aware of his good chance at taking a race win, Walker quickly regained the advantage.
Behind the lead pair, an ever-improving Mitch Brightmore (GasGas) had slotted into third. Home rider Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) occupied a disappointing sixth place for the first part of the race, but the factory KTM made a good comeback to fourth position. Once out front, Walker’s huge gap suddenly disappeared when his rear brake lever got stuck under his footpeg after hitting an obstacle. The crowd roared as Bolt lurched into the lead and took the win. Walker was forced to look on from second place after what seemed like a sure victory.
In the second Prestige race of the night, the reverse grid start, Walker was, once again, quick to get to the head of the field and looked to be in control. Bolt was closing in on his compatriot with just a couple of laps to go, even though he was clearly feeling the strain. Walker made a mistake and crashed, losing the race lead to the relentless Husky rider. Bolt admitted he was ready to settle for second, but couldn’t resist the urge to overtake the unlucky Walker.
Lettenbichler completed the top three in race two, just ahead of fellow German Tim Apolle (Beta) who had a very good race. Will Hoare (Beta) settled for fifth place. Bolt only needed a decent finish in the last race of the evening to win a GP that he wondered if he’d even compete in.
Frustrated by mistakes and misfortune, Walker totally dominated the final race of the night. Bolt appeared to want to take it easy, but he remained at the forefront regardless. In fact, if he hadn’t made a couple of mistakes shortly before the checkered flag, he may well have made a pass on Walker. Exhausted after his efforts through the pain, Bolt collapsed after the finish line and took a few moments to take stock of the new feat he had just accomplished—another overall win.
Despite his impressive speed throughout the event, including taking the Akrapovic Superpole and the Airoh Holeshot Award, Walker, once again, had to take second overall. Even though he kept his usual relaxed and smiling demeanor, the Beta rider was disappointed to miss the opportunity to close in on his main rival.
Lettenbichler recovered from a slightly lackluster start to the German GP to take his first podium of the year with third overall.
In the championship standings, Bolt leads Walker by 16 points as the season’s mid-point approaches. Hoare is still third for the moment, 49 points behind Walker.CN
Prestige Overall
- Billy Bolt (Hus) 59 points
- Jonny Walker (Bet) 57
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 39
- Mitch Brightmore (GG) 37
- Will Hoare (Bet) 35