On The Pegs November 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 11 | Page 90

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nothing too major and when I crossed the finish line I could have done another lap
if needed. Overall, it was nearly the perfect race for sure.”
Knowing that the Cross-Country race, and the conditions, at Hawkstone
Park would suit you, did you feel under any extra pressure to win?
“No, I didn’t feel any extra pressure coming into this race because I wanted to win
for myself, because I knew I could. I won the event here in 2017 and so having good
memories of the race was helpful for the motivation. Nobody needed to tell me
that I had to win because I wanted to do my best and show what I’m capable of.”
Before racing commenced there was a three-hour open practice session for
the Pros and Hobby riders to test the track. Did you enjoy having the oppor-
tunity to share the track like that?
“That was something quite cool and unique to do. It’s not often something like
that happens so it was good to ride with the Hobby riders on Saturday. I think they
enjoyed it too because they were able to watch us ride, see some of the lines we
took and try to repeat them. I feel it’s good for the people and Enduro to mix to-
gether like that on the track in a non-competitive way because that’s the spirit of
the sport. It’s why we all started riding bikes in the first place - to have fun and to
play on our bikes in the forest.”
You’ll be one of up to 3000 riders competing at the Gotland Grand National
in Sweden in a few weeks. How important will a good result there be for you?
“Naturally at this stage in the season the title is on a lot of people’s minds. I took
some points here in Hawkstone Park and need to keep that momentum rolling
in Sweden. It’s a big race with a lot of riders, so there might be more guys who
can challenge for the win and upset the overall. I know the Swedish riders will be
strong. They have a lot of experience with this race and I know from racing in the
world championship with them that they will be very fast. We might only have two
rounds left in the series but there’s a lot left to be decided.”
Your victory at Hawkstone Park moves you to third in the championship
standings — suddenly you’ve become a contender in this title fight!
“I feel like this victory has come at the right time for me in the championship and
I honestly can’t wait for the next round in Gotland. I’ve gone from fifth to third in
the standings, I believe I can be a contender for the title. Of course, I need to stay
on the podium or win in order to stay in the championship fight, but I know that’s
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possible to do, especially in Gotland. Like I said, my motivation is high and with four
weekends until the race I’m going to enjoy this time and have a lot of pleasure in
preparing for the next race because I want to go there 100 per cent ready to fight.”
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round seven at Sweden’s Gotland
Grand National on October 26/27.

Championship Standings (After round 6 of 8)
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna - GB) 4060pts; 2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM - GER)
3935pts; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM - ESP) 3320pts; 4. Wade Young (Sherco) 3220pts; 5.
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM - POL) 2985pts; 6. Jonny Walker (KTM - GB) 2900pts; 7. Na-
than Watson (KTM - GB) 2778pts; 8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna - GB) 2768pts; 9. Paul
Bolton (KTM - GB) 2752pts; 10. Lars Enockl (Gas Gas - AUT) 2076pts…