Maximum points haul for Billy Bolt at Hixpania Hard Enduro.
Husqvarna Factory Racing hard enduro ace closes in on world championship lead in Spain.
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has delivered another strong performance in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at round four’s Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain. From his prologue win to claiming maximum points in the main event, where he was ultimately classified third, the TE 300 mounted rider chases down the championship lead with three rounds remaining.
Feeling fresh from his victory at round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Italy, Billy was eager to keep that winning momentum rolling in Spain when he arrived at round four’s Hixpania Hard Enduro. An event the Brit has conquered in the past, Billy was focused on another strong showing during the two-day event.
Saturday’s opening day of racing in Aguilar de Campoo saw the first prize pot of championship points up for grabs in qualification. Enjoying the course conditions, Billy set the quickest time by over 17 seconds to claim the win, while also securing pole position for Sunday’s feature race.
Sunday’s race saw riders assemble in the Aguilar de Campoo quarry for a two-hour, multi-lap battle. With wet weather forecasted, Billy was eager to get out into an early lead on the tight and rocky course. Executing his race to plan, he fought for the lead with close rival, Manuel Lettenbichler. Battling back and forth, the duo separated themselves from the rest of the field by over four minutes, and after reaching the two-hour mark, the victory looked to have swung in Billy’s favour.
However, confusion regarding the inclusion of the final Hixpania X-Loop saw the loop reinstated after the majority of riders, including Billy, had already completed the race. As a result, Billy was officially awarded third overall instead of first. But, with the Husqvarna rider finishing as the top FIM championship rider, he was still able to secure maximum points. With three rounds remaining, he is now just 18 points behind leader Lettenbichler in the championship fight.
The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship continues with round five at Sea to Sky in Turkey, on 9-11 October.
Billy Bolt:“It was nice to start out Hixpania with a win in qualification. Heading into Sunday’s race, the weather forecast was looking tricky with regards to how the track conditions would be. Thankfully it wasn’t as wet as predicted, but it meant the racing was really tight. Between myself and Mani, we were only separated by 20 or so seconds throughout today’s race, and a long way in front of the next group of riders. I feel like my riding has stepped forward a lot. The bike is really good and is how I like it, my physical condition is good too. It’s just nice to have momentum like this, it’s been a long time since I could build like this week to week. The last couple of years were tough with injuries, but now it seems it’s finally coming together for me. Prior to the start this morning, we had all agreed not to do the X-Loop on safety grounds, there was a section added in we hadn’t walked and overall, it felt dangerous to race on, especially after two hours of racing. We all decided to wait at the bottom of the quarry and agreed to call the race there. Unfortunately, with some confusion at the end, things didn’t quite go to plan. But, despite all that, I have secured maximum points for the championship, which is ultimately what I had set out to do here. Next up is Sea to Sky and I’m excited for that one with the momentum I’m gathering.”
Provisional Results: FIM HEWC, Round 4 – Hixpania Hard Enduro
1. Graham Jarvis (KTM), CP19, 2:43:00.50
2. Sonny Goggia (Sherco), CP19, 2:54:14.50
3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna), CP18, 2:04:38.62
4. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM), CP18, 2:04:54.32
5. Mario Roman (Sherco), CP18, 2:08:24.17
Provisional Championship Standings (After round 4 of 7)
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 107pts
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 89pts
3. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 73pts
4. Wade Young (GASGAS) 62pts
5. Mario Roman (Sherco) 54pts
Text/Bild: Husqvarna