Husqvarna’s Colton HAAKER (USA) secured his debut Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship victory by claiming the overall win at round five of the series in Prague, Czech Republic. Putting himself right into contention for the championship fight with just one round remaining, HAAKER delivered an impressive performance to claim the top step of the Prestige podium following a night of incredible race action. In the Women’s class, Husqvarna’s Sandra GOMEZ (S) was crowned the first 2016 SuperEnduro World Champion in Prague.
With the series continuing to produce non-stop battles throughout the classes, the fifth and penultimate round of the series was one to remember. Savouring the moment, HAAKER kept his cool under immense pressure to record his very first win in the series. “It feels incredible to get the overall victory,” told HAAKER. “I’ve been close on numerous occasions but to get it done here in Prague is fantastic.” Despite messing up his Akrapovic SuperPole lap, the Husqvarna rider rebounded in the opening race to finish a close third.
Making the start count for race two, HAAKER quickly fought his way into the lead on lap two and despite a brief challenge from Cody WEBB (USA-KTM), hung on to win.
With a second place result in the final moto, HAAKER did just enough to secure the overall. “Things just sort of went my way tonight,” continued HAAKER. “It was hard to stay out of trouble but I did my best. Getting the win in race two was a major help and then fighting back to second in race three sealed the deal. I’m just one point off the championship lead so the final round in Madrid is going to be good.” Also claiming his first ever SuperEnduro podium, KTM’s Taylor ROBERT (USA) placed as the event’s runner-up. Despite actually tying with Haaker on points, it was his rival’s better finish in the final race that saw him lose out on the overall. “I’m more than pleased with getting my first ever podium in SuperEnduro,” said ROBERT. “It feels like it’s been a while coming so I’m glad to have got it done.” “Race one was crazy, everyone was pushing hard. I was upfront the whole time and kept chipping away and managed to get the win. I just tried to keep it together after that. I tied on points with Colton but he got the nod for the overall, which is a little bummer, but I’m happy to be on the box.” Returning to action following injury, KTM’s Taddy BLAZUSIAK (PL) joined HAAKER and ROBERT on the podium for third overall. Despite feeling a little race rusty, BLAZUSIAK proved he lost none of his speed by winning the Akrapovic SuperPole.
Ending his night with victory in race three, BLAZUSIAK had a lot to be pleased about… “It feels great to get back on the podium. It’s been tough being off the bike for so long so to come back and win a race and get third overall feels pretty good. I think tonight was a night were anything could happen. The racing was so tight. I’m excited now to go race Madrid.” With Alfredo GOMEZ (S-KTM) placing fourth overall, championship contender Cody WEBB (USA-KTM) endured a bad night for fifth overall. Things were even more difficult for point’s leader Jonny WALKER (GB-KTM) when he injured his leg in practice. Soldiering on to score valuable points, Walker now enters the final round of the championship in Spain just one point clear of new runner-up Haaker.
In the Junior class it was the familiar face of Manuel LETTENBICHLER (D-KTM) who rode to the overall victory. Untouchable, LETTENBICHLER claimed three race wins from three starts. Behind him, Luis Oliveira (Yamaha) was the runner-up, while Husqvarna mounted Tim APOLLE (D) recorded his debut podium with third.
Prague featured the only Women’s round of the championship and it was Sandra GOMEZ who ended the night as champion. Tying on points with close rival Emma BRISTOW (GB-Sherco), it was GOMEZ’ win in race two that ultimately secured her the title. “It’s an amazing feeling to be world champion,” told GOMEZ. “This is incredible, I’m so happy for this moment.” With BRISTOW ending her night in second, Maria FRANKE (D-Yamaha) completed the top three.
The 2016 Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship concludes in Madrid, Spain on March 19.
Resultats
Prestige
Heat 1 : 1. ROBERT ; 2. GOMEZ 3. HAAKER ; 4. WEBB ; 5. BLAZUSIAK ; 6. TREMAINE; 7. WALKER; 8. LINUSSON; 9. NEMETH…
Heat 2: 1. HAAKER; 2. WEBB; 3. ROBERTZ; 4. GOMEZ; 5. ROMAN; 6. WALKER; 7. BLAZUSIAKL; 8. SEGURA; 9. LINUSSON…
Heat 3: 1. BLAZUSIAK; 2. HAAKER; 3. ROBERT; 4. ROMAN; 5. GOMEZ; 6. WALKER; 7. TREMAINE; 8. SEGURA; 9. SALSENCH…
SuperPole powered by Akrapovic: 1.BLAZUSIAK; 2. ROBERT. 3. WEBB…
Standing: 1. WALKER 241pts; 2. HAAKER 240pts; 3. WEBB 234pts; 4. ROBERT 193pts; 5. GOMEZ 183pts; 6. TREMAINE 141pts; 7. ROMAN 139pts; 8. BLAZUSIAK 122pts; 9. ROOKSTOOL 71pts; 10. LINUSSON 66pts…
Junior
Heat 1: 1. LETTENBICHLER; 2. HERRERA ; 3. OLIVEIRA; 4. APOLLE; 5. PAULEN; 6. HOARE; 7. KACZMARCZYK; 8.ZSIGOVITS; 9. SEALEY; 10. MARTINSEN…
Heat 2: 1. LETTENBICHLER; 2. OLIVEIRA; 3.APOLLE; 4. SEALEY; 5. PAULEN; 6. ZSIGOVITS; 7. KACZMARCZYK; 8. MARTINSEN; 9.HOARE; 10. HERRERA…
Heat 3: 1. LETTENBICHLER; 2. OLIVEIRA; 3. APOLLE; 4. SEALEY; 5. PAULEN; 6. HOARE; 7. MARTINSEN; 8. KACZMARCZYKI; 9. ZSIGOVITS; 10. ANDRZEJAK…
Standing: 1. LETTENBICHLER 263pts; 2. OLIVEIRA 213pts; 3. APOLLE 174pts; 4. GUTZEIT 170pts; 5. MARTINSEN 97pts; 6. SEALEY 82pts; 7. HERRERA 80pts; 7. HOARE 79pts; 9. HUMPHREYS 71pts; 10. KACZMARCZYK 63pts…