Enduro

Jonny Walker Takes Extreme XL Lagares Prologue Win

Posted:

Sunday, May 13th, 2018

3:03 PM

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‰Ûªs Jonny Walker greets the chequered flag in the streets of Porto, Portugal . Photo: Future7Media

Day two of the opening round of the 2018 World Enduro Super Series ‰ÛÒ the Extreme XL Lagares ‰ÛÒ got distinctively urban as competitors tackled the infamous cobbled streets of Porto, Portugal with Britain‰Ûªs Jonny Walker taking the win.

With thousands of spectators watching on, the 252-strong entry from 20 nations charged their way across on array of man-made obstacles along the Ribeira do Porto harbour front, while the Pro and Expert riders also raced past doorways and up staircases as they blasted their way around the surrounding streets.

Eager to make amends for the mistake that cost him victory during Friday‰Ûªs Endurocross, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‰Ûªs Jonny Walker started his time trial qualifier in determined fashion. Pushing hard and risking everything, the Brit topped the result sheets to set the fastest time of the 47 Pro riders.

Fresh off his Friday night Endurocross victory, Billy Bolt stopped the clocks just two seconds behind Walker, while 2017 Extreme XL Lagares winner Wade Young placed three tenths of a second behind Bolt.

The Extreme XL Lagares Prologue Super Final podium of Jonny Walker, Billy Bolt and Kevin Gallas. Photo: Fuure7Media

With the fastest 10 riders lining up for the Prologue Super Final, all eyes were focused on who would take an early lead. Timing the start perfectly, Walker exited the tricky first corner in front and looked to make a break for victory. However, with Bolt, Kevin Gallas and Young all hot on his heels the pressure was on.

Keeping his cool, Walker entered the cobbled streets in the lead and despite the best efforts of Bolt, the KTM rider held firm to take a well-deserved win. With Bolt second, Gallas fended off a challenge from Young to complete the top three, while German KTM rider Manuel Lettenbichler rounded out the top five, crossing the finish line just one-second adrift of Young.

‰ÛÏThat Prologue was really good," Walker enthused. "I know how difficult it is to overtake people here so I knew I needed a good start in the Super Final. Billy was pushing hard, but I didn‰Ûªt want to give in. We were close going over the big tyres, but I had the better line and was able to commit more and hold on for the win.‰Û

Getting close and personal with the architecture around Porto, Portugal. Credit: Future7Media

Billy Bolt enjoyed his first time on the streets of Porto, Portugal

‰ÛÏThe Prologue was really good fun. This is my first time here and until you actually ride the course you have no idea how tight it is or how steep the staircases are ‰ÛÓ the videos don‰Ûªt do it justice," Bolt said. "In the final I had a really good fight with Jonny. We were neck-and-neck over the tyres, but he had the inside line going into the corner. With a first and second place so far I hope I can keep this momentum going into Sunday‰Ûªs main event.‰Û

Credit: Future7Media

Results - WESS Round 1, Extreme XL Lagares Prologue Super Final (Pro Class)
1. Jonny Walker (KTM - GB) 4:31.64;
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna - GB) 4:34.01;
3. Kevin Gallas (Husqvarna - GER) 4:42.19;
4. Wade Young (Sherco - RSA) 4:45.70;
5. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM - GER) 4:47.14;
6. Diogo Vieira (Yamaha - POR) 4:54.80;
7. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna - ESP) 5:03.71;
8. Josep Garcia (KTM - ESP) 5:06.56;
9. Mario Roman (Sherco - ESP) 5:08.56;
10. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM - Pol)

Complete Results: Click Here