Round three of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Red Bull Romaniacs got underway with Billy Bolt claiming the prologue victory. The Husqvarna Factory Racing rider was on flying form to take top honours on the streets of Sibiu, Romania.
Report by FIM Hard Enduro – Feature Image courtesy of Red Bull Romaniacs
Bolt was joined on the podium by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Rieju’s Alfredo Gomez in second and third respectively.
- Red Bull Romaniacs gets underway with city prologue
- Billy Bolt rides to victory on the streets of Sibiu
- Four challenging Offroad Days now await competitors
The third stop of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship got off to an exciting start at Red Bull Romaniacs with the infamous city prologue in Sibiu, Romania. Featuring a crazy mix of man-made obstacles, the course didn’t fail to deliver an awesome evening’s action for the thousands of spectators who lined the streets to watch.
Setting a blisteringly fast time in qualification, Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) was fired up to win the Gold Class final. However, with Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM), Alfredo Gomez (Rieju), Marc Riba (Beta), and TTR Squadra Corse’s Mitch Brightmore joining him on the front row, they too were hungry for success.
As the flag dropped to start the 10-minute-plus-1-lap final, Bolt, Lettenbichler, and Gomez were three abreast across the first five obstacles before Bolt eventually took control of the lead. Lettenbichler was quick to follow in second and was determined not to let Billy escape.
For the first seven laps, the German shadowed the Brit’s every move, until a crash by Bolt saw Lettenbichler claim the lead. Mani tried to open a gap, but Billy immediately reeled him back in. One lap later he retook the race lead and with it the win to earn himself those three important championship points.
Unable to keep Bolt at bay, Lettenbichler had to settle for second, while Gomez completed the podium with third.
Behind the top three it was Poland’s Dominik Olszowy (GASGAS) who took fourth. Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young held off a strong challenge from FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart to run out the top five.
Today sees Red Bull Romaniacs head to the mountains for the first of four Offroad Days. As is customary for Offroad Day 1, Gomez will lead the Gold class riders out, followed by Lettenbichler and then Bolt.
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna): “It’s been good to get the win tonight. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do that as I know it’s going to be a hard week of racing ahead. I made one stupid mistake and crashed in the rocks, but luckily was able to regroup and get back in front to win those three championship points. Carrying an injury coming here is not ideal, but I will try to hang in there and reach the finish line in one piece.”
Results: Round 3 – Red Bull Romaniacs Prologue
Gold Class
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
3. Alfredo Gomez (Rieju)
4. Dominik Olszowy (GASGAS)
5. Wade Young (Sherco)
6. Trystan Hart (KTM)
7. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM)
8. Marc Fernandez (GASGAS)
9. Matthew Green (KTM)
10. Mario Roman (Sherco)
