No doubt, this season, the ABC Communication teams wanted to innovate by offering new destinations for the MotoZ FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. This week, the destination is Bulgaria. Sofia hosts an indoor Enduro Grand Prix for the first time in its history. The sixth and penultimate round of the season will take place in the impressive Sofia Arena.
Words and Images by SuperEnduroGP
Billy BOLT: stairway to heaven!
Billy BOLT (GBR-Husqvarna) is in a position to confirm his fourth world championship title in the discipline. For this, the Briton will again have to defeat all his opponents. Despite the torn ligaments in his left knee, “Billy the Dog” seems out of reach. He even acknowledges that the pain has somewhat decreased since January. He appears to have regained almost all of his abilities. It will be a formidable Husqvarna official that his competitors will have to try to defeat once again. Jonny WALKER (GBR-Beta) came close during the Grand Prix of Germany and Romania. Twice, he had to concede victory to his long-time friend. Currently, the runner-up to King BOLT, Jonny has set his sights on winning a GP in 2024. With 33 points behind his compatriot, WALKER still has all the mathematical chances to fight for the title until the last round of the season in Newcastle in early March.
Several riders are worth being under surveillance for a spot on the world podium. Manuel LETTENBICHLER (GER-KTM) wants to confirm his current good form. Fifth in Budapest, the German also comes from a good series of two third-place finishes (Riesa and Cluj). Aware that he is not at the level to compete with BOLT and WALKER, Mani will hold onto his third place with all his determination. The HardEnduro world champion can be ambitious when considering his progress margin in 2024. However, he will need to control Will HOARE (GBR), who has become an official rider for the Spanish brand Rieju. Struggling to find cohesion with his new machine, the British rider aims to confirm his thunderous start to the season. For this, he will need to show concentration and discipline, especially since his teammate Dominik OLSZOWY (POL-Rieju) is also eyeing that spot on the final podium. Making constant progress in his second season in Prestige, the Polish rider still needs to learn a few tricks of the sport to reach the podium of a GP. Diogo VIEIRA (POR-Beta) reached the podium for the first time in his career at the last event in Budapest. Could the flying Portuguese once again create surprises and shake up the hierarchy at the top? As usual, we’ll have to keep an eye on Eddie KARLSSON (SWE-Husqvarna) and Mitch BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS). Incredible on one timed lap, the two boys still need to gain consistency throughout an entire race.
SELLA-BRIGHTMORE: the battle continues
The fight in the Junior category is exciting! Since the start of the season, Suff SELLA (ISR-KTM) and Ashton BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS) have shared victories in the five rounds. The Briton currently leads 3-2 and has a psychological advantage since he won the Hungarian GP. He secured his second consecutive victory against the former crossman from the Middle East. BRIGHTMORE seems to have taken a slight break with a 10-point lead over SELLA. But the KTM rider with the number 47 is not done yet, he is looking for a payback and has a great motivation. SELLA has promised to work even harder in training. He had three weeks since the last GP to work towards this goal.
Will SELLA go back to challenge the Briton? They’ll have to watch out for a competition that is still as sharp. Milan SCHMUESER (GER-Sherco) showed his potential in Budapest (P3 of the GP). He’s done with the injuries he sustained early in the season. The German can clearly play for victory if he doesn’t mix speed with rashness. Roland LISZKA (HUN-KTM) will also want to make up for the small down he’s been experiencing in recent races. Still, third overall, the Hungarian will have to control the comeback of Spaniard Marc FERNANDEZ SERRA. SELLA’s teammate has shown good consistency in the last 3 GPs. The Junior category offers three furious finals to follow during the Bulgarian Grand Prix!
Raven Spectator Run Contest
During the Grand Prix evenings, the audience is involved thanks the championship’s new partner RAVEN. A few lucky ones will have the opportunity during a thrilling sprint to become the hero of the evening by winning the spectator race. The fastest will receive a handsome reward to acknowledge their efforts.
The Bulgarian Grand Prix will be broadcast live and in full on www.Superenduro.tv starting at 5:00 PM CET, Saturday, February 24, 2024.
