Jonny Walker takes Extreme XL Lagares Prologue win
By Press Release on 13th May 18
Day two of the opening round of the 2018 World Enduro Super Series the Extreme XL Lagares got distinctively urban as competitors tackled the infamous cobbled streets of Porto, Portugal with Britains Jonny Walker (KTM) 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 Fridays Endurocross, Red Bull KTM Factory Racings 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.
Billy Bolt XL Lagares 2018
Fresh off his Friday night Endurocross victory, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racings Billy Bolt (GB) stopped the clocks just two seconds behind Walker, while 2017 Extreme XL Lagares winner Sherco Factory Racings Wade Young (South Africa) placed three tenths of a second behind Bolt.
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 (Husqvarna - Germany) 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 Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM - Germany) rounded out the top five, crossing the finish line just one-second adrift of Young.
In the highly-competitive Expert class there was joy for Spains Antonio Molares (Sherco) who claimed a commanding 21-second margin of victory in the Prologue. As runner-up, Britains Lee Sampson made it a Sherco 1-2, while Josu Artola (Husqvarna - Spain) edged out Portugals Paulo Esteves (KTM) by two hundredths of a second for third.
The Hobby category saw one of Portugals own come out on top of the 65 entrants with Emanuel Costa Jr. (Husqvarna) winning from Jordi Castella (Husqvarna - Spain) and Filipe Silva (Husaberg - Portugal).
The third and final day of racing at the WESS opener at the Extreme XL Lagares will see riders battle the slippery and technical riverbed and forestry of the Lagares and Penafiel regions during the main race. The Pro riders will complete two laps of the course, while all remaining classes will ride one lap.
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