Eurotek KTM’s new signing is setting his sights on success in the World Enduro Super Series
By Team TMX on 25th Apr 19
At 20 years of age, Will Hoare is lighting up the enduro scene. And as the newly crowned SuperEnduro Junior World Champion, Eurotek KTMs new signing is setting his sights on success in the World Enduro Super Series.
As a self-supported privateer, Hoare contested a couple of WESS rounds during 2018 before going on to win the FIM SuperEnduro Junior World Championship during the winter.
A rider with bags of talent, hes now found his way onto the experienced Eurotek KTM team for 2019, alongside South African Travis Teasdale. Eager to learn as much as he can during the year ahead, Hoare will be a rider to watch when the series begins with Portugals Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares ina couple of weeks
Will, congratulations on a terrific winter - winning a world championship and signing a deal with Eurotek KTM - you must be pleased with how things are going?
Im delighted. To become a world champion is something I only dreamed of, so winning that was beyond words for me. And that title led to a deal with Eurotek KTM for 2019, so it really does feel like everything is coming together and the years spent as a self-supported privateer are paying off.
What're your thoughts on contesting the full WESS championship for 2019?
I dabbled with a few rounds last year, so now it should be a lot better to go there with team support and with people who want to help you succeed. Having raced as a self-supported privateer Ive learned a lot about fending for myself. But now, with Eurotek KTM and the experience theyve got, I feel like Im in a place to show what Im capable of. I know there are races that will be new for me, but at those I have done before I hope to turn some heads.
What events are you looking forward to most?
With my Hard Enduro background Im naturally keen on Extreme XL Lagares, Erzbergrodeo and Hixpania Hard Enduro. Ive never done GetzenRodeo, so that one looks good too. The Trefle Lozerien AMV is going to be a new one for me. I dont race Classic Enduro, but the format looks fun and it seems to have a cool vibe about it too.
You rode the Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble last year, how did it go?
Starting off I was in a relatively good position and didnt get hung up in too many jams early on. But I didnt have the fitness last year. When I got to Carls Dinner I had nothing left. I dropped into that section in a good position, but took too long to complete it. I struggled and really needed someone there with food and drink to regroup and go again. By the time I reached Green Hell I had timed out.
Its a race that takes time to learn, what will you do differently when you go there again?
The scale and size of the mountain took me by surprise. I had watched all the videos, but nothing prepares you for it in person. Its only when you stand at the bottom of the mountain and look up towards the top that you realise what you are getting into. We simply dont have anything like that at home. Ive been preparing by doing long days on my bike and working hard on my fitness. But having extra support this year will hopefully make the difference over last year.
Do you think a finishers award is a realistic goal this year?
Thats the goal. I feel like it should be achievable. Realistically, Im not in it for a podium result or even a top 10 yet, but I know I have the skills to finish. Ill do all I can to be ready and hope on the day a little luck also comes my way.
Red Bull Romaniacs will be another new event for you, what're your thoughts on entering the Romanian wilderness for the first time?
Red Bull Romaniacs is a pretty wild looking race - its easily the biggest challenge of WESS. I know jumping into Gold class will be tough and a lot to adjust to, but I want to give it a good go.
Eurotek KTM know the race inside out - team manager Mark Jackson has raced it many times and so his experience will be invaluable, for sure. I also think with events like that youve just got to go there with an open mind and try to learn as much you can during the first year. Finishing Gold class is the target for year one.
Round six of WESS, the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, will also mark a home race for you. Are you looking forward to that one?
Although its still a long way off its good to know that Ive got a home round in the championship. The extra support you get from people you know cheering you on can make a big difference when youre beginning to fade at the end of the race. The Cross-Country discipline is still new to me and surprisingly difficult, but in a different way to Hard Enduro. The sandy course is physically demanding and the pace the front runners hold for three hours is impressive. The way they hang on at speed over the sandy bumps is crazy - I still have a lot to learn there.
Finally, what racing goals have you set for 2019 and beyond?
Im young and still relatively new to the sport, so I just want to keep progressing and improving in my riding. Winning the SuperEnduro Junior World Championship was a huge milestone for me and something Im really proud of, but I also want to use it as a platform to progress in Enduro.
"We havent set any major targets for 2019 - the aim with Eurotek KTM is to learn as much as I can and importantly to finish all the rounds that are new for me. I think that will be key for future results and becoming stronger in the years ahead.
The eight-round World Enduro Super Series begins with Portugals Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares on May 10-12.
More like this…
Wealth of talent on show at Extreme Ravines - report & results
A wealth of talented extreme enduro riders headed for round four of the British Extreme Championship last weekend for the Extreme Ravines at Helmsley, North Yorkshire.
2019 Hell's Gate postponed
Hell’s Gate 2019 hard enduro event put on hold to give all the people involved a chance to complete their tasks!
