SuperEnduro Ready For Action
By Team TMX on 9th Dec 16
After nine months without action packed and explosive racing we love to see, the Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship resumes this weekend at the Tauron Arena in Krakow (Poland) for round one of the 2016/2017 series.
As reigning World Champion, Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) is the rider to beat but it's a victory that won't become easy for the American.
As the reigning champion, Haaker carries the No.1 plate into Krakow. Firing on all cylinders having recently won the AMA Endurocross Championship, the Californian will want to start the series in the same manner he ended 2016 by winning.
But he will have to face a wealth of opposition determined to make him fall. Among them is the most successful SuperEnduro rider of all time - Taddy Blazusiak.
The native of Krakow is determined to win in his backyard having just announced that he will retire after this Grand Prix.
With a stadium full of home support cheering him on Blazusiak will settle for nothing less than a win.
Jonny Walker (KTM) is ready for the event. Coming agonisingly close to clinching the 2016 title, it was a broken bone in his leg that ultimately ruined his championship hopes. Now back to 100 per cent, he will be seeking redemption this time around.
Haaker will also need to be aware of his countryman and former team-mate, Mike Brown (Husqvarna).
Brown makes an eagerly awaited SuperEnduro debut in Poland. Already remarking that the European styled tracks suit his style, he will be in the mix if he can adapt to the three, six-minute heat format.
Spaniards Alfredo Gomez (KTM) and newly-signed Sherco rider Mario Roman are eyeing up the podium and are keen to show their might.
2016 World Junior Champion Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) steps up to the Prestige class and is ready to strike at the highest level.
Eloi Salsench (Beta), Dani Gibert (Sherco), Joan Pau Segura (Gas Gas) and EnduroGP's Pascal Rauchenecker (Husqvarna) are all ready to challenge the established elite.
In the Junior class, the world title race has never been so competitive. With contenders like Benjamin Herrera (TM), Blake Gutzeit (Yamaha), Tim Apolle (Husqvarna), Lee Sealy (GB - Yamaha), Mathias Martinsen (KTM), Gethin Humphreys (Husqvarna) and Oskar Kaczmarczyk (KTM), there are no less than seven riders who can claim victory.
In addition, there's also anticipation of the emergence of young talent like Luke Flack (Sherco), Diego Herrera (TM), and William Hoare (KTM).
Finally, in the European Cup, Mike Hartmann (Husqvarna) starts as favourite to defend his title. But he will have to keep an eye on his fellow countrymen Marcel Teucher (KTM), Eddie Findling (Sherco) and Felix Brauer (KTM).
