Taddy grabs Megawatt victory
By TMX Archives on 10th Sep 14
KTMs Taddy Blazusiak took a home race win at the inaugural running of the Red Bull 111 Megawatt in Poland.
Putting his name to the first major Hard Enduro race to be staged in Poland, Blazusiak kept his nerve to claim victory at the Belchatow Lignite Mine. With an estimated 30,000 spectators arriving to watch the action unfold, Blazusiak led home the field of 500 riders to take the win.
Placing second in his qualification run, the KTM rider secured a prime position on the front row of Sunday's main event. Grabbing the holeshot, Blazusiak immediately found himself locked in a battle with Jonny Walker as they distanced themselves from the rest of the pack.
Opting to pit for fuel at the end of the first 15 kilometre long lap, of which there were three, Blazusiak momentarily lost the lead to Walker as he emerged from the pits. Reeling him back in, the duo swapped positions a couple of times during the final two laps before Blazusiak finally crossed the finish line as the winner.
Taddy Blazusiak said after the race, "What can I say! I'm so happy to have come away with the win in the first year of the Red Bull 111 Megawatt. To be honest I'm blown away by the success of the event and to have claimed the top step of the podium is the cherry on the cake."
"For me things went great all weekend. During qualification I set a fast lap – one I was pleased with it – but Jonny edged me out to take the top spot. But with a good position for the front row of Sunday's main event I managed to grab the holeshot. Straight away Jonny applied the pressure and we broke away from the pack."
"I opted to pit for fuel at the end of lap one so I put the hammer down and gained a gap. I emerged from the pits with the lead but my bike spluttered and stopped so Jonny got by. I caught him up and we battled again right to the finish. It was a cool race and I was super pumped to take the win. Overall the race has been an instant massive success. We achieved a lot."
"The course was perfect for the 500 that entered – it was tough but rideable. And with an estimated 30,000 showing up to watch it's been fantastic. Plans are already being made for 2015!”
Results
1. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM)
2. Jonny Walker (KTM)
3. Andreas Lettenbichler (KTM)
