As is customary since the 2014 season, the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship kicked off a new year in Poland, and more precisely in the Tauron Arena in Krakow, where the roof was raised by a record breaking crowd. Let’s look back at this thrilling season opener…

New Record!

Every season, Sport Up Agency and the Tauron Arena have built on their amazing attendance figures and this year they have beaten their all time high. The previous record stands from December 2018 with 13,500 spectators. But last Saturday, Tomasz GAGAT's team welcomed a whopping 14,000 spectators to the Krakow show! This fantastic new record will be hard to beat… although the fans will certainly be keen to come back after this year’s spectacular action!

Saturday Struggles

Some of the Prestige riders were certainly feeling worse for wear when they woke up on Sunday morning, and not due to celebrating on Saturday! A returning Jonny WALKER (GB - KTM) had plenty of pace during the Akrapovic Super Pole, the Brit suffered bad luck during all three races, either through crashing or being blocked by lapped riders. Despite finishing 4th overall, this was clearly not the night the Factory KTM rider had hoped for, and he’ll be looking to make amends in Germany next month. It was a similar story for Diogo VIEIRA (P - Yamaha) who couldn’t get to grips with the track on Saturday night. Sixth in the Championship last season, the rider from Portugal did not finish the first race and only managed 13th and 14th in the other two races. Last year’s Junior Champion, William HOARE (GB - KTM), also had a tough night of racing, finishing 13th, 12th and 12th again. No doubt these three strong riders will be out for top results in Riesa in less than a month!

Infirmary

Even before the beginning of the season, the SuperEnduro Infirmary had on rider on its books after Pol TARRES (E - Husqvarna) came to Krakow with a nasty thumb injury (a rupture of the extensor ligament) sustained in training. However, it didn’t stop him from racing, and getting an impressive 6th place despite the pain. The Spaniard has since had surgery and should be back for Riesa on January 4th.  Unfortunately, Dominik OLSZOWY (PL - KTM) suffered a big crash during the Timed Practice in Poland, and the local hopeful was unable participate in his home Grand Prix due to an elbow injury. We wish these two riders a speedy recovery and we hope to see them back behind the starting grid as soon as possible.

Scott Best Lap

For the second season in a row, Scott Motorsport honours the rider who has set the fastest lap during the race. For this first round, it was Billy BOLT (GB - Husqvarna) who stood out in Prestige with a time of 35’’510, while the current leader of the Junior class, Ty CULLINS (USA - TM), set a best time of 39''939.

THOR Takes Over European Lead

This season, three rounds are on the schedule for the European class: Poland, Germany, and Hungary. For their opening round, Magnus THOR (S - Husqvarna) was a real force to be reckoned with, dominating both races and taking the early title lead into Germany. Behind him was Miha SPINDLER (SLO - KTM), 8 points down. But the Slovenian is under threat from Italy’s Sonny GOGGIA (Beta) and Germany’s Pascal SPRINGMANN (Beta). Thomas SCHLEY (D - KTM) closes out the Top 5.

Bulgarian Boost

While it seemed the whole arena was cheering on local superstar, Taddy BLAZUSIAK (PL - KTM), some had travelled some way to encourage a hero of their own... Bulgaria’s Teodor KABAKCHIEV (BG - KTM) had a group of passionate fans supporting him from the stands during the Junior races, with flags and hats and plenty of noise! He rewarded them by putting on a brilliant performance and getting his first ever race win! He then went to get his very first podium, after a very consistent evening (4th/1st/2nd), which leaves him close behind provisional title leader, Ty CULLINS. The Bulgarian fans did well to make the trip to Krakow, no doubt their support pushed KABAKCHIEV to get the podium.