International - The Tough One

Shropshire England

maddix park mx

RACE BRIEF ... FROM The Tough One

FROM KTM RACING

Edited copy courtesy of KTM Racing

Enduro maestro and multi-titled David Knight, who in 2010 is back on a KTM, signaled his intention to be one of Taddy Blazusiak's greatest rivals this season when he dominated the sixth edition of The Tough One in England's Shropshire in the Nantmawr Quarry.

Blazusiak, the current title holder was forced to withdraw on doctor's orders with a severe dose of flu that required antibiotics and is currently resting at home in Poland.

Knight, who has won the event on every occasion other than last year, did it in style, lapping all other competitors except second-placed Tom Sager, a sure signs that he is in winning form back on the KTM and with the orange family.

The event had been put off for a month as a result of the severe winter the UK is experiencing this season but despite the later calendar date, parts of the track were still frozen.

KTM Enduro Team Boss Fabio Farioli said David was already fastest in the hot lap of the morning qualifying session. "David had the best time in the hot lap with a 10 seconds advantage," Fairoli said. "Then there was a mass start that was very tight and he had some slight problems getting away. He was in about fourth place but then quickly took the lead." David had amassed a full 2-minute lead when he stopped to refuel and nothing more stood in the way of his victory.

'Winning The Tough One is a great way to start the year," Knight told reporters after the race, adding that in the past taking victory in the rocks of the Nantmawr quarry has launched a successful campaign for with the World Enduro Championship or US GNCC title. "It was certainly a good work out for me ahead of the first round of the British Enduro Championship," he added.

 

#101 David Knight.  Photo courtesy of KTM Racing. Photographer: Jonty Edmunds

 

Chris Burch. Photo courtesy of KTM Racing. Photographer: Jonty Edmunds

 

The Tough One podium.  Left to right: 2nd Tom Sagar, 1st David Knight, 3rd Dougie Lampkin. Photo courtesy of KTM Racing. Photographer: Jonty Edmunds

FROM SUZUKI

Edited copy courtesy of the Suzuki Press Office

Suzuki's Tom Sagar continued his strong form at the weekend, as he raced to runner-up spot behind David Knight at the annual British Tough One Enduro at the Nantmawr Quarry in Shropshire.

Qualifying for the Kriega Hot Lap start that saw the 10 fastest qualifying riders make a special start, the Putoline Suzuki by www.fasteddyracing.com rider was quick from the off, chasing Knight and running a comfortable podium pace throughout much of the race, before moving up to second spot and cruising to the finish on the final lap.

 

Tam Sagar. Photo courtesy of the Suzuki Press Office

Tom Sagar: "I was pretty comfortable throughout the event and chased David right up until the final lap when I realised my position was safe and backed off. I chose to ride the all-new RM-Z250 for this event, which was ideal for the tricky conditions and general nature of the Tough One. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the RMX450Z for the first round of the British Enduro Championship this weekend."

Team Manager Paul Edmondson: "A big congratulations must go to Tom for his result at the Tough One this weekend. His preparation for the event was faultless and went into it with the right attitude. Equally, on the final lap he realised that his position was safe and cruised to the finish, mindful of the first round of the British Enduro Championship this weekend."

 
Bookmark and Share