Billy BOLT close to goal

The reigning world champion is on course to retain his 3rd world crown. Billy BOLT (GBR-Husqvarna) is performing miracles this season. Even more dominating than he could have been in 2022, the British driver once again appeared intractable on Israeli soil. Winner of all three rounds, BOLT signs a new hat-trick this season. Only Jonny WALKER (GBR-Beta) managed to take a win from him in the heat. In 12 finals Billy BOLT won 11 of them. If we add his dominance in Superpole Akrapovic and you have the perfect illustration of the talent of the 26-year-old rider. Cool and relaxed in the paddock, the official Husky turns into a real winning machine once on his bike. In Jerusalem, he made a few small mistakes that could have cost him dearly. We think in particular of the spectacular clash with Diogo VIEIRA (POR-GASGAS) which ended on the ground for BOLT but without any consequence on the result of the round. BOLT rushes forward and doesn't look behind him. For the final in Gliwice (Poland), he could be titled at the end of the second round if he wins and if he beats Jonny WALKER again. No doubt the Briton is probably making room in the trophy cabinet to accommodate a potential 3rd world title reaching out to him.

Taddy BLAZUSIAK penalized but revived in the championship

In Jerusalem, Taddy BLAZUSIAK (POL-GASGAS) scored his best points score of the season. With 44 units, he stormed back in the general classification. The six-time world champion can reasonably aim for a place on the final podium with BOLT and WALKER. To do so, he will have to get rid of Cody WEBB (USA-Sherco) who leads him by 3 points in the general classification with three races still to go. Advantage to the American as Taddy BLAZUSIAK seems plagued by an illness that is bugging him since the start of this season. He recognizes it himself, if the physical condition is good, the morale is a little feverish. The Polish is trying to get himself back for a couple of seasons. The GASGAS official knows that he holds the key to his blocking. He admits that his worries are often linked to decisions made in the heat of the moment and which often put him in awkward situations. The incident of the last Jerusalem final perfectly illustrates this. Having started at fault with Dominik OLSZOWY (POL-GASGAS) and Norbert ZSIGOVTIS (HUN-KTM), Taddy did not return to the track where the marshals were expecting him to resume the race. Consequently and for this maneuver deemed non-compliant, the three pilots each received a 10 seconds penalty. If this decision has no consequence on the final result of the GP. BLAZUSIAK takes the hit, he is nevertheless determined to question himself again and prepare as best as possible for the final. His goal is that final podium, the Pole would like to end 2023 on a positive note.

Dominik OLSZOWY rise to power

The 2022 Junior World Champion continues to confirm all the good hopes placed in him. Last Saturday evening, the GASGAS rider managed to finish 3rd in a heat for the first time following the retirement of Cody WEBB. Unfortunately for him the race direction penalized him with 10 seconds following the incident involving BLAZUSIAK (see above). Nevertheless, and this is what must be remembered, "Dom" once again showed great fighting spirit on the track. He allows himself the luxury of signing a holeshot and leading a final in front of the ogre Billy BOLT. Still a bit tight to keep up with the pace of the best over 12 laps. OLSZOWY can be satisfied with its rookie season in the premier category. He leaves Jerusalem credited with 3 new Top 5. It is easy to imagine that for his second national Grand Prix in Gliwice, the Pole will use all his potential by learning from this great 2023 season.

Diogo VIEIRA, Norbert ZSIGOVITS and Jordan SCOTT heroics

Diogo VIEIRA, Norbert ZSIGOVITS and Jordan SCOTT (GBR-TM) did more than make up the numbers during this contested round in the Middle East. The three boys all fought with courage and will during the three finals of the evening in the Prestige category. The Portuguese can count a good fourth place in the last final of the evening. He also got away with a good scare in the 2nd round. After making a mistake at the exit of the stone section, he turns around to climb back up, this is where the race leader Billy BOLT arrives who miraculously manages to avoid a very violent contact with VIEIRA, more fear than harm for both men. ZSIGOVITS and SCOTT have been inseparable all evening. Certainly they have to settle for the last two places in the ranking, but they managed to finish this Israeli round which was not one of the easiest destinations of the season.

Several riders are absent for the end of the season…

They are always numerous to fill the ranks of the infirmary. Suff SELLA the Israeli whonored with his presence the many fans who came to collect an autograph from their local star. Still injured, SELLA had to skip the full season. Still a little concussed after his spectacular fall in Budapest, the solid Swede Eddie KARLSSON (KTM) was still not allowed to ride, so he was not traveling. We hope to see him again in Gliwice. Sick from food poisoning, Cooper ABBOTT (USA-Sherco) did not make the trip to Jerusalem, the rider from Arizona should be there to support his teammate Cody WEBB in Poland. Still absent in Jerusalem, we are still hoping to see the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship grid once again filled with boys like Will HOARE (GBR-GASGAS), Tim APOLLE (GER-Beta) and Alfredo GOMEZ (ESP- Rieju). Blake GUTZEIT (RSA-TM) should be too short to come to the Gliwice final on March 18.