The riders had warned us, the track laid out for the German Grand Prix was going to offer some exceptional races. They were not mistaken whether it was in Prestige in Junior or in Europe, all finals contested last weekend helped to register the 2023 German Grand Prix among the most spectacular of this new decade.
BOLT in trouble and WALKER close to the goal
Before this German round of the championship, Billy BOLT (GBR-Husqvarna) could boast of being undefeated in the race since January 2020. It was already in Riesa and Taddy BLAZUSIAK (POL- GASGAS) had managed to bend the BOLT machine. Author of a hat-trick for the opening round of the 2023 season, in Krakow, BOLT seemed to start in Riesa on the same basis of victories. He won the first final not without having to battle with Jonny WALKER (GBR-Beta). In the second round, BOLT made a very rare mistake that cost him the heat victory. Still at fault in the final final, he nevertheless manages to win at the cost of a crazy comeback. Billy BOLT recognizes that his winter preparation has not been optimal and that he is therefore not at the level of competitiveness he would like. Nevertheless, it seems that the Briton is able to maintain control of the races even if his opponents are able to challenge him a minimum.
Jonny WALKER can show off having defeated BOLT on a final. Confident, the private rider seems in good shape to continue putting pressure on his buddy Billy. Next opportunity is in just under a month in Budapest.
WEBB and ABBOTT in the hard
The American riders who participate in the North American Endurocross championship are not too used to tracks as narrow and technical as the one offered to them at Riesa last weekend. Official Sherco drivers Cody WEBB and Cooper ABBOTT therefore had a complicated evening. The young rider from Arizona, for whom it is the season of discovery of the discipline, has made his mark on a new type of difficulty. He had to settle for an 8th place overall for the evening, but Cooper was confident the best was yet to come for him. Cody WEBB suffered physically and morally during this round of Riesa but the 2018 world champion did not let go. He managed to finish 3rd and twice 4th. He takes 4th place overall and remains convinced that he can continue with the infernal trio BOLT/ WALKER/ BLAZUSIAK!
APOLLE wounded
Bad luck for local news Tim APOLLE (Beta). The German driver was indeed injured during the first free practice session. Suffering from a knee, the verdict of the medical staff falls: sprained knee for the Beta rider. Death in the soul Tim APOLLE had to throw in the towel during the presentation of the riders. Good news Tim should be back for Budapest.
HOARE and OLSZOWY still well placed
Will HOARE (GBR-GASGAS) finished 6th in this German Grand Prix. The 2019 Junior champion continues to do his classes and learn within the prestige category. Once again qualified in Superpole, he has the luxury of beating Taddy BLAZUSIAK on a regular basis. In the race, HOARE suffered in traffic but his progress is constant and should allow him to aim for the top 5 soon.
Dominik OLSZOWY (POL-GASGAS) was also much more to his advantage than in Krakow. The 2022 Junior champion even allowed himself to lead a race ahead of BOLT and WALKER. Benefiting from the reverse grid, the young Pole dominated the start of the second final with authority. He even briefly regained the lead when the two British cadors made a mistake. 7th in this second round and in the German Grand Prix, Dominik OLSZOWY can be ambitious for the end of the season.
Ashton BRIGHTMORE 16 year old jewel !
Ashton BRIGHTMORE discovers all the aspects of participating in a world championship. A program followed to the letter, a very high level of competition, media constraints etc etc. For his second Grand Prix, the young man only confirmed the excellent dispositions he showed in Krakow. 3rd in the Polish GP, winner of the Airoh Holeshot, for a discovery the rookie did more than impress all the specialists. Accompanied by his older brother, Mitch, Ashton showed a lot of maturity and solidity within a very turbulent peloton in Junior. Strong technically and physically sharp, the 16-year-old boy has further increased his level in Riesa, winning a final and finishing in the top three of the other two. Currently second overall behind his brother, Ashton BRIGHTMORE is the big revelation of the start of the 2023 season.
PEACE dominates Europe
Dan PEACE (GBR-Sherco) is a trial rider. Coming to race in SuperEnduro was a dream that the European category made accessible and possible. His technical background as a trials rider allowed him to approach the Riesa track with a lot of calm. The Briton applied himself to carefully analyzing the lines and trajectories in order to get rid of the many pitfalls. In the race, he was diligent, finishing second in his first Final. He is preceded by Grzegorz KARGUL (POL) on his Husqvarna. The Pole, in difficulty in the second heat, leaves the field open to the Englishman who was leading the heat before it was stopped at the red flag (too many drivers in difficulty on the track). As the final was not restarted, PEACE was declared the winner. With a 2nd place and a victory, he won his first GP from his first participation. Great Britain signs a real triumph by winning the three categories: Prestige, Junior and Europe.
RIESA sold out
The German Grand Prix is still traditionally held in the small hall of the Sachsen Arena. If the room is small, the talent of the promoters to offer a rich and varied layout is never questioned. The 5,000 fans who came to fill the stands were not bored for a single moment during this fiery evening. No more tickets were available, the evening was sold out. We will surely have to think about reserving his place for 2024 if Riesa returns to the calendar next season.
