Billy Bolt Opens Up After Battling Sickness at Sea to Sky Hard Enduro – ‘It Just Wasn’t My Day’
Billy Bolt of Husqvarna Factory Racing faced a challenging fifth round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Turkey’s Sea to Sky, struggling with illness over the three-day event and ultimately placing 11th overall.
Following impressive displays at rounds three and four of the championship in Italy and Spain in September, Billy was eager to maintain that excellent performance on his TE 300 at round five. The three-day racing format featuring Beach Race, Forest Race, and Mountain Race typically benefits the Brit, enabling him to demonstrate his diverse hard enduro abilities.
As the Beach Race kicked off on Thursday, Billy was determined to leave his impression, even though he was dealing with an illness.
Navigating the qualifiers and heat races, he advanced to the super final with notable ease. Despite being low on energy, the brief race benefited him, allowing him to secure a solid victory and earn the three championship points available.
For the time trial on Friday, the Forest Race featured a course exceeding 40 kilometres that led participants deep into the forest and over rugged trails near the city of Kemer. Managing his pace effectively, Billy propelled his TE 300 to achieve the fourth fastest time, securing additional championship points.
Saturday’s highlighted Mountain Race had participants dash from the seaside at Kemer to the peak of the nearby Olympos Mountain, which stands at 2,366 meters high. Measuring 64 kilometres in distance, the route is infamous for its unyielding elevation gain and progressively challenging obstacles and terrain.
Turkey’s Sea to Sky hard enduro results
1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 3:49:24.25
2. Mario Roman (Sherco) 3:55:12.01
3. Mitch Brightmore (GASGAS) 4:02:41.37
4. Wade Young (GASGAS) 4:20:33.90
5. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 4:23:20.48
11. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 4:44:28.52
Aware that his illness would hinder him, Billy was resolved to give his all and finish in the best possible position. Beginning strong, he maintained contact with the front group of cyclists as they navigated the initial rugged canyon areas. Regrettably, a navigation mistake caused Billy to fall behind the leaders, compelling him to struggle through the rest of the race alone. Worn out at the finish line, he secured a well-earned 11th place overall.
The Husqvarna Factory Racing squad now shifts focus to the sixth round and second-to-last event of the FIM HEWC at Germany’s GetzenRodeo on October 24-25
Bolt said: “It became a tough race for me here in Turkey. I have been pretty sick all week and today I just struggled. I tried to hang with the leaders as long as possible, but it was hard to manage to do that. Then I made a large navigation error and lost touch with them. As the course became increasingly difficult the higher up the mountain we rode, my physical condition suffered. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my day or week here. Hopefully I can rest up, get healthy again, and return to my best and push Mani for the win at GetzenRodeo in a few weeks’ time.”