Jonny Walker claims hard-fought victory at Red Bull 111 Megawatt 

Red Bull 111 Megawatt 2017 – Poland

Topping Saturday’s Prologue, Jonny Walker showed he was ready to add to his previous Megawatt victories at what has become one of his favourite events on the hard enduro calendar. It wasn’t plain sailing for the Brit however, as a couple of issues slowed his pace towards the end of the race allowing his rivals to close to within almost striking distance near to the finish.

 From the start it was KTM mounted Paul Bolton who initially lead. Walker was hot on his heels and the lead changed numerous times before Walker managed to break away from the following pack. Walker built up a commanding two-minute lead after two laps, only for his advantage to be reduced to virtually nothing at the climax of the race.

 Walker crossed the finish line 10 seconds ahead of second placed Mario Roman with Graham Jarvis in third.

 Walker: “Getting a third Red Bull Megawatt win feels amazing, it certainly helps put the disappointment of Romaniacs and Erzberg behind me. It was a lot closer at the finish than I wanted, but a win is a win so I’m really pleased I was standing on top of the podium. Generally, things went really well – I lead during the first two laps and felt really comfortable.

 “I had an issue with my rear mousse on the final lap, so I couldn't push like I wanted to but half way around the final lap I had more than a one-minute lead. I knew I was going to get caught and I got a little nervous right before the finish, but things worked out good in the end. Thankfully I managed to get through the final rock section and across the finish line ahead of Mario. Megawatt’s been good to me in recent years so to get a third win here is awesome.”

Alfredo Gomez had a good day in the Polish sand. The 2017 Erzberg Rodeo winner, like Walker, was coming back from injuries sustained at the Red Bull Romaniacs. Despite the Polish terrain not quite suiting the Spaniard’s riding style, Gomez rode to an excellent fourth place result just 35 seconds from third. 

Gomez: “I was close to the podium, so I am happy. This is my best result here so I can’t be too unhappy just missing the top three. This race is very fast, and together with the sandy conditions it’s not something that I am very familiar with. For me it is a little bit a case of surviving, but to be so close to the podium is very good.

 “I started well, inside the top 10. I didn't want to take any risks in the beginning. It’s very difficult here to change lines, which makes it difficult to overtake. With the lapped riders things get difficult. It was very strange for me because my luggage got lost coming to the race and I had to borrow all of my riding gear from other competitors. I have to say a big thanks to them, but it was strange.” 

The next event on the hard enduro calendar is the Red Bull Sea to Sky held in Turkey on September 28-30th. 

Results Red Bull 111 Megawatt 2017 

1. Jonny Walker (GBR), KTM, 2:22:21.66 
2. Mario Roman (ESP), Sherco, 2:22:32.51 +10.85 
3. Graham Jarvis (GBR), Husqvarna, 2:23:59.59 +1:37.93 
4. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), KTM, 2:24:35.46 +2:13.80 
5. Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), KTM, 2:24:59.00 +2:37.34 
Other KTM 
6. Paul Bolton (GBR), KTM, 2:28:16.75 +5:55.09 
7. David Cyprian (CZE), KTM, 2:35:14.97 +12:53.31 
10. Lars Enockl (AUT), KTM, 2:37:55.00 +15:33.34

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