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All content © Bob MuIIins | |||
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Jonny Walker wades into HEWC XL Lagares Portugal The opening round of the new FIM HEWC started in hectic circumstances last weekend in Portugal. Arriving on Monday 3rd we immediately started laying out our new Beta setup, showcasing the new team and sponsors. As we walked the track before the event nobody could have imagine what was about to happen to this fantastic event.
The hurriedly reorganised event saw qualifying on the Saturday and a 2 lap dash to qualify for the main event on Sunday and grid positions. Jonny took to the track on his first lap and straight way felt comfortable with the bike setup and conditions. After lap 1 Jonny lead the event riding within him self showing the other teams and competitors the team and setup is a force to be reckoned with right from the start. A slight mistake on the second lap in the rocks saw Jonny finish the qualifier in second place just 0.028s behind and over 3 seconds ahead of third. A good gate pick for the final was secure and focus turned to the main event on Sunday.
Jonny “Its a shame the way the weekend has gone after all the work that has been put in but I can come away happy knowing that we are in a good position to win. It was a very difficult decision not to race but as I have had a slight knee injury over the last 4 weeks I just didn’t want to risk anything. I’d like to thank all my sponsors for help and support, we look forward the upcoming events.”
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The
course was in prime condition with new routes cut and the existing gnarly
riverbeds promising achallenging and fun event that we really felt at home
with. Feeling confident with our Team structure, development and training
Jonny was raring to get going.On Thursday the organisers informed riders that
the area where the event was running had been designated a red zone and strict
Covid-19 measures where to be enforced. This meant that all areas out of the
main camp could not be used and we were confined to the small area that the
enduro-cross qualifier was t o be held.
Sunday
morning saw the track waterlogged with heavy rain over night, the organisers
and promotor had to take the tough decision to run the event but without
championship points being awarded. At this point Jonny made the call not to
ride and risk injury in the conditions with no Championship to be gained,
tough decision but ultimately he is a professional rider and needed to do what
is right for the team when the main goal is to win the Championship.