Aubert, Knight and factory teammate Taddy Blazusiak all used the weekend as tests ahead of the Enduro World Championship. Aubert’s clinical performance gave him overall and Elite wins in Round One with Blazusiak in second. With both riders unable to compete the following day, David Knight made it a clean sweep for KTM by winning the Elite class at round two. 

KTM UK’s Tom Church made an impressive start in his first ever ride in the BSCE to be fifth in the Elite class on both days and third overall in the two-day event. Meanwhile in the Under 23 class, Jonny Walker got BSEC bid off to a strong start, recovering from a Day One crash to be third on both days. He was fifth and third overall in the two rounds just a week after securing second in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.
 
Johnny Aubert (F) – Elite: “It was really difficult for me and took a lot of concentration to get a good lap. But this is Enduro and sometimes we face some tough conditions. I tried to ride smoothly, not be too aggressive on the throttle and link my corners together. It worked out and I ended up winning. I loved the format of the event. It’s good for the riders as we can focus on racing the special test and not have to worry about anything else. We can also make changes to the bike and try out new things. I’ve really enjoyed the race and it was good to meet and talk with the spectators here today.”

Taddy Blazusiak (P) – Elite: “I came here to do some testing and ended up coming away with second in Elite on Saturday. It wasn’t easy conditions to ride in but we made the best of it. The course improved after each lap and I was able to push a little harder each time. After racing nothing but Endurocross for the last year I’m enjoying this type of racing and had a lot of fun today.”

David Knight (GB) – Elite: “Today worked out okay. It was hard to judge the conditions early on and riding a big bike made it difficult out there as you needed to be so precise with line choice. We spent a lot of time testing today and from that point of view we made a lot of improvements that I’m pleased about. I’m happy to go home with a win today but happier knowing that we’ve improved the setup of the bike. With better conditions expected at the next rounds I’ll be hoping for an improved result.”

Johnny Walker (GB) – Under 23: “I was putting in some consistent times this weekend and the battle for the win was very tight. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish better than third on both days but there hasn’t been much to separate the top three. It’s good to know that I can match the pace of the front guys. Leading into the final special test we were only separated by four seconds so I happy with how things have worked out. It’s going to be a good fight this season.”

Rounds three and four of the championship continues at Llangrove, Monmouth on March 10/11.

Results Round One – Elite
1. Johnny Aubert, France, KTM 37:53.05 min
2. Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM
3. Tom Sagar, Britain, Honda
4. Simon Wakely, Husaberg,
5. Tom Church, Britain, KTM
Other KTM
7. Daryl Bolter, Britain, KTM
10. Paul Bolton, Britain, KTM
Other KTM Under 23
3. Jonny Walker, Britain, KTM
5. Jordan Scott, KTM

Round Two – Elite
1. David Knight, Britain, KTM 36:34.1 min
2. Tom Sagar, Honda
3. Jordan Rose, TM
4. Simon Wakely, Husaberg
5. Tom Church, KTM
Other KTM
7. Daryl Bolter, KTM
9. Paul Bolton, KTM
Other KTM Under 23
3. Jonny Walker, KTM
5. Jordan Scott, KTM