Cycle News Staff | March 5, 2024
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt has won his fourth consecutive world title with a dominant ride in the final round of 2024 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship on home soil in Newcastle, England, on March 2. The Brit won all seven rounds of the championship on his Husqvarna FE 350, clinching the 2024 title after qualifying for the evening’s program through the SuperPole.
Billy Bolt wrapped up his fourth consecutive FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in his hometown of Newcastle in the U.K.
Photos: Future7Media
The champion-elect came into his home race with a cushy 59-point lead, knowing a win in SuperPole would lock up his fourth consecutive title. Linking together what proved to be the perfect lap, he immediately celebrated with his Husqvarna Factory Racing team, family and friends and then set about capping off an incredible indoor campaign by winning all three races in Newcastle.
“I’ve always dreamed of racing in front of my hometown,” Bolt said. “So to come here tonight and not only win but clinch the World Championship for a fourth time is mind-blowing. I grew up in Newcastle; it’s my home. The track got tougher as the night went on. It was hard not to make a mistake. Overall, it’s been a challenging season, especially with my injury midway, but thanks to my team, we’ve won the championship. We’ll celebrate tonight!”
The night’s podium was the same as the championship’s podium, with Jonny Walker taking second and Manuel Lettenbichler third.
Bolt finished out the season with 427 points, which was well clear of the next best rider in the championship, privateer Beta rider Jonny Walker, who had 354 points. Walker was also second overall on the night with 2-3-3 finishes.
“I feel like I’m riding well, and I just need to change a few things, get rid of a few mistakes,” Walker said. “I’m really looking forward to next year, and I’ll be giving it my all. I’m hoping to have a bit more support from Beta next year. It’s been tough being a privateer, but overall, I’m pleased with how things have gone. All credit to Billy: he’s a beast and was just unbeatable.”
Third overall on the night and third in the championship was KTM’s Manuel Lettenbichler, who closed out the season with 287 points.
Lettenbichler had two second-place finishes on the night.
“It’s been a wild season with lots of up-and-down moments, but overall, it’s come good,” Lettenbichler said. “I’m super happy to finish the championship in third because we’ve worked hard as a team to get it. I want to take a little break now and then start to focus on the Hard Enduro season and get ready to defend my title there.”
Rieju’s Will Hoare finished out the championship in fourth, while GasGas rider Mitch Brightmore rounded out the top five. CN
OVERALL (Top 5)
- Billy Bolt (Hus)
- Jonathan Walker (Bet)
- Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
- Mitchell Brightmore (GG)
- Will Hoare (Rie)
Final Points Standings
- Billy Bolt (427)
- Jonathan Walker (354)
- Manuel Lettenbichler (287)
- Will Hoare (240)
- Mitchell Brightmore (230)
