Kiwi Rider March 2024 Vol.2 | Page 16

DIRT NEWS

BOLT WINS SUPERENDURO , GOES FOR SURGERY

In what is possibly the harsh reality of modern motorcycle racing , plucky Brit Billy Bolt secured the SuperEnduro Championship trophy , then promptly set about going under the knife to get himself back to full fitness . After landing awkwardly off a jump in practice at round three of the SuperEnduro series , it was immediately clear that Bolt had injured his left knee . However , in typical Billy Bolt style , the Husqvarna team rider went on to not only win that round , but dominate the remainder of the championship , ultimately securing seven wins from seven starts . After claiming the SuperEnduro crown on Saturday , March 2 at his home round in Newcastle , UK , Bolt finally went under the knife on Tuesday , March 5 to reconstruct his ACL , repair his meniscus and post lateral corner , and ensure that two identified fractures in his tibia had healed . The surgery reportedly went well and Bolt has

16 KIWI RIDER already started his recovery process . However , the recovery time for such a surgery means that Bolt will miss the first half of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship , and likely , his chance to topple KTM ’ s Manuel Lettenbichler off the top of the podium there as well . Despite requiring several months of rehabilitation , the newly crowned SuperEnduro World Champion has his sights set on returning to competition in time for the second half of the upcoming FIM Hard Enduro World Championship . “ It feels good to be out of surgery and the doctors are really pleased with how it all went ”, Bolt said . “ They were able to successfully repair all the damage to my knee and were happy to report the two fractures in my lower leg have already healed up nicely . “ Unfortunately , as we were already aware , there ’ s quite a long healing process , and I don ’ t want to take any risks . This will mean I miss the first few rounds of Hard