The SuperEnduro 2026 Round 3 in Bilbao was an action-packed affair, leaving fans on the edge of their seats! But here's the twist: it wasn't just about the usual suspects.
Round 3 Recap:
In a thrilling night of indoor racing, Billy Bolt emerged victorious in Bilbao, Spain, despite a fierce challenge from Jonny Walker. The third round of the 2026 SuperEnduro World Championship showcased a dramatic battle for supremacy, with Bolt securing the win in all three motos. But this time, the spotlight also shone on Mitch Brightmore, who bravely battled through a dislocated shoulder to claim a well-deserved third place.
The Bizkaia Arena presented a challenging track, a stark contrast to previous rounds. The unforgiving terrain, with its grabby soil, ruts, and slick logs, demanded the riders' utmost concentration. And it was here that Brightmore's determination became a talking point, as he fought through the pain to secure a spot on the podium.
Superpole Drama:
Josep Garcia, the crowd favorite, brought the noise in Superpole, whipping the Spanish fans into a frenzy. Eddie Karlsson, ever-consistent, set a fast time, but it was Jonny Walker who stole the show with a blistering run, finally mastering a mistake-free Superpole. Bolt, the ultimate champion, clocked the fastest time, setting the tone for the night.
Moto 1: The Battle for Supremacy:
Walker's holeshot and early lead set the stage for a thrilling race. He fended off Bolt's relentless attacks until a front-end tuck allowed Bolt to seize the opportunity and cruise to victory. The battle for third was a spectacle, with Karlsson, Garcia, Apolle, Vieira, and even track designer Alfredo Gomez in the mix. Karlsson's consistency paid off, securing third and avoiding being lapped by the relentless Bolt.
Moto 2: Brightmore's Moment:
Brightmore's holeshot in race two was a pivotal moment, leading from the front row of the reverse grid. Walker soon took the lead, but Bolt's relentless pursuit was evident. With patience and precision, Bolt made his move, cruising to another win. Brightmore's determination earned him a well-deserved third place.
Moto 3: Walker's Challenge:
Walker's strong start in race three promised an exciting contest. He held off Bolt until a mid-race mistake allowed Bolt to fly by. Walker's choice of line in the rocks proved costly, as Bolt sailed past with ease. Despite the result, Walker pushed Bolt to his limits, showcasing his talent.
The Underdog's Story:
Mitch Brightmore's performance was the talk of the night. Racing with a dislocated shoulder, he achieved a remarkable 4-3-3 scorecard, securing his first podium of the year. His grit and determination in the face of adversity left fans in awe.
The Championship Battle:
Bolt's perfect night was hard-earned, with Walker pushing him to the limit. The world champion's technique and line choice proved decisive, showcasing his mastery. And in the Junior, Youth, and Spanish national classes, the battles were just as intense, with Alex Puey, Toby Shaw, Wojtek Walczak, and Eric Miguel shining.
But here's where it gets controversial: was Bolt's win a foregone conclusion, or did Walker's challenge truly threaten his dominance? And what about Brightmore's remarkable resilience? Did it overshadow the champion's performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!