Defending champion Taddy Blazusiak has been struck down with flu and been ordered to stay at home with his antibiotics by his doctor. It means the Polish Enduro star has had to withdraw from this weekend’s Tough One in Shropshire, UK.
But missing out on the extreme event, staged in a quarry on the Welsh border, is a bitter blow to the KTM rider. “It goes without saying that I’m really disappointed that I can’t compete this weekend. But if I’m not 100 per cent then there is no point in me racing,” he said.
“The Tough One is a great race and like all extreme races you have to be fully fit and healthy to perform at your best. I had a great time at the event last year, and I’m sure that (event organiser) Steve Ireland and his team will put on another great event this year.”
Despite Blasuziak’s withdrawal, Ireland was keen to point out that the field remains extremely competitive: “I am bitterly disappointed that Taddy cannot attend but, with all due respect to him, we have an outstanding line up this year and I know that the TM Tough One will be an amazing race,” he said.
“With so many talented riders in the main race it is still anybody’s guess who will win and Knighter (David Knight) has to be near the top of the favourites.”
The Manxman will face stiff opposition from such rivals as 2009 Red Bull Romaniacs winner Andreas Lettenbichler, 2010 Hell’s Gate champion Dougie Lampkin and Roof of Africa winner Chris Birch.
Visit the Tough One site for more information or take a look through this gallery.
Comments
Add a comment