Enduro
We check in with David Knight ahead of the SuperEnduro World Championship opener in Liverpool.
David Knight’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt at more enduro events than just about any other rider. When some of today’s emerging young enduro stars were throwing their legs over a dirt bike for the very first time DK was already winning indoor and outdoor enduro races.
On Sunday, November 17th Knighter heads to Liverpool’s Echo Arena to take on the world best, including Poland’s Taddy Blazusiak and Britain’s Jonny Walker. Competing for a new team, DK has his sights set very much on a winning result…
RedBull.com: For those that might not know much about SuperEnduro racing, put them in the picture?
David Knight: It’s indoor enduro racing. In the States it’s known as EnduroCross, but after a few name changes in Europe it’s now known as SuperEnduro. Dirt, rocks, logs, trees, water, you name it, gets brought inside stadiums like the Echo Arena and mixed together to create the track.
RB: Last year the SuperEnduro series started in Poland, giving Taddy Blazusiak an early ‘home’ advantage. This year the championship starts in Liverpool. Are you excited or nervous about racing in front of your home fans?
DK: I can't wait. It’s been years since I raced in an event as big as this in the UK, so it’s a big, big occasion. There’s always added pressure at the first round of any championship, but I’m not too worried about it. Realistically I’m going to give the event everything, but I have a championship to think about. I want to make a good start to the championship and put on a good show for the spectators.
RB: Tell us about your switch to Sherco machinery, they’re a French manufacturer, right?
DK: Things are going great with Sherco. Yes, they’re French/Spanish – their enduro bikes are built in France and the trials bikes are built in Spain. Working with a smaller company is really enjoyable – I’m surrounded by passionate people. I’ve had about six weeks on the bikes now and I’m really impressed. I'll be racing a four-stroke indoors and a two-stroke for the Hard Enduro events.
RB: So it is true that you’ll be getting back into the Hard Enduro scene, and returning to events like Erzberg, Hell’s Gate, Romaniacs, etc?
DK: Yes. A few years back I raced indoors, outdoors, beach races, Hard Enduro events. You name it I raced it. I kind of fell out of love with the Enduro World Championship during the last few years. I guess I’m looking for some more challenging events, and racing in events that I always enjoyed.
RB: Back to SuperEnduro – which riders will offer up the most competition?
DK: “Taddy Blazusiak and Jonny Walker are the guys I see myself fighting with for the championship, but there’s a lot of other riders capable of winning races. Cody Webb has been racing well in the US, Ivan Cervantes from Spain is a past indoor champion, Alfredo Gomez will be one to watch. I think it’s going to be the most competitive series to date.
RB: Finally, can you win?
DK: “I’ll be doing my best to win, that’s for certain. I’d love to win in Liverpool but anything can happen. The championship is very important to me, so I won't be going all out as if it were a one-off event. I’ll give it my all and hopefully things will work out well.
RB: If someone’s interested in coming along to watch you race where can they get hold of tickets?
DK: “It’s simple. Go to www.echoarena.com and look for SuperEnduro.
