Gotland Grand National 2018: Race report and photos

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Gotland Grand National 2018

Now in its 35th year and boasting up to 3,000 racers, the Gotland Grand National is one of the world's biggest cross-country races.

26 – 27 October 2018

Albin Elowson, Robert Kvarnstrom and Ken Bengston on the final Gotland Grand National podium. — Suffering has its reward
© Future7Media/Red Bull Content Pool

Renowned as the world’s largest race, over 3,000 riders took part in the 35th edition of the Gotland Grand National. Rain from Friday evening onwards ensured that track conditions would be anything but easy as the 22km-long course developed into a deluge of mud, ruts and deep puddles.

Yet to etch his name into the winner’s list of GGN, Elowson made 2018 count, putting on a masterclass display of riding in the horrendous conditions. Taking control of the lead on lap one, the Swede powered through the three-hour race to take a commanding victory with six laps completed.

"I’m so happy to take the win here in Gotland," commented Elowson. "I knew I had the speed before the race, but you never know what can happen around here. I got a decent start and tried to make some passes in the early chaos."

Albin Elowson celebrates winning Gotland Grand National in Gotland, Sweden on October 27, 2018. — Albin Elowson triumphs in the mud of Gotland
© Future7Media/Red Bull Content Pool

“I went through a lot of goggles – that’s one of the main things at this race, you have to keep your eyes clear to be able to ride properly. Finally, it’s good to be able to show what I'm capable of. I know I have the speed, I just have to build my confidence a little and hopefully I can get some more good results in the future.”

Behind him, Kvarnström placed as runner-up despite challenging Elowson in the early stages of the race, while Bengston successfully mud-managed his way onto the podium in third.

Taddy Błażusiak’s in action at Gotland Grand National, where his fourth place result saw him move up to fourth overall in the WESS. — Taddy Błażusiak remains a much-feared rival
© Future7Media/Red Bull Content Pool

Adapting quickly to the demanding conditions, Błażusiak fared well in fourth. Afterwards, he said, “To finish fourth for my first time riding this race and in the conditions we had is a result I’m pleased with. GGN is a unique race and one the Swedish riders clearly excel at. With the weather turning sour as much as it did, it was always going to be difficult to match their experience in this type of mud.”

For WESS title contenders, Spain’s Josep García crossed the finish line in 12th to slightly close the gap to Billy Bolt, who finished 13th. Although holding 25th with one lap remaining, a crash in the closing stages of the race pushed Manuel Lettenbichler of Germany back to 43rd overall.

With just the final round of the championship remaining at Red Bull Knock Out, Bolt extends his advantage over Lettenbichler to 275 points, while García, in third, closes the gap to within 445 points of the German. Błażusiak’s fourth place result at GGN sees him move up to fourth overall but more importantly sit just 25 points behind García in the race to become this year’s utimate enduro champion.