BIlly Bolt (Photo by Vanbasten 23)
Defending SuperEnduro World Champion, Billy Bolt of the Husqvarna Factory Racing’s begins his bid for an incredible sixth consecutive title tomorrow in Poland. Bolt’s reign in the championship has been nothing short of spectacular, with the British rider consistently setting the benchmark.
However, with a stellar line-up assembled for round one, it means Bolt will need to be at his absolute best to take victory in Poland. With FIM Hard Enduro World Champion, Manuel Lettenbichler, FIM EnduroGP World Champion, Josep Garcia, freshly crowned AMA EnduroCross Champion, Jonny Walker, the formidable Brightmore brothers of Ashton and Mitch, plus Polish ace Dominik Olszowy on the start gate, the racing will be incredible.
Offering the greatest challenge to Bolt last season, Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team’s Jonny Walker will look to finally better his great rival. A switch to a 450 four-stroke machine saw Walker clinch the AMA EnduroCross Championship in November, and with the Brit riding at his best, he’ll look to come out swinging this weekend in Gliwice.
The X-Grip Racing duo of Ash and Mitch Brightmore are two of the best emerging talents in SuperEnduro right now. Coming of age last season, the brothers pushed Bolt and Walker all the way, eventually finishing third and fourth overall in the standings, with Ash getting the better of his older sibling. Both riders have even more to prove in 2025/2026 and are determined to do so.
Stark Future’s Eddie Karlsson completed the top five last season, consistently pushing the front runners on his Stark Varg electric bike. With a promising summer of development under his belt, Karlsson will be exciting to watch. Stark strengthen their team with Britain’s Toby Martyn joining them.
With round one also marking his home GP, RIEJU Factory Racing’s Dominik Olszowy will arrive in Gliwice fired up for success. The Polish rider secured a sensational heat race win in Poland last year and would love to reward his home crowd with even more magic this time around.
Stepping up to the Prestige category having won the Junior title last season, Spain’s Marc Fernandez (GASGAS) will be determined to make his mark, while the vastly experienced AG Racing Team’s Alfredo Gomez can’t be counted out either with Beta.
However, one of the biggest talking points entering round one is the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing line-up of Manuel Lettenbichler and Josep Garcia. Lettenbichler – the reigning Hard Enduro World Champion – returns to SuperEnduro having missed the 2024/2025 championship due to injury. Third in 2023/2024, along with winning the Junior title back in 2016, the German’s pedigree indoors is super strong.
Dipping a toe into SuperEnduro for the first time, EnduroGP champion Josep Garcia is set to make an eagerly anticipated and welcomed debut in Poland. Although only entered for round one, he is loved for giving his all no matter where he races, ensuring his presence will be one of the most talked about storylines of the year.
SCHMÜSER HEADS STACKED ENTRY IN JUNIOR
With the Junior class promoted to full FIM World Championship status for 2025/2026, the entry list is naturally stacked for round one with 25 riders entered. With last season’s winner Fernandez moving into Prestige, the fight is on to take over his reign
Runner-up to Fernandez, Germany’s Milan Schmüser (Beta) starts as a heavy favourite for the top step of the podium. With a couple of seasons and multiple race wins under his belt, Schmüser knows that now is his moment to step forward as the Junior class frontrunner. Britain’s Toby Shaw (GASGAS), who finished his 2024/2025 campaign in fifth overall, returns to Gliwice with fond memories having won there 12 months ago.
Spain’s Alex Puey (GASGAS), Britain’s Burts Crayston (KTM) and France’s Leo Joyon (Beta), along with Europe Cup winner Germany’s Fynn Hannemann (Beta) will be riders to watch for. After finishing 1-2 in the Youth category, Spain’s Ramon Godino (Beta) and Britain’s Fraiser Lampkin (Beta) move up to Juniors too.
YOUTH CATEGORY WIDE OPEN
With 25 riders entered from 12 different nations, the Youth class sees a wealth of young talent eager to make their mark this season. Finishing third overall last time, Poland’s Michał Laska (Sherco) carries the most form into round one. Britain’s Connor Watson (Sherco) was fourth overall in 2024/2025 and will be keen to use that full year of experience to challenge for the top step of the podium.
