Blazusiak Wins Ontario Endurocross, Rd3

Four-time and defending AMA Endurocross champion Taddy Blazusiak has returned to the top of the podium with a winning result at round three of the 2013 Endurocross series in Ontario, California. In winning the main event Taddy placed ahead of team-mate Mike Brown with Cody Webb third.

“It’s great to get back to the top of an Endurocross podium,” told Blazusiak. “It’s been a while coming this season, but tonight went great. It was a hard race, but I felt like I rode well, my fitness was good, and everything came together. Winning X Games in LA was a turning point for me, I felt good then and have tried to keep that feeling going in my training.

Claiming gold at the Los Angeles X Games at the start of August, Taddy continued his winning ways to secure his first Endurocross win of the 2013 season, and in doing so moved to within seven points of the championship lead. But it wasn’t an easy with for Taddy. Third mid-way through the opening lap following a strong start, Taddy soon worked his way into the runner-up position by moving ahead of Colton Haaker.

“My start was ok, I didn’t get a great jump out of the gate but I was near the front, right where I needed to me. Mike was a little ways ahead when I got into second, but I knew that by just riding smooth I’d be able to catch Mike, which I did.”

With only Brown ahead of him Blazusiak steadily began to close in on the then race leader, before moving into the lead as the duo hit lapped riders. Making a near costly mistake only moments later as he entered the rock garden, Taddy’s quick thinking ensured he minimised his mistake and held onto his lead. Remained out front for the remainder of the race, despite the occasional small mistake, Taddy claimed his first US Endurocross win of 2013.

“I knew that we were a good way ahead of the other riders, so I kind of took my time working to pass Mike. As soon as we got into lapper a space opened up for me and I took it.

“I almost handed the lead back right away when I made a mistake in the rocks, but I managed to stay in the lead. During the last five laps I was just trying not to make any mistakes, and I did that. It was a hard race, but the result I needed. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the Endurocross series now.”

2013 US Endurocross Point Standings (After round 3)

1. Mike Brown (KTM) 72; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 65; 3. Taylor Rober (KTM) 55; 4. Colton Haaker (Hon) 52; 5. Cory Graffunder (Husq) 44…

2013 US Endurocross Schedule (Remaining events)

Round 4 Denver, CO October 12

Round 5 Everett, WA October 26

Round 6 Boisse, ID November 9

Round 7 Las Vegas, NV November 23