HAAKER TAKES HOME KING OF THE MOTOS CROWN

Ruling the roost at the punishing King of the Motos extreme enduro, Colton Haaker took home the win.

Delivering the goods in his first official outing for Husqvarna, Haaker claimed the win at the end of the brutally tough race.

“There is no way I could have won this race without help from my fellow competitors.” said Haaker at the awards ceremony. “You pretty much couldn’t make a lap without some help.” 

With this year’s race featuring a morning 27-mile loop to “ease” competitors in, it was the featured afternoon main event that ultimately put the 79-rider entry through their paces. With three laps of the shortened – but more technically demanding course – to complete, the race featured everything from back-breaking switch backs to steep rocky ravines.

© Paolo Baraldi & Nicole Dreon

Battling back and forth with Cory Graffunder during the opening lap, Haaker slowly began to inch clear of Graffunder as they pushed past the halfway point on lap two. Hanging tough during lap three, Haaker finally crossed the finish line as the winner.

Finishing over five minutes behind Haaker, Graffunder claimed the runner-up spot with Max Gerston placing just under two minutes behind in third.

Over one hour behind Gerston, Mitch Carvolth came home fourth with Kale Elworthy fifth.

With the 2015 edition of the race proving the toughest yet only five riders managed to complete the full race distance.

Extended report to follow…