Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced that five-time Red Bull Hare Scramble winner and six-time SuperEnduro World Champion Taddy Blazusiak will make an imminent return to competition.
Signing a one-year agreement with KTM, the Polish star will compete in an exciting and varied schedule of races during 2018. He will take on several well-known enduro events while also competing in numerous competitions for the first time ever. Blazusiak’s return to the race track will take place on December 9 when he competes in the opening round of the 2018 SuperEnduro series in Krakow, Poland on a 350 EXC-F.
Taddy, who announced his retirement from full-time racing in December 2016 has continued to work closely with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, assisting with rider training, testing and development and extensive media duties during the 2017 season.
Present at many of this year’s major hard enduro events, as well as maintaining an extensive on and off-bike training programme, Taddy has never been far away from his racing family.
“It’s really exciting for me to return to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team,” said Blazusiak. “My retirement might seem a little short-lived, but 2018 is going to be a new chapter in my career.
What’s planned for 2018 after the SuperEnduro series is the true reason I’m returning to racing. It’s something that’ll offer me an amazing new challenge and something I know a lot of people will be excited by.
“When I stopped racing at the end of last winter’s SuperEnduro series I didn’t think I’d ride a bike again. I was burned out. Racing professionally is tough and I hadn’t stopped for more than 10 years, racing in both Europe and the States.
“But two months after I stopped I was back riding and really enjoying it. I kept riding ā riding different tracks, riding with different people, even going to some events, and it became clear that I still loved riding and that I wanted to race again. That added to the fact I’m super motivated by what’s planned for 2018 is why I’m returning to competition.
“I’ve always enjoyed new challenges, and 2018 will be all about taking on a new challenge. After a year away I can’t wait to return to competition and getting back to what I love best ā racing.”
KTM Motorsports Director, Pit Beirer commented: “We are honoured to welcome back Taddy to our enduro line-up for the upcoming season.
“Taddy is a true champion and has been an amazing ambassador for the KTM brand and the sport of enduro. His passion and commitment has never been in doubt and we look forward to once again supporting him as he returns to competition, and hope to celebrate more great results.”
