riding Mark Peroni ’ s prototype XE4 electric bike not only finished the first knockout race , but finished fourth , just four minutes behind Landers . The second single-lap knockout race of the day narrowed the field down to just 30 competitors to move on to Sunday , with Toole being the sole electric bike to finish the course .
For many enduro fans , the TKO is the only chance to get up close and personal with their favorite rider and get an autograph or two . While much of the time was spent walking the courses for Sunday and ensuring bikes were mechanically sound , there was plenty of time for meet-andgreets .
It all came down to Sunday – three knockout races on the schedule , each paring the riding pool down until only the fastest 20 riders remained . 58 riders took to a short course for a timed hot lap to determine starting position , with each rider starting 30 seconds after the other . The first knockout race took place on the longer course of the property , including sections such as the Kenda Rock Garden , part of the Red Bull Ravine , and Burke ’ s Corner . FMF KTM Factory Racing ’ s Trystan Hart took the lead , finishing a full minute ahead of GasGas ’ s Taddy Blazusiak in second and Teodor Kabakchiev in third . The field narrowed to only 26 riders for the second singlelap knockout race ; the course was similar to the first knockout , with
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 88