SOLAR V CHADWICK: THE BATTLE RESUMES

Wattle Flat, NSW, played host to the second round of the 2024 Australian Hard Enduro Championship, known as the ‘Goldfields Extreme’. Among the competitors were the reigning champion, Beta’s Ruben Chadwick, and the indomitable Anthony Solar, who leads the Motul Sherco Hard Enduro team and claimed victory at the opening round.

Together, they’re quickly cementing themselves as the ones to keep your eyes on.
The event kicked off with Saturday’s 45-minute cross-country prologue, featuring challenging terrains and man-made obstacles. Solar showcased his dominance, setting a blazing pace and leaving his rivals in the dust, while Chadwick battled back from a slower start, securing a commendable second place in the Gold class.

As Sunday dawned, riders faced a grueling four-hour main race, tackling a mix of technical terrains under clearer skies. Chadwick and Solar emerged as the frontrunners, engaging in a relentless battle for supremacy. Chadwick’s unwavering pressure paid off as he maintained a tight grip on the lead, ultimately crossing the finish line in first place with a commanding seven-minute lead.
“It’s great to come away with the win after a competitive weekend of racing in tough conditions. The RR 300 Racing performed flawlessly and I’m excited to continue the momentum for the remainder of the season”

Despite relinquishing the lead due to a late-race mishap and losing a stack of time, Solar fought tooth and nail, securing a hard-fought and close second place finish.

“It certainly wasn’t an easy day out there, probably one of the most intense races I’ve ever been in. Ruben and I swapped positions so many times it felt like at least a dozen lead changes. Unfortunately, I lost the front in a tricky off-cambered section and lost quite a bit of time to Ruben, at least 10 minutes. I managed to reel him in but ran out of time to snatch the win. It could have easily gone either way, but today wasn’t my day. I can’t thank the team and sponsors enough; the Sherco 300 SE Factory was solid all weekend. Looking forward to the next round at a new venue should be exciting!” Solar concluded.

With the Goldfields Extreme behind them, both Chadwick and the Motul Sherco Hard Enduro team are now gearing up for the next challenge: the ‘Dog & Bone Extreme’ event in Sandy Hill, NSW.