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IN THE WIND P22 TADDY SIGNS OFF WITH SUPERENDURO WIN K TM's Taddy Blazusiak signed off in a SuperEnduro blaze of glory at the 2016-'17 FIM Su- perEnduro World Championship opener in Poland, December 10, while Husqvarna's Colton Haaker got his title defense off to a strong start with second overall. The opening round devel- oped into a fairytale ending to Blazusiak's incredible profes- sional racing career when, in his hometown, he secured the overall win in what was his last- ever race. "I'm honestly lost for words— it's been an emotional night," said Blazusiak. "To end my career with the victory is more than I could ask for. I can't thank everyone enough for their sup- port over the years. Thank you so much." With a packed-to-capacity crowd of 14,000 spectators cheering for Blazusiak, the Pol- ish champ delivered the goods one last time. On a fast and technical track, Blazusiak rode to second be- hind Haaker in race one, only to inherit the win when Haaker got docked 10 seconds for overtak- ing on a yellow flag. Going on to win the second race set up the fairytale ending that was to follow. Shadowing Haaker across the finish line of the third heat saw him take the overall victory as the crowd erupted in applause. "I worked a lot during the past few months to be competi- tive but the way it all happened in Poland is just insane," said Blazusiak. "To win the first two motos and cruise to second in the last one was just incredible. I couldn't really ask for more. It was one hell of a ride and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my career." For defending champion Haaker it was a night of ups and downs. He was one-and-a-half seconds faster in timed prac- tice, but an awkward missed shift in Akrapovic SuperPole dropped him to second. Fairing worst off the gate in the reversed start of race two, he carved his way from almost last to third. Getting it together for the final race of the night, he eased his way to the win but ultimately had to settle for the runner-up result on the night. "My riding was good and I felt I was the fastest guy throughout the night," Haaker said. "I be- lieve I showed the overall victory was well within my reach. In the first race I trailed Taddy for three laps before deciding to make my move for the lead. It just happened that I made my pass under yellow flags, so I ended up getting a 10-second penalty to finish second. "In the second heat the reverse start kind of got me. I came from way back to finish third. Then in the last race, I fol- Taddy Blazusiak said goodbye to racing with a win at the opening round of the FIM SuperEnduro Championship in his home country of Poland. PHOTOGRAPHY BY FUTURE7MEDIA