Hometown hero Bolt storms to victory

A major motorsport event has once again drawn huge crowds to Newcastle, as thousands gathered on the Quayside for the return of an adrenaline-fuelled head-to-head competition.

The Red Bull Tyne Ride 2025 saw 16 riders battle it out across a technically demanding course, with local favourite Billy Bolt emerging victorious. 

A five-time SuperEnduro world champion, Bolt defeated fellow Red Bull athlete and 2024 champion Jonny Walker in the final, taking the best-of-three showdown 2-0.

Billy, wearing the famous black and white stripes of his beloved Newcastle United, said: “It feels so good. 

“I had to watch from the sidelines last year, so it gave me the opportunity to appreciate how big and how amazing this event is. 

“But riding this year, there was only one goal in my mind and it’s nice to execute that.

“The pressure was on as it’s my home town. 

“I actually felt a bit nervous this morning and there’s a lot of people here with high expectations for me. 

“I had a couple of shaky runs early on if I’m honest, but I started to turn it on and execute how I wanted towards the end. 

“So, amazing day, amazing crowd, amazing place to ride. 

“Just super grateful to be part of it all. 

“I couldn’t believe the turn out last year and I think we’ve even beaten it this year. 

“Massive credit to everyone who helped put this on and a huge thank you to everyone that’s come out.”

Speaking at the podium after his second-place finish, Jonny Walker, who hails from Keswick, in Cumbria, said: “I enjoyed it – the track was technical, more technical than last year, so the riding was a bit more spread out. 

“Second place – I'm happy with that.

“The crowds are always good here in Newcastle – they’re northerners so everyone gets excited. 

“Everyone's had a good time and everyone’s so nice. 

“It is like home for me – I’m only an hour and a half away, so I come here all the time.  

“I’m excited for next year already.”

The event, now in its second year, brought free-to-watch motorsport spectacle back to the city centre, stretching the length of the iconic Quayside. 

Fans watched as competitors navigated challenging features such as the boulder garden, log matrix and Igloo Wall Ride before the title was ultimately decided.

Bolt’s triumph capped off a day of practice sessions, qualifiers and knockout rounds that showcased both the technical skill and daring of riders at the top of their sport. 

Manuel Lettenbichler, multi-time Hard Enduro World Champion, who was competing in Red Bull Tyne Ride for the first time, added: “It was brilliant. 

“I couldn't believe how good the vibe was. 

“It's so nice that it’s open to the public and everyone can just come. 

“Yesterday we did practice, and it was so packed from 9am in the morning, which was really cool. 

“Riding was good, the vibes were so high, so I’m really stoked.”

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