Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM has uncovered the four-rider squad that will take-on the brand new World Enduro Super Series (WESS) for 2018 ahead of next month’s season-opening event in Portugal.

Hard enduro specialists Taddy Blazusiak and Jonny Walker will be joined by enduro regulars Josep Garcia and Nathan Watson, as FMF KTM’s Cody Webb also joins the team after recently clinching the SuperEnduro crown.

The World Enduro Super Series combines a mixture of hard enduro and classic enduro, as well as cross-country and beach racing events in a seven-round series. KTM has chosen to contest WESS after exiting the EnduroGP series at the end of last year.

Erzbergrodeo winner Blazuusiak made his return to professional competition for 2018, citing the WESS schedule as a primary factor in his decision: “I believe the WESS is what enduro needs at the minute to progress as a sport. I am really excited about the championship and I am really looking forward to the start of it. To be honest, I like every single event on the calendar.

“They are all unique and very special and from the first to the last race I think it is going to be really good fun. My ultimate goal is definitely to do all I can to win the World Enduro Super Series, that’s why I am back racing. I really believe I have a shot at it – I am going to do everything I can to make it happen.”

Walker is also a former Erzberg winner, Garcia is the 2017 Enduro2 world champion, Watson’s background in motocross and beach racing sees him as one of the favorites to take the win at the final round and former trials rider Webb is certain to be in contention for the title.

Opening with the Extreme XL Lagares hard enduro in Portugal on 11-13 May, each of KTM’s five official riders will bring their own unique skills set to the new series.