Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Billy Bolt has emerged victorious at the Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal, marking the inaugural round of the 2018 World Enduro Super Series.

In what was a thrilling and at times unpredictable battle, Bolt was followed home by Red Bull KTM’s Jonny Walker in second, with German Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) completing the podium in third.

Following two days of intense qualification action from Friday’s Endurocross and Saturday’s Urban Prologue, 252 competitors from 20 nations took to the start of Sunday’s main race.

Pro riders faced two laps and all other classes one lap for a tough day of riding in slippery, rocky riverbeds, high-speed forestry trails and technical climbs, as Bolt overcame opening lap leader Walker to become the first-ever victor in the new series.

Fourth was Poland’s Taddy Blazusiak (Red Bull KTM) after rebounding from as lowly qualifying position, as Graham Jarvis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) completed the top five. WESS continues with round two at the Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble in Austria on 1-3 June.