Tim Apolle - at home in Billroda and in the world
- Written by Portal Editor
When we were looking for a workshop for motorcycles, we first came into contact with Tim, who referred us to his father Steffen, who has far more than just a knack for extraordinary motorcycles, especially for KTM, Ducati and others, what else still driving around.
We've known each other for many years now, we feel safe with Steffen for all the little ailments that such a bike can have, so we're still enthusiastic motorcyclists ourselves and, due to what's happening around Tim, also a little bit his fans, because he's from a real Tim, who comes from a motorsport dynasty, already clinched several titles in motocross, enduro and cross-country as a teenager.
Tim Apolle - this rider has what it takes to become a superstar
Only rarely at home in Billroda does Tim now live the so-called American dream, which means that he tries to take advantage of his opportunities in the enduro sport he loves so much. Right from the first visit to Steffen's workshop, we noticed the test site to the right of the road, which the family had set up themselves with the help of farm friends so that they could practice every day. Here the practitioners have to race over tree trunks, walls, stone fields and tractor tires on their enduro bikes, i. H. the required speed must also be right. Eventually, Tim decided to focus on Super Enduro, a specialty that is raced in major stadiums around the world.
On the occasion of the 875th anniversary of Billroda, we met Tim in the marquee for a small interview with father Steffen and his machine.
What is Super Enduro or Indoor Enduro?
Indoor Enduro or Super Enduro, also known as Enduro Cross, abbreviated Enduro-X or EX, is a so-called hybrid motorcycle competition, i.e. a mixture of Supercross and Enduro races, held indoors in halls over obstacles similar to a trials track. Super Enduro events typically take place in hockey or scaled-down basketball arenas. The main difference from Supercross is that there are “hard rock sections” and pieces of wood (similar to fallen trees) resembling enduro and technical “trials” tracks, rather than asphalt between jumps. The tracks feature various elements of off-road driving, including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, a water hole, and special obstacles (like giant tires). A Super Enduro track is much faster than a Trials track and much slower than a Supercross track.
Breakthrough in the United States
Tim is now a Super Enduro pro, drives the American AMA Championship and the World Championship (6 races in Europe and Israel) as a works driver for the Italian manufacturer Beta. Not only was he the only motor sports enthusiast to be included in the Bundeswehr sports promotion group, Beta brought him to the USA and there the Billrodaer hit like a bomb with his skills. With these top results as the final proof of his ability, his contract was extended by another year, especially since he had become junior vice world champion very early on.
When asked about the course of events, Tim says only briefly:
“I was over there for three races in 2019. When I rode for Beta in Europe in 2021, we also negotiated something for the USA. Because things went well, they offered me a full-service contract for this year.”
Back then, Steffen slowed his son down a bit, because Tim was studying to become a geography and sports teacher in Jena:
"My father always said, do your studies, you'll have something in your hands. Who knows if you can finance your life with motorcycling."
So Tim also sees the Corona period very relaxed:
“It was actually quite good with Corona. I was able to complete my studies. If you're always on the go, that's not possible."
And then came the breakthrough......
Now Tim travels the world, drives Super Enduro in South America, the USA and in Europe and Israel.
Good luck to you, dear Tim!
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