Eleven weeks was a long time to wait between rounds three and four of the AMA EnduroCross championship. It offered a long time to think. About every rock, log and tyre that was crossed – about every mistake that was made. Yes, eleven weeks was a long time to think about how to set those errors right.

Finishing fourth overall that night in Las Vegas was never on the agenda for Taddy Blazusiak. In normal circumstances it would have been a result that he could accept – a strong recovery from a very bad start. But with round three coinciding with X Games, the biggest global extreme sports event on the calendar, finishing fourth for the defending series champion was a bitter pill to swallow. Missing his share of the limelight, his only saving grace to come from that was night was to regain the points lead in the championship chase.

Using his defeat as a catalyst to motivate him during those 11 weeks of downtime, Taddy arrived in Ontario determined for only one outcome. Winning. Dominating the practice and qualifying he looked back to his normal self. This was to be his night.

Adopting the tactic of starting fast and staying out of trouble, Taddy hit the front early in the main event. As a melee of riders and machines played havoc behind him, the KTM rider began to etch out a slender advantage. With only Beta’s Cody Webb for company, the duo swapped positions numerous times during the opening few laps.

But there would only ever be one winner and Taddy was it. Capitalising on a mistake from Webb he took full control of the race and never looked back. A couple of tense laps later he crossed the finish line as victor and momentum once again switched back in his favour.

Eleven weeks proved time well spent.