DARYL Bolter launched his first World Enduro campaign in style notching up a podium finish in Guadalajara, Spain, writes Sarah McQuillen.

The debutant overcame a disappointing day one, which saw him seriously hampered by slower riders, and came out on day two with all guns blazing, roaring into third place overall and beating the first round leader on a number of tests.

It was an encouraging start for the Durrington rider, who has just turned professional, confirming that he is already on the pace and looking like a championship contender in the junior class.

Heavy rain on day one ensured tough, muddy conditions, which cost a number of riders time penalties through no fault of their own.

Bolter was one of the innocent victims of a pile-up on a slippery slope.

He explained: "I was finding day one challenging, but I was really enjoying it until I came to a hill in the tight check. I could see other riders stuck all over it and I tried to go round them but there wasn't any way through.

"I had no option but to wait for them and I lost 15 minutes, which was really frustrating because there was nothing I could do about it."

But Bolter fared better in his first extreme test.

He said: "I couldn't believe how tiring it was - it's like nothing I've ridden before. I got stuck in again on day two and tried to forget about day one.

"I won the extreme test in the junior class and was second or third on most tests all day.

"I know which riders I have to beat now. I beat the Spanish rider who won the class on both days in some tests, but he is really quick.

"Still, it's a good start to the year and knowing that I'm on the pace is great."

Bolter's next challenge won't take place on a bike, but in a hospital.

After the relief of learning that he won't need an operation on a back injury, Bolter is due to undergo a series of injections to ease the pain which blighted his opening round of the British Enduro Champ-ionship.