Ok, so the headline was a bit sensational… but it was a great opportunity for alliteration.

I doubt there’s any motorcycle event that’s too tough for Mr. Blazusiak. The guy is a machine. However, the Pole will not defend his 2009 title at The Tough One as he recovers from a nasty bout of flu virus and has elected to sit out the notorious UK race. It takes place this weekend on February 20.

"It goes without saying that I'm really disappointed that I can't compete this weekend. But if I'm not 100 percent then there is no point in me racing,” said the likable KTM rider. “The Though One is a great race and like all extreme races you have to be fully fit and healthy to perform at your best. I had a great time at the event last year, and I'm sure that Steve and his team will put on another great event this year. It wouldn't be right to start the event knowing that there's little chance of me being able to ride at 100 percent for the full race."

We’ve heard him comment similarly before and it just boils down to him not wanting to compete if he can’t kick everyone’s ass – which he does regularly. Get well soon, Taddy. These extreme events aren’t the same without you.

The Tough One is will be a part of the 2010 World Extreme Enduro Championship for 2011 which features four other nasty competitions: Hell’s Gate, Erzberg Rodeo, Red Bull Romaniacs and Roof of Africa. Follow along on the WXEC website for more info. This is going to be a really cool series.