Jordan Pickford is accustomed to facing the world's top strikers, but the Everton goalkeeper prepared for his third World Cup finals as England's number one by taking on a 'never before seen' sporting challenge at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
North East Rivalry Meets Sporting Crossover
Bringing together two of the north's biggest sporting personalities, a film shared on Instagram sees Enduro legend and Newcastle United fan Billy Bolt go up against Sunderland supporter and avid motocross enthusiast Pickford. With access to Everton's 52,769-capacity waterfront home, Bolt pushes the boundaries of what's possible on two wheels, riding throughout the stadium in a way it has never experienced before.
Pickford's Blues teammates, Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season James Garner, plus Young Player of the Season Harrison Armstrong, watch on and comment on their colleague's performance as they also battle through a series of challenges that blend goalkeeping precision with world-class bike control, creating an entertaining crossover between two very different sporting worlds.
Elite Athletes in Unlikely Battle
Known as one of the most decorated riders in Hard & Super Enduro history, Wallsend-born Bolt brings his trademark creativity and bike mastery to an iconic football setting, while Pickford's passion for motocross makes for an authentic and entertaining battle between elite athletes.
Red Bull athlete Bolt said: 'It was brilliant teaming up with Everton for this one. We've always had that North East rivalry from home, and knowing how much Jordan loves bikes made it even better. It's not every day you get the chance to ride around Everton's iconic stadium or take shots against a world-class goalkeeper.'
Pickford's Motocross Passion Despite Contract Ban
Asked to share something that might surprise supporters in an ECHO article by Joe Thomas published last November, Pickford detailed his love for motocross, something he can only watch, not participate in, because of the terms of his Everton contract. He explained: 'I am not allowed to do it as a footballer, but I would love to be able to do motocross. I grew up going to watch it every week with my mates, and my best mate now rides in the British Championships.'
'If I could I would go every week to watch as much as I can. I would do it if I could but there are strict rules in our contracts where we are not allowed to do activities like that. That is probably one thing in my life I would have loved to have done.'
The challenge at Hill Dickinson Stadium allowed Pickford to indulge his passion in a controlled environment, showcasing his skills as a goalkeeper while interacting with Bolt's extraordinary bike control. The event featured a series of creative challenges, including Bolt using a pressure pad to fire shots at Pickford, performing wheelies up stadium steps, and riding along walls, all while Pickford made spectacular saves.
