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MOMCC Mototrial

Club Champs Rnd 2 17/6/2018

I said I’d do a report on April’s trial but never quite got there. Let me think. Oh yes

it was at up Opawe Road up the Poh’ Valley and 14 riders fronted up. Not a bad wee

trial that was set up in trying conditions by Adrian Walcroft. Weather wasn’t being

kind to him and when he went up mid week to throw some sections in there were

cattle camped everywhere so that job was aborted for a day or so.

Conditions were a bit damp in places and probably the wettest we’ve seen at this place

for many years. Unfortunately it was probably our last event there as the farmer is

fencing off the creek and kinda indicated it’d be last time we can use it. Bugger!

And Warrick beat me by two points too – bugger. Results below.

http://www.moto-trials.co.nz/results/14446

Back to the main object which is to report on this month’s trial. And the weather

wasn’t kind again. The Awahou South Road, Poh’ Valley venue is more dry weather

friendly than wet weather and there’s been a bit of rain lately if you haven’t noticed.

Merv went out Saturday on his Jack Jones (own) and set out eight sections which was

a good effort. And like April there was a mob of cattle in the front paddock to

contend with.

I kind of think this made it a better trial as Merv was forced to look further into the

property and put all eight sections in the upper two paddocks where we haven’t been

for a year or two. He found some new sections as well as a few in familiar spots.

And what did it do Saturday night, yea rained all night. Just can’t win this year. I’m

sure this put a few off riding as only seven weather weary soles turned up. And a

newby, Ian Richards, turned up for a look although he didn’t bring his recently

acquired, ex Adrian Walcroft, Beta with him. Thought he’d just come and have a wee

look first and join the club. Welcome Ian and we hope the wet and slippery looking

conditions didn’t put you off.

But heh it didn’t rain all day and the sun even poked it’s nose out for five minutes and

a bit of a breeze even came along which may have helped dry a few sections by a % or

two. Yes conditions were very slippery but Merv’s sections coped well and it wasn’t a

case of fives or fighting three’s that I imagined it would have been.

Most sections were up and down hills and banks with the odd log thrown in. Most

sections were quite long and even one (section 7) that Merv described during riders

briefing as being 4 chains long. He didn’t mean drive chain or dog chain or anything

like that. A chain is an old fashioned unit of length - A chain is a unit of length that

measures 66 feet, 22 yards, 100 links,or 4 rods (20.1168 m). There are 10 chains in a

furlong, and 80 chains in one statute mile. An acre is the area of 10 square chains (that is,

an area of one chain by one furlong).

Ok then, that clarifies what a chain is, and I’m thinking Merv may have under

estimated a bit there. It was perhaps 5 chains for us riding A grade. We had to head

back up stream for a wee while at one stage. This was the only section that involved

the stream apart from section 4 that had most of us riding across it before we got to

test ourselves on tight turns and steep little banks – good section.

Warrick, Hannah and myself were the only A Grader’s and we rode together. As he

does these days Warrick set the pace and I was keeping him honest snapping at his

heals ready to pounce if he messed up. He did on section 5 on the first lap where he

copped a five when he hit his head on a lowish branch which pretty much knocked him

off his bike . My chance to gain a few here I thought. But bugger, I managed to stall

my bike before I was half way through the section – clown……………. Hannah managed a

three so had the last laugh that time.

I generally rode ok except there were a few times when I rode a bit too cautiously

and this cost me a few points with my total adding up to 17. Warrick made few

mistakes all day, apart from the head butting incident, and deserved his win on a lowly

11 points lost. Now Hannah will tell you she had a bad day with her tally adding up to

66. Her first lap was definitely a shocker adding up to 29. The sections definitely had

some tricky bits in them and some required a wee bit of aggression at the right time

or you’d come to a wheel spinning halt.

I think Hannah was a bit too cautious on some of these climbs and probably didn’t

have belief in herself that she could conquer them. But with a bit of encouragement,

and I’m also sure she gave herself a good talking to, the second lap improved to 11

points. When she gets focused and sets her mind to it Hannah can make things look so

easy on that 125 Beta and she certainly did a few times on the harder sections. You

didn’t ride bad all day Hannah, just some of the day. Don’t worry, I’d hardly ridden a

motorbike at 15 (Did a 1949 James 197cc with no rear suspension count……………) let

alone become Aussie Junior Women Champion.

Don’t be cross at her dad, in the big picture she’s doing it good!

The thing is with a 125, it requires a different technique on some sections and

especially on steep abrupt banks such as the first bank on section 4. Whereas

Warrick and I riding 300’s could pop the bank in 2nd gear with minimal run up and a

blip of the throttle the 125 requires a wee bit more room and a bigger handful of

throttle to safely pop to the top. So a bit more aggression required on the throttle in

combination with controlled clutch engagement. A bit less room for error on a 125 and

this does catch Hannah out sometimes. Likewise on big climbs the bigger engine bikes

can accelerate quicker and use that extra momentum to carry you over the top. At

the same time those 300’s can get you into trouble too where a 125 won’t.

Adrian had his first trial on his new ex Nick Parkinson Beta 250 and I’m thinking he

was probably a tad disappointed with his score of 52 in the Inter’s grade, ten behind

Paul Wheatley and wopping 30 behind Chris Morrison – good ride Chris.

Merv was the sole President rider and posted the highest score of anyone on the day

of 75. He can’t complain though since he was the section setter.

Good to see young Vinnie Veltman back out on his Gas Gas 50. He looks very

comfortable and confident and happy when he’s riding. And by the end of the day he

was conquering those stream crossings between sections.

So not a bad day all round and made even better when Hannah and Vinnie’s wee sister

(whose name eludes me) busted out the home baking. Not only can Hannah ride a

trials bike good but she can also turn out top notch biscuits and cake. And so to can

Vinnie’s mum. Not sure she can pedal a trials bike as good as Hannah though!

Results - http://www.moto-trials.co.nz/results/14447

Next MOMCC mototrial – Winter Cup, July 22, up Coppermine Road - over the Saddle

Road and up Pinfold Road to get there.

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BUSH RIDERS NEWSLETTER   May 2018

Committee Meetings: First Thursday of each month, 7.30pm at the Post Office Hotel, Pahiatua

Calendar

Friday 15th June Bush Riders Prizegiving & AGM

Post Office Hotel, Pahiatua - ALL WELCOME

7pm Complimentary Feed and Drinks

7.30pm AGM & Prizegiving

Sunday 1st July Central Enduro Rnd 4 and North Island Enduro Rnd 5

Venue: Callaghan’s, 366 Mangarei Road, Masterton

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Please find attached official results from Rnds 3 & 4 of the NI Mototrials Champs.

Hi everyone,

Hope you all arrived home safely from your weekend of fun in the Manawatu.

 Sorry they are a bit slow being sent out.........

 You will also find the results on Silver Bullet - http://silverbullet.co.nz/shownews.php

 The Manawatu Orion club would like to thank all those that rode and made it a successful weekend in spite of the weather. Also a big thanks to all the helpers/observers on the day and those that put in a big effort with the organisation and section setting – Phil, Merv, Adrian, Warrick, Hannah, Callum, Mark, Malcolm (results) and if your name is missing from the list it wasn’t intentional. And a special thanks to Sandra for stepping into the Stewards role at the last minute when our regular Wade pulled out.

 And weren’t Phil’s certificates just awesome. Can’t wait to see Ray’s reaction when he gets his 1^st place Pressie certificate. I’ll hand it over at the Naki rounds.

 Also a big thanks to the land owners, Stuart Davison and Stuart Bolton. Oh and not to forget Lynley and Abe Herbert for jumping on the BBQ.

 It was just so unfortunate it decided to rain heavily on Saturday night and turn what was a dry and grippy patch of bush on Saturday evening into a very slippery patch of bush on Sunday morning. Warrick and I had our work cut out there for a while easing up the bush sections. It was so gutting having to rearrange a few weekends work and even pull one section altogether. When the weather decides to dump on you there’s nothing you can do to stop it. It was a gamble using that venue but we were keen to give you something new and different. At least it wasn’t cold and the sun came out too.

 We dodged a bullet with the Saturday venue though. The farmer phoned me on Monday night and said the stream was running so high Sunday morning it would have been impassable. Now that would have been a problem......................

See you all in the Naki at the end of June. Cheers Kevin Pinfold

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Bush Riders MCC Calendar

 Sunday 29th April Central XC Series Rnd 5 FINAL, Castlehill Road, Alfredton

PRIZEGIVING at the Alfredton Hall at end of the day

Friday 22nd June Bush Riders MCC Prizegiving and AGM

Saturday 24th June Battle of the Clubs – Taupo

Sunday 1st July Central Enduro Rnd 4 and North Island Enduro Rnd 5

Venue: Callaghan’s, Masterton

ENDURO DATES 2018

Central Series Dates

? Round 1 14 Apr - Moonshine 1

? Round 2 09 Jun - Santoft 1

? Round 3 10 Jun - Martinborough

? Round 4 01 Jul - Masterton Bush Riders hosting

? Round 5 22 Sep - Moonshine 2

? Round 6 6 Oct - Santoft 2 (Enduro Sprint)

North Island Series Dates

? Round 1 21 Apr - Whangamata

? Round 2 22 Apr - Tokoroa

? Round 3 09 Jun - Santoft

? Round 4 10 Jun - Martinborough

? Round 5 01 Jul - Masterton Bush Riders hosting

? Round 6 22 Sep - Moonshine 2

? Round 7 6 Oct - Santoft 2 (Enduro Sprint)

National Championship Dates

? Round 1 21 Apr - Whangamata

? Round 2 22 Apr - Tokoroa

? Round 3 26 May - Nelson

? Round 4 06 May - Christchurch

? Round 4 09 Jun - Santoft

? Round 5 10 Jun - Martinborough

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Race Report Hannah Rushworth - South Australain & Australian Trials Championships - New Zealand are winners!

Going to Australia was a last minute opportunity and I’m really glad I got to go. The main reason was to be a part of the NZ team to contest the Oceania Challenge. This started in 1975 as the Trans Tasman Shield and was fought for by our best riders. It became the Oceania Challenge in 2003 and, since 2007, has been contested by riders from different grades. In 2010 women were finally included. Both NZ and Australia were very keen to continue the tradition of a woman rider in the team but neither of our top two women were available. That left me. Originally I was going to ride the Open Women class but their women all have international experience and there was some question over whether I would even be eligible because of my age. In the end it was decided that I should contest the Junior Women class.

I went with my elder sister Hazel. The plan was to be there for about 10 days so that we could take part in the whole of their Trial week. This started with the South Australian Champs in Tungkillo on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th September. The weather was good apart from a wind that was so strong it was almost another obstacle. I didn’t know what to expect and was a little disappointed that the sections were so easy, compared to what I normally ride here. I could have and probably should have entered the Senior Women at this event. I am sure that I would have done well. As it was, on my first lap, with Hazel and I trying to be so careful, I missed a flag and got a FIVE. It made me realise that it’s not that easy to get a zero day. On the Sunday we doubled down on the concentration and I finally got my first ever zero day. It also meant that I had the best score of all 20 riders on the White line. This also gave me the South Australian Junior Women Title.

The mid-week trial should have been the best. There was no pressure and I rode up a few grades. The sections had big rocks and were a bit intimidating. In NZ we don’t usually ride that sort of stuff in Intermediate. Carl Robson from Wellington rode with Daniel Herbert and I and offered as much help and encouragement as he could. There was actually plenty of grip and, by the end of the day, it was feeling pretty good. Unfortunately, towards the end of the last lap, my bike went POP! We didn’t know it at the time but we now think that a piece of the piston skirt had broken away and then, after bouncing around for a while, got caught between the transfer port and the piston. Luckily organiser Peter Arnold lent me his bike for the last few sections but it was a pretty sad end to the day. Hazel and Carl started taking the bike to bits that night but there was too much damage and not enough time. For a while it looked like I wouldn’t be riding at all in the Australian Champs but, finally, John Cowan offered me his 2011 GasGas 125. He was embarrassed because it wasn’t a well-maintained bike but I was delighted to have anything that even resembled a trials bike. After all of that, the Aussie Champs was almost an anti-climax. I was hoping for a ZERO weekend but mucked that up in one of the first sections when I touched the back brake and there was nothing there. I went over the tape and scored a FIVE. After that I knew what to expect and it started to get better. I got a ZERO day on the Sunday and took out the Australian Junior Women title. Even better was 13 year old Dylan Ball’s ZERO weekend in the Open Junior class, and Carl Robson’s win over his Master’s opponent. This meant that we had the Oceania Title by 3 – 0. The trip cost in the vicinity of $7850. This was way more than we initially estimated. Some of this cost was Hazel’s travel and accommodation but most of the cost was mine.

Despite all the warnings we found the Australians to be super friendly and extremely helpful. For instance, we were in an AirBnB house and the owners took us and our broken bike to their workshop and drove us around and helped out as much as they could. It was amazing how many women were riding. And Juniors, of one sort or another, made up nearly half the field. I love competing in trials. I’m also glad that this is how I am learning to ride. I actually don’t understand why there aren’t more people involved in such a cool sport. Maybe we’re a bit behind Australia in this regard. For instance, this is their minis at their Nationals Apart from 13 year old Dylan Ball, I’m just about the youngest person at our Nationals. Brent Douglas, from the Ixion club, is doing really cool stuff at the "Kapiti Trials Academy." On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month he has a dozen or so little kids on their electric Osets doing easy sections, drills and fun games. Anyway, I just want to say thank-you very much to the Bush Riders club. It was a really worth-while trip and I couldn’t have done it without you.

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NEW CHAMPION CROWNED ON WEEKEND OF HIGH DRAMA

Christchurch's Angus Macdonald (Sherco 300 SEF-R), on his way to victory In the Motorcycling New Zealand Enduro Championship at the final onn Queen's Birthday Monday.

JUNE 6, 2017: New Zealand has a new national enduro champion, with Canterbury's Angus Macdonald surviving a flurry of attacks and taking the title following an intense Queen's Birthday Weekend of racing.

The double-header final weekend saw positional changes for all but one of the top 10 expert grade riders as the 2017 New Zealand Enduro Championships wrapped up with back-to-back events, rounds five and six, held just two days apart and at two vastly different North Island venues.

Fortunes changed dramatically over the two events – on muddy farmland at Waitiwhiti, east of Pahiatua, on Saturday and in forestry south of Tokoroa on Monday – with the eventual rankings changing for nine of the top 10 riders.

Macdonald was the only top-10 rider unaffected by this last-ditch, mad scramble for points, his position seemingly secure from the start of the weekend thanks to his consistent results at the earlier rounds.

The Sherco rider started the weekend on top of the standings and that's where he finished.

Macdonald would have had to finish eighth or worse at Monday's final round if he was to have the title slip from his grasp.

In the end, he finished fourth at Waitiwhiti and fourth again at Tokoroa, easily enough for him to take the top trophy for 2017. Macdonald also won the over-300cc four-stroke bike class.

Taupo's defending national champion Brad Groombridge (Suzuki RM-Z250), finished runner-up at Waitiwhiti and then took his bigger RM-Z450 bike to win the day at Tokoroa, but it was too little and too late for him to salvage his season after he'd crashed out of the day spectacularly at round three near Wellington in March.

It was perhaps some consolation for Groombridge that he did finish runner-up, and he also won the under-300cc four-stroke class title, especially considering he'd been so far back in the points after his Wellington mishap.

Fortunes fluctuated also for all the other riders, with rankings changing at Tokoroa for nine of the top 10 men.

Macdonald's younger brother, Hamish Macdonald (Sherco 300 SE-R), slipped from second at the start of the day at Tokoroa to settle for third overall in the championship; Helensville’s Tom Buxton (KTM 350 EXC-F) dropped from fourth to fifth overall at the final round; Mokau's Adrian Smith (Yamaha YZ250X) finished runner-up at Tokoroa and rose from fifth to fourth overall for the series; Cambridge's Simon Lansdaal (Husqvarna FX350) did not finish the day at Tokoroa and he therefore slipped from sixth to seventh overall; fellow Cambridge man Dylan Yearbury (Husqvarna TE250) took advantage to move up from seventh to sixth; Coatesville's Sam Greenslade (KTM 250 EXC-F) was the biggest mover at Tokoroa, finishing third on the day and elevating himself from 12th to eighth in the final standings; Aucklander Carl Steadman (Yamaha YZ250X) went from eighth to ninth, while Titirangi's Callan May (Yamaha WRF450) was a no-show at Tokoroa and he slipped from ninth to tenth.

Hamish Macdonald won the over-200cc two-stroke class; Kaikohe's Mitchell Nield (Yamaha YZ125) won the under-200cc two-stroke class and New Plymouth's Dougy Herbert (Husaberg TE300) was crowned veterans' (over-40 years) class champion.

Meanwhile, it was a battle between two young up-and-comers for intermediate grade honours at Tokoroa.

In only her first appearance in the enduro nationals this season, 15-year-old Te Awamutu girl Rachael Archer (Husqvarna TX125) was in scintillating form to win the intermediate grade on Monday by nearly a minute from the series leader and eventual champion, 16-year-old Whitianga rider Blake Wilkins (Husqvarna TX125).

Ellerslie rider Jeff Van Hout (KTM 350 XC-F) was sixth in the grade at Tokoroa and this was enough for the 54-year-old to claim intermediate grade overall runner-up honours for the series. Fellow Aucklander Cameron Manley (KTM 250 EXC) finished the series third overall in the intermediate grade.

Christchurch's Angus Macdonald (Sherco 300 SEF-R), on his way to victory at Tokoroa on Queen's Birthday Monday. Andy McGechan

Overall honours for Sam Sunderland and Rafal Sonik Qatar Cross Country Rally Saturday 22 April Fifth stage: Losail - Losail Connection: 92,74 km -   Like   Tweet   Pin   +1   in Overall honours for Sam Sunderland and Rafal Sonik Qatar Cross Country Rally Saturday 22 April Fifth stage: Losail - Losail Connection: 92,74 km - Special: 343,32 km - Connection: 96,66 km - Total: 532,72 km The final stage of 343,32 km of the Qatar Cross Country Rally was probably the most difficult of the week and was won by Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) in the motorcycle class and the Peruvian Alexis Hernandez (Yamaha) in the quad competition. Sam Sunderland©RallyZone After five days of fighting for the overall honours of this second round of the 2017 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship it was Sam Sunderland (KTM) who was triumphant and whom seems invincible this year and, in the quad class Rafal Sonik (Yamaha) was the worthy outright winner. This fifth and final special stage started in the north-east of the country, not far from the Al-Zubara Fort and then followed the sea before heading south and finishing on the beach at Sealine. Sam Sunderland (KTM) opened the special stage and arrived first: "It was another very difficult day because once again the navigation was very complicated. But I am happy because no rider has caught up with me and it is very positive for my self-confidence. This victory in Qatar is a good thing because it was a very hard race. Now we have a little rest before going to Chile for the third round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship! " The Dubai-based British man finished the rally with a lead of 7'42 over Paulo Gonçalves (Honda) and 13'11 over his team-mate Matthias Walkner (KTM). "For this last stage, I did my job trying to beat my opponents," said Paulo Gonçalves (Honda). “I am on the second step of the podium, it was a great satisfaction because I gave the best throughout the race and the bike was perfect. We have to stay focused on the job and I will try to be better for my next race! " Rafal Sonik©RallyZone In the quad class, Rafal Sonik (Yamaha) returned with the victory after his disappointment in Abu Dhabi. "I suspected that this race would not be easy because I have some tough opponents this year: Alexis Hernandez and Kees Koolen. Yesterday I had big problems with my suspension arm and almost lost a wheel but the other riders also had their share of worries and finally I won the race for the fourth time in Qatar! " Second was the Peruvian, Alexis Hernandez (Yamaha) who had recovered from his troubles of yesterday and won the last stage, ranking second overall: "Today was even more difficult than yesterday," he says, “But I was better in navigation. It was even hotter than the other days but the last 30 miles of dunes were fantastic! I am second in the quad class and really happy with this position because it was a very hard race! " The next round of the 2017 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship will take place in August in Chile: the Atacama Rally, followed by the Ruta 40 **in Argentina, the fourth event of the Championship. Provisional classification of SS5 Bikes 1. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL) Husqvarna 450 Rally 3hr 46min 55sec 2. Paolo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda 450 CRF Rally 3hr 47min 03sec 3. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally 3hr 49min 47sec 4. Hannah Montana (FRA) Husqvarna 450 Rally3hr 49min 56sec 5. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally 3hr 51min 55sec 6. Kevin Benavides (ARG) Honda 450 CRF Rally 3hr 52min 44sec Quads 1. Alexis Hernandez (PER) Yamaha Raptor 700R5hr 01min 33sec 2. Rafal Sonik (POL) Yamaha YFM 700 R 5hr 04min 36sec 3. Kees Koolen (NLD) Barren Racer One 690 5hr 07min 26sec 4. Rodolfo Schippers (GUA) Yamaha Raptor 700R 5hr 50min11sec Provisional general classification Bikes 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally 15hr 50min 18sec 2. Paolo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda 450 CRF Rally 15hr 58min 00sec 3. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally 16hr 03min 29sec 4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL) Husqvarna 450 Rally 16hr 05min 20sec 5. Kevin Benavides (ARG) Honda 450 CRF Rally16hr 08min 06sec 6. Pierre Alexander Renet (FRA) Husqvarna 450 Rally 16hr 10min 19sec 7. Antoine Meo (FRA) KTM 450 Rally 18hr 07min 43sec 8. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (ARE) KTM 450 Rally Replica 19hr 24min 54sec Quads 1. Rafal Sonik (POL) Yamaha YFM 700 R 21hr 20min 19sec 2. Alexis Hernandez (PER) Yamaha Raptor 700R 22hr 04min 06sec 3. Kees Koolen (NLD) Barren Racer One 690 22hr 16min 50sec 4. Rodolfo Schippers (GUA) Yamaha Raptor 700R 24hr 26min 35sec 5. Camelia Liparoti (ITA) Yamaha Raptor 700 R 55hr 35min 00sec Follow us on our new FIM page for Bajas and Rallies FIM BAJA AND RALLIES FACEBOOK #FIM #FIMCrossCountryRallies Contact: Judith Tomaselli - FIM Bajas & Cross-Country Rallies Press Officer fimcrosscountryrallies@fim.ch ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-live.com) The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994. ©2017 FIM Bajas & Cross-Country Rallies | Mies Swiss Web Version   Forward   Unsubscribe   Powered by Mad Mimi®A GoDaddy® company

 

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Read French version HERE Strong Pre-Entry list for the 92nd edition of the FIM ISDE With still five months to go before the 2017 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (FIM ISDE) in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France from 28 August to 2 September, the pre-entry list for this historic event is already incredibly strong with almost seven hundred riders signed up. 2015 FIM ISDE (Kosice) ©Pole Position Communication. Defending FIM World Trophy class title holders Unites States of America headline this list and will return to Europe to attempt to win this most prestigious prize for only the second time in the long history of an event that is the most venerable of the FIM’s competitions. A total of thirty-one riders from the USA will descend on the French town of Brive-la-Gaillarde later this year. A contingent of sixteen Swedish riders will also be present including three members of their FIM Junior World Trophy class who will again look to secure this hotly fought for title. With thirteen competitors listed, Australia will also be well represented as they have teams entered in all three main classes including the FIM Women’s World Trophy class, which they will look to retain for yet another year. There are currently more than seven hundred riders on the pre-entry list but only 650 will be selected at the end of June to take part in the event. They will represent thirty-two different nations from as far afield as South America and Asia and with a healthy showing from all the European countries that have had a long association with this event. These include Italy, Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands and of course the host nation France, that boasts almost two hundred riders who will proudly fly the famous three coloured flag. Typically, the Scandinavian countries are well represented by Sweden, Finland and Norway. Alongside the main event, the second edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy also has an equally impressive tally of riders on its pre-entry list and over ninety competitors out of a possible 150 have already confirmed their participation. After the highly successful and widely applauded inaugural edition held in Spain last year, this event for motorcycles of yesteryear will again take place over the last three days of the ISDE and will include an acceleration test, an enduro and a cross test to determine the eventual winners. All the competitors of the 2017 ISDE will be aware of the area’s sporting reputation. The region of Correze is well known to Enduro, having hosted the FIM Enduro World Championship in Servières-le-Château (1994) and in Uzerche (2008), plus the ISDE in 2001, which was declared a success by all who took part in it. The dynamic town of Brive-la-Gaillarde itself has played host to many sporting events and will provide the ideal set-up for the 2017 FIM ISDE. Need help to book your accommodation? Use the online platform HERE.       FIM ISDE PRE-ENTRY KEY NUMBERS      32 nations represented    21 teams in the FIM World Trophy    17 teams in the FIM Junior World Trophy    10 teams in the FIM Women World Trophy    91 riders in the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy    184 Clubs teams     More details about the 2017 FIM International Six Days of Enduro on the official event website: - http://www.isde-france-2017.com - - Facebook @FIMISDE - Twitter @FIMISDE - Instagram @FIM_ISDE - - #FIMISDE #ISDE #SixDays -

Mrs Isabelle Larivière | Communications Manager | Isabelle.lariviere@fim.ch

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-live.com) The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994. Unsubscribe

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FIM and Motorex extend their partnership in 2017 The FIM and Motorex are pleased to announce that they have concluded an agreement for 2017, 2018 and 2019. FIM and Motorex extend their partnership The FIM International Six Days of Enduro is a demanding competition for riders, team assistance and motorcycles that must be serviced quickly and efficiently at the end of each day. The objective of the FIM is to develop partnerships in order to offer the competitors quality services and products. After a first year of partnership as an official sponsor of the FIM ISDE 2016, Motorex has decided to strengthen its involvement in the Six Days. As a Main Partner, Motorex will not only support the participants directly through a unique partnership that was already well accepted when it was launched in 2016, but also the organisers. Faithful to its motto “support the sport”, Motorex is offering all ISDE Club Teams Award category and Vintage Trophy riders the chance to enter the “Motorex Challenge”. Participation in the Motorex Challenge gives competitors access to a free on-site supply of Motorex premium lubricants and care products to cover their needs for the FIM ISDE or the Vintage Trophy. DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM HERE (FRENCH VERSION HERE) Riders will have the opportunity to use lubricants and care products that meet the technical needs for modern Enduro motorcycles but also for vintage models, with Motorex’ special "Classic Line” product range covering all eras from 1900! In addition, participants will have the chance to win a special Motorex award as well as a Motorex product support package worth € 2.000 for the motorcycle club they are competing for. Commenting on this long term partnership, Mr Steve Aeschlimann, FIM CEO said: “The FIM is really pleased to be able to confirm this relationship between Motorex and the FIM ISDE. It is one of the FIM’s goals to create durable synergies with high level partners from the off-road industry and Motorex is one of these. We are sure that with the development of the Motorex Challenge, the organisers and teams in both modern and vintage Enduro will benefit from the support of a premium product brand. We are gratified by Motorex’s commitment to being part of the FIM family as a Main Partner of this prestigious team competition.” Mr Edi Fischer, CEO of the Bucher-Motorex Group added: “I am really happy that we are able to confirm, after a first very positive experience at the 2016 FIM ISDE, our position as a Main Partner of this great event for the next three editions. As the leading lubricant manufacturer in Enduro we want to support the sport as a whole, as well riders of all levels, from amateur to pro, and the FIM ISDE is the ideal occasion to do so. 2017 is a very special year for our company as we are celebrating our centenary and we are looking forward to celebrating it together with all participants of the FIM ISDE in France. About Motorex: Since its foundation in 1917, the largest independent oil blending company in Switzerland, with its headquarters in Langenthal in the heart of Switzerland, has been active in research, development and production of innovative lubricants and chemicals, which are established on the world market. Highly motivated employees are behind the incomparable MOTOREX products. Every day, experienced tribology specialists, engineers, chemists, technicians and marketing specialists devote their efforts to helping MOTOREX maintain its position as a market leader.

Mrs Isabelle Larivière | Communications Manager | Isabelle.lariviere@fim.ch

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-live.com) The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994. Unsubscribe

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The victor’s laurels go to Marck Ackerman (Husqvarna) in the motorcycle class and Fahad al Musalam (Yamaha) in quad! Dubai International Baja Saturd   SIDI IS SUPERENDURO WORLD CHAMPION WITH COLTON HAAKER AND TEAM ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY TEAM Once again Haaker is champion for the second year in a row at Albi. Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS is with him.   Maser (Treviso), 21 March, 2017 – Colton Haaker, the American rider from team Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, has reaffirmed himself as World Champion on the FIM SuperEnduro circuit. All Colton Haaker needed to clinch the 2017 title was a final third place in the fourth and final stage held in Albi, France. This is his second consecutive title (2016 and 2017). Haaker made it to the podium in all three heats of the race, with two seconds and a third, as he vied for position against his season rivals Alfredo Gomez and Jonny Walker. Last year, in his first SuperEnduro championship, Haaker won the title thanks to a spectacular overtake pass in the last lap of the last heat, literally in the last curve of the championship. Instead this year he started the series as the man to beat, and he was able nevertheless to outsmart the competition by managing the advantage he gained in the first three tests in Poland, Germany and Spain. This is another great satisfaction for Sidi. In addition to being an official sponsor of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, the company is also a sponsor and official supplier to team Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Their Enduro, SuperEnduro and Extreme Enduro riders based in Europe all use Crossfire 3 SRS boots, the top models in the Sidi off-road collection. The final standings in the FIM SuperEnduro 2017 World title are: in first place Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) with 216 points; second place goes to Alfredo Gomez (KTM) with 209; Jonny Walker (KTM) is third with 201. The Sidi and Husqvarna houses also watched their “rookie” Pascal Rauchenecker have an excellent season; he was seventh in France and fifth in the final World Series classification. Furthermore, Sidi can also celebrate the final third place of the English rider Jonny Walker, who has confirmed his status as one of the major talents on the international SuperEnduro and Extreme Enduro scene; he was also always in the thick of things with his Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS boots. ------------------------------------------- Like   Tweet   Pin   +1   in The victor’s laurels go to Marck Ackerman (Husqvarna) in the motorcycle class and Fahad al Musalam (Yamaha) in quad! Dubai International Baja Saturday 11 March Second stage: Al Qudra Desert Link section: 32.56 km - Special: 174.20 km – Link section: 31.63 km - Total: 238.39 km This morning, the wind was whistling across the crests of the dunes in the Al Qudra desert but the sun was shining as the participants set off for this second day of the Dubai International Baja. A notable absentee this morning under the arch was Sam Sunderland, who chose to withdraw rather than leave the door open to the other competitors. Marck Ackerman (Husqvarna) ©RallyZone Mark Ackerman (Husqvarna) seized his chance, going all out and taking the third Special. “Today”, he explained, “the Special was really technical, especially with the gusts of wind that caught us off balance, but I managed to catch Benjamin Melot. He was riding fast and I just had to hang on to his coat tails to win the special. I am really happy with my performance!” This feat enabled the rider from Germany to take first place on the leader board and win the Dubai International Baja with a lead of 29 seconds over Benjamin Melot (KTM 500EXC). “It was more or less the same itinerary as yesterday, but more difficult because of the weather”, observed the Frenchman. “It was great for me to win yesterday’s stage but today I came second, unfortunately. That’s racing, and I really had a great time!” Just 7’29 adrift of the winner, Al Balooshi (KTM) took third place. “I was a bit tired after yesterday and I didn’t feel comfortable on the bike”, he admits, “but that’s no excuse. The guys in front attacked hard and, with the lack of visibility, I didn’t want to take any more risks. Now I shall be focusing on the next Rally, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.” So the first win in the first event of the FIM Bajas World Cup goes to Marck Ackerman ahead of Mohammed Al Balooshi and Alessandro Ruoso (KTM). In fourth position, Mohammed Jaffar (KTM) is followed by David McBride (KTM), Tim Trenker (Husqvarna) and Shannon O’Connor (KTM). FAHAD AL MUSALLAM ©RallyZone In quad, the victor is Fahad al Musalam ahead of Humaid Almashghouni and the incredible Camelia Liparoti who takes the third step of the podium and the laurels in the women’s category. “I am really happy to come third in this first FIM Baja of the season”, says Camelia. “It was tough to beat the locals and I had to dig deep. I wasn’t born in the desert, unlike the local guys who know how to find their way through the dunes! But I’m proud to be the first European woman to have left all the Kazakhs behind. Today, I didn’t push too hard. It was dangerous as we were retracing our tracks from yesterday and the cars had ploughed up the landings after the dunes. Several times my quad had two wheels in the air and I couldn’t keep control. Anyway, I’m not tired and I can’t wait to get out into the dunes again on my quad!” The first Baja of the FIM World Cup is over and everyone agrees that it was a fabulous event that gives novices a chance to race in the desert, get to know the road book and the GPS and try their hand at navigation in a safe environment with excellent organisation. See you again soon for new adventures in Abu Dhabi in early April! Camelia Liparoti ©RallyZone   Benjamin Melot (KTM) ©RallyZone   Mohammed Al Balooshi (KTM) ©RallyZone PROVISIONAL OVERALL STANDINGS 1. 5 ACKERMAN M. 4:15:50.0 2. 9 MELOT B. 4:16:19.0 3. 3 AL BALOOSHI M. 4:23:19.0 4. 7 RUOSO A. 4:31:03.0 5. 8 MESHARI M. 4:35:52.0 6. 2 MCBRIDE D. 4:36:59.0 7. 11 TRENKER T. 4:46:36.0 8. 6 O'CONNOR S. 4:49:48.0 9. 203 AL MUSALLAM F. 4:52:53.0 10. 21 KHAMIS OZAIR K. 4:52:56.0 PROVISIONAL FIM 450CC OVERALL STANDINGS 1. 5 ACKERMAN M. 4:15:50.0 2. 3 AL BALOOSHI M. 4:23:19.0 3. 7 RUOSO A. 4:31:03.0 4. 8 JAFFAR M. 4:35:52.0 5. 2 MCBRIDE D. 4:36:59.0 6. 11 TRENKER T. 4:46:36.0 7. 6 O'CONNOR S. 4:49:48.0 8. 21 KHAMIS OZAIR K. 4:52:56.0 9. 10 LUCCHESE M. 5:00:29.0 10. 22 DUNN C. 5:09:09.0 FIM QUAD PROVISIONAL OVERALL STANDINGS 1. 203 AL MUSALLAM F. 4:52:53.0 2. 202 ALMASHGHOUNI H. 5:10:58.0 3. 201 LIPAROTI C. 5:56:10.0 4. 206 BAIZHIYENOV T. 6:53:25.0 5. 207 SOLOKHA K. 6:59:35.0 PUBLIC LIVE RESULTS LINK : RESULTS Follow us on our new FIM page for Bajas and Rallies FIM BAJA AND RALLIES FACEBOOK #FIM #FIMCrossCountryRallies #DubaiBaja Contact: Judith Tomaselli - FIM Bajas & Cross-Country Rallies Press Officer fimcrosscountryrallies@fim.ch ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-live.com) The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994. ©2017 FIM Bajas & Cross-Country Rallies | Mies Swiss

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OMAN DESERT CHALLENGE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN From 4th to 9th of May PHARAONS RALLY JVD  in partnership with OiLibya Rally of Morocco by NPO Event   Like   Tweet   Pin   +1 OMAN DESERT CHALLENGE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN From 4th to 9th of May PHARAONS RALLY JVD  in partnership with OiLibya Rally of Morocco by NPO Events OPENS the REGISTRATION? for the OMAN DESERT CHALLENGE The Oman Desert Challenge is the new Challenge of CROSS COUNTRY RALLIES. Scheduled on May 4th-9th, is now ready to accept your enrollment. ? OMAN DESERT CHALLENGE is open to all racing categories: CAR, TRUCK, MOTORBIKE, QUAD and SSV If you wish to approach the Cross-Country world and develop your driving/navigation skills but not yet ready to race with Time-Control, you can register for the RAID. This is an excellent option to test your rally-skills on different terrains while following the race. Four days of pure racing and one prologue; the new frontier of the Cross-Country races. Oman with its breathtaking landscapes and diversified terrain is the perfect place to fulfill your motorsport emotions. Our scouts are currently exploring the desert of Oman and news of the NEW ITINERARY will soon arrive. Early birds can check prices on www.omandesertchallenge.com Join the new Cross Country emotions; this is only the beginning! www.omandesertchallenge.com info@omandesertchallenge.com 0039.331.8349916 ©2017 Amadlozi | 45 rue de Sèvres - 75006 Paris Version Web   Transmettre   Se désinscrire

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The 2016 New Zealand Moto Trials Championships

VISITING INTERNATIONAL STAR SIMPLY TOO SLICK

   CAPTION: Wellington's Dylan Ball, a winner in two separate categories at the weekend.

OCTOBER 26, 2016: It was very much a "one-horse contest" in the upper echelon of New Zealand's moto trials community at the nationals at the weekend.

Visiting international star Jack Sheppard scampered away with the main trophy at the annual New Zealand Moto Trials Championships in the South Island, the British rider simply stunning over the three-day event.

This was exactly as most pundits probably expected, however, with record eight-time national champion Jake Whitaker unable to compete at the Blenheim event because of injury.

The Wainuiomata man was convalescing after recent knee surgery and had to content himself with checking in on results on-line as this season’s championships unfolded over the Labour Weekend (October 22-24).

Runner-up to Sheppard was Nelson's Peter Oliver, with visiting French rider Jules Huguenin third, while Oliver's elder brother Nick Oliver and Blenheim's multi-time South Island champion Jason Baker rounded out the top five in the Expert Grade.

This was Sheppard's second visit to New Zealand and also his second title win here.

Sheppard was world No.13 when he last visited New Zealand in 2014 and he proved to be a sensation at the nationals that year too, certainly clever enough to put a kink in Whitaker's win streak and steal the title for himself.

Fourth in the Scottish Six-Day Trial earlier this year, the 23-year-old Sheppard would have been even more heavily favoured this time around and he certainly made light work of the gnarly New Zealand terrain at the weekend, recording "clean" results through 105 of the 108 sections he had to face.

In contrast, runner-up Oliver managed to go clean through 43 sections over the three days.

Meanwhile, Wellington's Stuart Lawton, Kaikoura's David Trewin and Wellington’s Carl Robson topped the A Grade.

A stand-out rider over the weekend was Wellington's Dylan Ball, the youngster winning titles in two separate categories – he topped the intermediate grade, finishing ahead of Ashhurst's Kevin Pinfold, and Ball was also No.1 in the junior grade, finishing ahead of Mapua's Dylan Cox.

In May this year, Ball was a finalist in the Best Up And Coming Off Road Rider category at Motorcycling New Zealand's Hall of Fame awards ceremony.

Other grade winners at the weekend were Taumarunui's Cody Davey (clubmans' grade); Christchurch's Stefanie Downes (women's grade); Nelson's Stephen Oliver (presidents); Nelson's Karl Clark (twin-shock); Tauranga's Nigel Shilton (sportsman's grade).

With this branch of motorcycling sport, the emphasis is not on speed, but on fine balance, bravery and throttle control.

The prime aim is to conquer the extreme terrain without touching feet on the ground or falling off. Points are lost for these “faults” and a rider with the lowest score wins.

The championships were sponsored this year by MTF Vehicle Finance.

Credit: Words and photo by Andy McGechan,

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KiSS Navarra
an important moment for the FIM ISDE

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05/10/2016               Spain ready to welcome               91st edition of the ISDE The ninety-first edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) is set to take place in Navarra from 11th to 16th October when the event returns to Spain for the first time since 2000. Held then in Granada where Italy and Spain won the World Trophy and Junior World Trophy categories respectively, this time around twenty-two World Trophy teams, twenty Junior Trophy teams, seven Women’s Trophy teams and more than three hundred and eighty Club team riders will take to the start of this iconic event being held in the north east of the country. Dominating the 2016 edition of the event in Slovakia last year Australia return looking to continue their winning ways. Topping the World Trophy, Junior World Trophy and Women’s Trophy classes in Košice, Australia will be hoping for more of the same in Navarra, but face tough competition in their bid to successfully repeat their amazing winning performance in all three classes. With the 2015 ISDE delivering a number of memorable firsts – Australia claimed their first ever World Trophy team victory while USA’s Ryan Sipes became the first American to top the overall individual results, it is expected that Australia and the USA will be the two leading nations in the battle for World Trophy team victory this year. Whatever team does win will be the first to do so under the new four-rider World Trophy team rules. Fielding what is arguably one of their strongest World Trophy squads of recent years, Daniel Milner – Yamaha, and Daniel Sanders – KTM will compete together with Josh Strang – Husqvarna, and Lachlan Stanford – Husqvarna, for Australia. Bringing together a team filled with experience, youthfulness and determination the Australian quartet will likely see their biggest threat come from the USA. Despite losing Ryan Sipes – Husqvarna to injury at the eleventh hour, Team USA are unquestionably looking to capture the World Trophy team win. Kailub Russell – KTM, Taylor Robert – KTM and Thad Duvall – Husqvarna form a formidable trio who together with an as yet unnamed fourth member of the team will certainly give Australia a run for their money. The question everyone is asking is will Team USA finally secure the ISDE’s biggest prize? Spain will be lead by Ivan Cervantes – KTM, as the former five-time FIM World title winner teams up with Victor Guerrero – KTM, Jaume Betriu – KTM, and Jonathan Barragan – Gas Gas in their bid for a World Trophy podium result. In the Junior World Trophy category Australia start as defending champions with their three-rider team of Tom McCormack – Yamaha, Jack Simpson – KTM, and Nic Tomlinson - KTM. However with numerous nations putting forward teams capable of fighting for the Junior World Trophy win the likes of the USA, Sweden, Great Britain, Finland and Italy are all ready to challenge for the podium. Without question it is Australia’s Women’s World Trophy team who start as favourites for class victory as Jessica Gardiner - Yamaha, Tayla Jones – Yamaha, and Jemma Wilson – Yamaha, aim for yet more ISDE success and a fourth consecutive win. The most dominant team in ISDE competition in recent years, the experienced trio will again likely set a pace few others can match having finished close to one-hour ahead of their closest challengers in last year’s event. Leading the battle to challenge Australia, are Sweden, USA, Slovakia, Canada, Germany and Spain who are all hopeful of a trouble free run through the ninety-first edition of the International Six Days Enduro. The 2016 ISDE takes place in Navarra, Spain from 11th to 16th October.                  2016 ISDE  - Key Facts       91st Edition of ISDE – Navarra, Spain    Australia ready to defend World / Junior / Women’s titles    22 x World Trophy Teams    20 x Junior Trophy Teams    7 x Women’s Trophy Teams    +380 x Club Riders   >>>Download for FREE the ISDE 2016 App!<<<

Mr Jake Miller | ISDE Press Officer  | press.isde@fim.ch | Tel. +44 161 763 6660 | Mobile +44 7787 564 563

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-live.com) The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994. Unsubscribe

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Cervantes ready to lead Spain at home ISDE

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Brive will host the 2017 edition of the FIM ISDE The FIM, FFM and Organizing Committee ISDE2017 are pleased to announce that the 2017 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) will be held in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France from 28 August to 2 September. The region of Corrèze is well known to Enduro having hosted the FIM Enduro World Championship in Servières-le-Château (1994) and in Uzerche (2008), multiple European Enduro Championships, and of course the ISDE in 2001, which was a declared a success by all that took part in it. The organizing committee chaired by Jean-François Buisson, who was head of the team that delivered the successful 2001 edition will be joined by new members who will support the preparations to ensure that the 2017 edition meets the high standards of the Corrèze motorcycle clubs. For sure, they can count on their 16 years of experience since the last Six Days to make sure 2017 will be another amazing event. The town of Brive-la-Gaillarde is a very dynamic city and has played host to many sporting events and will provide the ideal set-up for the 2017 FIM ISDE. Familiar with this event, the city is already working with the Organizing Committee to ensure that riders and fans will have the best experience in France. More information on http://www.fim-isde.com/ Left to Right: Jean-Guillaume Meiller (Director FIM CEN), Alain Blanchard (ABC Communication) and Jean-François Buisson (President of the Comité Organisateur ISDE 2017)

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YAMAHA TIGHTENS ITS STRANGLEHOLD ON NATIONALS

MARCH 1, 2016: The grip continues to tighten as the high-profile Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team heads into the second half of its New Zealand Motocross Championships campaign.

Australian import Dean Ferris was again in command at the second round of four in the series near Palmerston North on Sunday.

The new venue at Himatangi became progressively rougher as the day wore on, the sand-based track offering no let-up as it wore down both man and machines, but Ferris seemed to thrive in it and posted an impressive 3-1-1 score-card in the MX1 class, extending his championship lead to 14 points over the new man in the No.2 position, fellow Gold Coast rider Todd Waters.

With the series now at the halfway stage, Ferris can look back and feel extremely satisfied with his performance – he has won five of the six races in the championship thus far.

The only "blip" on Ferris' performance was his finishing third in the day's first race at Himatangi.

"I made a mistake in choosing the wrong tyres for the first race," explained Ferris, who had led until two-thirds of the way through the race and then began to drop back before settling for third.

"Todd (Waters) and Cody (Cooper, the defending national MX1 champion from Mount Maunganui) are riding really well and my arms tightened up because I couldn't get any rest ... they were on me all day.

"Races two and three were a huge battle between me and Todd. We've been racing each other like this for 10 years now," he laughed.

"Todd was strong today but I managed to get the job done.

"I have the (stand-alone) Conondale Cup to race at home this weekend and then I'm back for the final two rounds in New Zealand. I'll just keep working hard. I know Todd and Coops won't be giving up."

The results were mixed for the Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team's two MX2 (250cc) class riders.

Waitakere's Ethan Martens, riding a YZ250 two-stroke bike, and Mangakino's Kayne Lamont, on the four-stroke YZ250F, set the two quickest times in qualifying, and looked on track for a positive afternoon of racing.

However, it then unravelled for Lamont, who finished runner-up to series class leader Hamish Harwood in the first race but then crashed out while leading the next race. Lamont's head struck the ground and, shaken by the incident, he opted to withdraw from the rest of the day's programme.

Martens battled throughout the day and came away with 6-3-3 results, good enough for third overall on the day, behind KTM rider Harwood and Australian Triple B Valley Fresh Yamaha Team rider Jed Beaton, but it also meant Martens moved himself up from sixth overall after round one to now sit fourth overall for the series.

The second half of the Kiwi motocross calendar takes riders to the Rotorua Motorcycle Club's track for round three on March 13, with the fourth and final round set for the Digger McEwen Motocross Park facility, on the outskirts of Taupo, on March 20.

The Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing team is supported by Altherm Window Systems, Yamaha, JCR, CRC, Ados, GYTR, Yamalube, Fox Racing, Hollands Collision Centre, Star Moving, Ward Demolition, Fulton Hogan, Pirelli, FMF, DID, NGK, Matrix, Renthal, Motomuck, Workshop Graphics, Motoseat, Hammerhead, SKF, Vertex Pistons, Rtech Plastics, Etnies, Biketranz and Fulton Hogan.

Words and photo by Andy McGechan,

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KIWI GIRL TO TACKLE THE WORLD'S ELITE

CAPTION: Otago's Courtney Duncan (Yamaha), ready to take on the world's elite. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

JANUARY 12, 2016: It is a long way from New Zealand to the motocross hotbed of central Europe, but that's the journey on which South Island teenager Courtney Duncan hope she is about to begin.

It probably comes as no surprise to those who know of the Yamaha rider's exploits and to travel from the small Otago town of Palmerston to the hustle and bustle of racing the Motocross World Championships in places such as Belgium, Germany and France has always been the aim for the Kiwi Yamaha rider.

The 19-year-old Duncan heads to Qatar in a few weeks' time to tackle the opening round of the Women's World Motocross Championships – that event sharing the programme with the start of the parallel but separate men's competition – on February 27.

If she impresses at that event, she's hoping it will lead to a full campaign with the six-round women's series continuing in The Netherlands (March 28), Germany (May 8), France (June 5) and Switzerland (August 7) and wrapping up at Assen, in The Netherland again, on August 28.

She has beaten most of the motocross boys in New Zealand and has turned heads each time she's raced overseas, whether it be winning in Australia or the United States, and it was just a matter of time before she hit the world stage, although she will still have to prove herself.

She has the backing of New Zealand's two-time former world No.2 Josh Coppins, of Motueka, the head of the Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team and has been training regularly with him as she builds towards her world campaign.

For most of last year she was in recovery mode, regaining her strength after tearing her ACL ligament in her left knee – in a freak basketball accident, totally unrelated to motocross.

"I knew straight away what had happened. I was just passing a basketball around before I was to go into the gym and something felt funny.

"It had happened before, so I knew what it was," said Duncan.

She was flown to Auckland for surgery on her knee and then began the long process of rehabilitation.

"I did my exercises pretty much every day. Had the weekend off, but every day it was just about getting fit again.''

She got back on the bike in late October.

"I thought I would be a bit nervous getting back on the bike, but it just felt like home."

She is now back to full fitness and her coach and mentor, Coppins, is quietly confident that she will impress in Qatar and says "she needs to".

"Courtney is only officially confirmed for Qatar at this stage," he said. "It's quite an expensive undertaking to do a full campaign and she's not got a factory ride. She needs to show what she's made of at Qatar and we can go on from there.

"We in New Zealand know how good she is, but you're only as good as your last ride and nobody has seen her overseas for a while. Her biggest competitor is herself. Keeping the bike on two wheels is very important.

"The idea last year was for her to do two rounds and build from that, but then she injured herself and had a lengthy lay-off.

"I don't know what she'll make of Qatar. I raced there myself in 2002 and finished second to (Belgian former world champion) Joel Smets. It was among the sand dunes and Joel was on a 450 four-stroke and I was on a 250cc two-stroke, but the track is all man-made now and a lot of it is clay-based, so it's totally different really.

"Unfortunately, the Qatar race clashes with the date for round two of the New Zealand Motocross Championships and I can't be in two places, but I will be following her progress as closely as I can."

Duncan's Yamaha YZ250F bike is currently being prepared for her in Belgium.

"Yamaha New Zealand has really stepped up to make this possible," said Coppins. "They can see the potential in Courtney and they are helping to bridge the gap."

Fellow Yamaha rider, 21-year-old Italian Kiara Fontanesi, was the 2015 women's world champion and she will no doubt be the one to beat again in 2016, unless a Kiwi girl called Courtney Duncan can upset the form book.

Duncan and the Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing team is supported by Altherm Window Systems, Yamaha, JCR, CRC, Ados, GYTR, Yamalube, Fox Racing, Hollands Collision Centre, Star Moving, Ward Demolition, Fulton Hogan, Pirelli, FMF, DID, NGK, Matrix, Renthal, Motomuck, Workshop Graphics, Motoseat, Hammerhead, SKF, Vertex Pistons, Rtech Plastics, Etnies, Biketranz and Fulton Hogan.

Words and photo by Andy McGechan,

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Paul Whibley Race Report : Rider: Paul Whibley  Team: Yamaha  Bike: Yamaha YZ 125  Event: NZXC Rnd 4/GNCC Rnd 2  Result: 1st

The NZXC series reached its penultimate round at Maddix Park and was co-sanctioned

with the GNCC series. I hadn’t done hardly any riding since having my appendix out and

was still supposed to be on light duties so I took my YZ 125 to Tauranga with the plan to

get some seat time and just have fun.

Off the line I got smoked by all the 450s but was able to sneak around the outside and

dropped into third. Dust was really bad early on but as we got further back into the bush

evidence of the last rainfall still remained. My stomach was a little sore early on but as

the race progressed I loosened up. I moved up into the lead late in the lap after the

leaders made mistakes. Simon Lansdaal took the lead for a lap but I soon regained

control on the following lap. It really was a lot of fun on the 125. The track got choppy and

a few slick spots made finding traction hard work but the little YZ just handles so well. It

was easy to switch up lines to alternative smooth ones seemingly inaccessible to others.

As the track got rougher and rougher the more being creative paid off. I ended up

winning the race comfortably. Simon held out Jason Davis for second, while Peter

Broxholme and Adrian Smith filled out the top five. I was also happy with how consistent

my lap times were. As well as capturing the fastest lap of the day, over 8 laps my times

only varied 20 seconds with the last lap just 10 seconds off my fastest.

1st: Paul Whibley

2nd: Simon Lansdaal

3rd: Jason Davis

---------------------------

Rider: Paul Whibley  Team: Yamaha  Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F  Event: GNCC Rnd 1 Matata  Result: 1st

Sorry for the delay in getting this out but straight after the race I had to get my appendix

out so have been laid up for a few days. This is a quick recap of how the race went.

A good start had me lead the way around the first lap but as we closed in on scoring

Mitch Rees caught and passed me with some youthful excitement. He had started on the

second row and used some local knowledge to close in quickly over the first lap. I jumped

back past him as we started the second lap. I was able to open a small gap but I was

unsure how far he started behind me and how much I needed to put between us to stay

ahead on adjusted time. Mitch rode a smart race and kept me in sight, possibly all he

needed to do to take the win. He took the lead again as we left the pits after 3 laps. I kept

him in sight but needed to be in front to give myself a shot at the win. Mid way through

the next lap he got stuck in a bog and I powered to the front. I tried to keep pushing and

over the last few laps couldn’t see Mitch but again was not sure how much time I needed

to take the win.

As it turned out Mitch had crashed out late in the race and I ended up winning by a safe

margin.

1st: Paul Whibley

2nd: Simon Landsdaal

3rd: Scott Birch

-----------------

Event: Sandpit series Rnd 4

Rider: Paul Whibley Team: Yamaha Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F Event: Sandpit series Rnd 4 Result: 1st

Final round of the Sandpit series was held north of Helensville.

I got a good start from the second row and quickly passed the team riders who started on

the front row. Once up front I pushed hard to make a break on the other riders.

The track was half the usual pine forest and half scrubby farmland. The soil was still sandy

and the farmland had an awesome flow to it. Weaving through stands of Manuka, up and

down rolling hills with a couple natural jumps.

After three laps I gassed up and set out for another hour and a half. I had a good lead

although I didn’t know how much of the lead. All I knew was I couldn’t see anyone coming

through scoring after I gassed.

I continued to put in safe laps, although careful not to put it in cruise mode as my

teammate Adam Reeves had been riding well recently and I didn’t want him sneaking up

on me.

With the clock ticking down I came through scoring a few minutes before it ticked over to

the three hour mark and got out for an extra lap.

With the win I wrapped up the series. First time I had competed in this series and I really

enjoyed the tracks and the racing.

1st: Paul Whibley

2nd: Adam Reeves

3rd: Cody Davey

-------------------------

Rider: Paul Whibley Team: Yamaha Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F Event: Dirt Guide Series Rnd 3 Result: 1st

There must be some kind of weather god smiling down on the Dirt Guide series because

just like the last round we emerged from rain and miserable conditions on the drive to

the event to race in perfect conditions.

I grabbed the holeshot again and led the way around the first 26 minute lap. A couple

small mistakes on lap two allowed 2nd placed rider Hadleigh Knight close in and put some

pressure on. I had a small lead when I came into gas on lap three but Hadleigh had gassed

up the lap earlier and just snuck through scoring and into the lead as I came out of the

pits. The race was on. Hadleigh was riding really good and it made for an exciting race.

I pushed hard and shadowed the husky pilot putting the pressure back on him but not yet

finding a way past.

Just after we started the 5th and final lap Hadleigh appeared to hesitate for a second and I

took full advantage and moved back into the lead. I later learned he was attempting to

check fuel in his bike. I opened up a gap and rode a good pace into the finish. Hadleigh

struck problems and actually ran out of gas late in the lap.

It was an exciting race and hats off to Hadleigh who really showed some impressive

speed.

With this win I wrapped up the Dirt Guide Series for 2015 with around to spare.

1st: Paul Whibley

2nd: Sam Greenslade

3rd: Jake Whitaker

------------------------------------

Event: Moonshine Run Extreme Harescramble 

Rider: Paul Whibley Team: Yamaha Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F  Result: 2nd

A shotgun blast signalled the start of the days torture. The YZ 250 fired up fast and I took

the holeshot and lead the way up the hill through the clear-fell slash. A couple mistakes in

the EX track cost me some positions and got me a burnt butt when someone’s expansion

chamber kissed it while I was off my bike pushing. I think I was in third or fourth after a

couple kms of the 25km lap. A missed turn dropped me even further back with myself and

Taylor Grey lost for what seemed like minutes. Eventually we found where we went

wrong. An arrow and peg lay on the ground, run down by someone. A couple passes and I

think I was back inside the top 3 again, hard to tell though in these kind of races. I soon

struck the next problem with wire getting wrapped around my wheel on a hill climb. I

unwound it only to get snagged again as I tried to ride off. The rest of the lap was

completed with the expected loop-outs, getting stuck and plenty of lifting and pushing. I

think I was 4th at the end of lap 1. Lap time was just under an hour and a half for me with

two laps to go.

The track was pretty tough with slick soil and lots of tree roots. Plenty of hard hill climbs

and steep down hills.

The last two laps were completed without any unexpected drama. Just the usual loopouts

and endos. By the time 3 laps were done I was up to 2nd. I was pretty tired at the end

but satisfied to complete all 3 laps. Think only 6 guys completed all 3.

1st: Jake Whitaker - TE250 Husky

2nd: Paul Whibley YZ450F

3rd: Jacob Hyslop ?

-----------------------

Event: Dirt Guide Series Rnd 2  Rider: Paul Whibley Team: Yamaha Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F  Result: 1st

Driving through snow on the way to a race is never very inviting. Once at the venue for

Round 2 of the Dirt Guide Series the skies seemed to clear and the sun had even made an

appearance before the start of the race. There were a few puddles in low spots but the

majority of the track was in great shape.

I grabbed the holeshot and lead the way. I was being pretty careful in some of the

puddles as the odd one was a lot deeper than it looked and even though the sun was out

the air was still chilly. I didn’t feel like being soaking wet!!! The second lap I still hadn’t

really warmed up with cold fingers and tight arms. I had built a lead of nearly a minute

during lap one and this didn’t help as I was riding too careful to really warm up.

Consequently I was caught by Sam Greenslade and Jake Whitaker at the end of the 3rd lap.

These guys were riding good and pushing hard. This wake-up call was just what I needed

and a little boost in adrenaline kicked in and the following lap I upped the pace to reestablished

my lead. I kept a solid pace going for the remainder of the event to take the

win.

The track got some awesome lines and was a lot of fun. If anyone ever wanted to get a

hint of a US GNCC then these Dirt Guide events are the probably the closest thing we

currently have here in NZ.

1st: Paul Whibley

2nd: Jake Whitaker

3rd: Sam Greenslade

-----------------------------------------

Third round of the Central Enduro Series was held at Waitawhiti Station out from Pahiatua.

Rider: Paul Whibley Team: Yamaha Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F Event:Central Enduro Rnd 3 Result:1st