Getting Ready for L.W.

Taupo Extravaganza & Trials Nationals

maddix park mx

Riders from both the MX and trials sectors of motorcycling are preparing for a busy Labour Weekend. Taupo is holding its annual Labour Weekend MX Extravaganza and the Hamilton Trials Group is hosting the 2011 National Trials Champs in the Waikato.

We caught up with a couple of competitors from both disciplines at Maddix Park during the week.

Racking up some bike time on the MX track was Dion Picard.  Dion has recently returned from the junior Nationals in Australia.  He had placed 2nd the year before but this year was plagued with bad luck and crashes and, as a result, was much less successful.  This weekend’s Taupo event is sandwiched in between the Australian races and Dion’s next challenge, the USA.  Yes, Dion is heading to America in 3-4 weeks with the hope of pursuing a professional career. The races in Oz were only 10 minutes long so Dion is working on raising his fitness level even more to cope with the 25 minute ones in the U.S .

Meanwhile, down in the still very slippery bush, Gaby & Jacob Gundry and fellow competitors Matt Foster (expert grade) and Tom Evans (clubmans grade)were practising on the root sections and the creeks in readiness for the 3 day trials event which will decide this year’s national champs.

The first day at Wharepapa South will be mainly rocks but the second & third days at Roto-o-rangi and Pirongia will be rivers and tree roots.

Jake Whitaker is predicted to win the overall Expert’s title without any problems.  He has greatly benefited from his experience competing in Europe this year and “left everyone for dead”  when he took out the Australian National title recently.  The A grade looks to be a battle between two Tauranga club members Phil Shilton  (Tauranga) and John Haynes (Reporoa) but ex-Expert rider Luke March is also in the mix.  The Clubman’s grade is also set for a battle between Gavin Fox and Tauranga’s Gabby Gundry whilst Brendon Wadsworth will be attempting to keep Warwick Merriman off the throne in the President’s grade.  Kevin Pinfold (Intermediate) and Ben McLeod (Junior) will be strong contenders for the titles in their respective grades.

The weather looks like it is going to behave itself so it should be a great weekend for both those competing and those who are just doing recreational riding. Enjoy yourselves.

 
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