JUNE 13, 2023: The future heroes of
off-road motorcycle racing shared the programme with the
current superstars in the just-completed 2023 New Zealand
Enduro Championships.
So, in addition to the
established senior frontrunners and current Kiwi
internationals, the series therefore also operated
brilliantly as a nursery ground for aspiring talent of
upcoming championship events.
The likes of Omihi’s
Ethan McBreen, Wairoa’s Tommy Watts, Nelson’s Bailey
Basalaj and Taupo’s Brad Groombridge, among others, hogged
the media spotlight at the front end of the talented field,
but there was plenty happening behind them
too.
Diligently following behind, without fanfare,
were the fledgeling riders who will no doubt be the
foundation riders for great senior events in the years to
come.
The junior and trail classes in this season’s
national series proudly showcased New Zealand’s grassroots
riders and they were launched onto the course at all four
rounds of the 2023 series, right behind the senior men and
women.
Stand-out riders in the Junior grade this
season were Motueka’s Logan Wassell, Whitecliffs rider
Shey Corson, Dannevirke’s Anders Easton, Christchurch’s
Colson Emery and Owaka’s Blake Affleck, while top
performers in the Junior-Trail grade included
Martinborough’s Tom McAvoy, Wellington’s Sam Dearsly,
Canterbury’s Mason Coleman-Cowie and Mairehau’s Clifford
Robinson, although all the junior riders did contribute
hugely to the popular competition.
“This year’s
enduro series saw some great riding from within the
junior-support classes,” said Motorcycling New Zealand
general manager Mike Kerrisk.
“The junior numbers
and level of riding are pleasing. We hope to see these
younger riders stay in the sport and develop into our next
group of top-class competitors,” he said.
This
year’s Yamaha-sponsored four-round series took riders to
Omihi, in North Canterbury, Nelson, Porirua and
Martinborough and each venue offered different
challenges.
The series featured classes for the elite
exponents, as well as intermediate or novice-grade men and
women, as well as including categories for veteran riders
(in 40-49 years, 50-54 and over-55 years’ groupings),
which meant the competition could appeal to all members of
the family.
Credit: Words by Andy McGechan,
www.BikesportNZ.com
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