A field of over 170 riders, recent rain, and brilliant sunshine, a well marked course through farmland, natural bush and pines were the perfect formula. And the riders stepped up to the challenge with close racing in all classes.
Top Serco Yamaha Rider Cameron Taylor once again made the switch to cross country racing in an off week from his commitment to the Maxxis Australian Motocross Championship, which he currently leads. Racing against Victorian No 1 rider KTM mounted Jehi Willis the pair battled a 3 hour epic tussle with little more than metres separating them at most times. Taylor gained the upper hand late in the race and held off to finish from a fighting Willis and local hero Rohan Crouch.
"The race was awesome", said Willis. "The holeshot was good and let me get out in front with no dust. I lead for three laps with Rohan Crouch behind me. Then it was Cam (Taylor) behind me and he hooked in behind me for a lap then made a move. The lead changed hands a few times as we both stopped twice for fuel. He caught and passed me again and I managed to catch up a bit on the last lap but it wasn‰Ûªt enough".
"I probably pushed harder because Cameron was there. I wanted to race with him to see if I could keep up with him and push myself harder. Even when I got tired I just kept chasing him and now I know I can go as hard as I can for three whole hours and still finish strong". the defending champion concluded.
Runner up in the opening round Blake Hore (Christiansen's Yamaha) experienced air filter problems whilst honing in on Crouch for third which left the promising 19-year-old a lonely ride home in fourth.
"I am pretty happy with the weekend really" commented Hore. " There where a few niggling little dramas with the bike but in reality Cameron and Jehi where too good on the day. I had a good shot at Crouch but in the end he rode a good race and deserved his spot. I learnt a few lessons along the way that will make me a better rider in the future".
"I feel very confident that I will be in the hunt for a title this year", Hore added. "The first round two weeks ago, where I placed second to Brad Williscroft was really encouraging and did a great deal for my confidence. I now know I have the speed to run at the front and am working hard on putting it all together" he concluded.
The E1 classes was dominated by motocross riders making the switch also, but were held off by Paul Robbins who was leading to the half way point then going out breaking a collarbone. Motocross regulars Attilla Szerda and Mark Portbury then staged a battle giving the pro riders a nudge such was the pace. Seasoned enduro campaigner Ben Perkins picked up a well earned 3rd.
In the E2 class Dan Goodwin dominated from the start coming home from Dave Ortolan and Peter Boyd.
The course was very demanding and demonstrated the fitness level of the riders early in the season.
The organizers were overwhelmed by the event, commenting that a large field, good conditions and the sponsors involved all made for a great day.
The next round of the championship goes to Erica where a 2 day enduro has attracted many Victorian riders combined with another large interstate contingent. This promises to be an exciting weekend as the course offers some of the best off road riding in the state.
For all the results visit the official championship website at
https://www.offroad-racing.com.au
