Tayla Jones continues to show that she is a future star of the Off-Road world with a podium finish at the opening round of the 2014 KTM Australia Enduro-X Championships held in Queensland on Sunday the 2nd of February.
Jones who helped win the International Six Day Enduro last year for the Australian Women's Trophy team, had an eventful opening heat at the Archerfield Speedway venue. Sitting in second place early in the race, she tangled with race leader Jemma Wilson whilst making a move for the lead.
Both riders along with a handful of other riders went down, with Jones one of the last to remount her KTM nearly a half a lap down on the field. Never one to give up Jones pushed hard coming through to finish the opening heat in 6th place.
Heat two went in a similar direction for the rider based out of New South Wales. After another second place start, whe was able to pass eventual round winner Jessica Gardiner for the race lead, only to have more problems in the Fox Rock section, bending her brake rotor and leaving her to finish the race in third position with no front brake.
Another crash in the Women's final left Jones to once again charge through the field. With another determined effort Jones worked her way up to the final spot on the podium to wrap up a solid day at her first ever Enduro-X event.
"I had an awesome day of racing and learning, I now know what I need to improve on for round 2 at Parramatta," Jones stated. "
"I would just like to commend the promoters of the KTM National Enduro-X. Enduro-X is taking off all over the world. To have three round series in Australia, set up to world class standards, is amazing for us riders. It is also great for the Australian public to be able to spectate and see first hand why this style of the sport is taking off.
"The setup in Brisbane was awesome. The Spectators were allowed access to the pit areas to meet with their favourite riders, get autographs and a photo as well. They also had a tunnel so that they could access the in field paddock which created a great atmosphere for us as riders. We could hear the crowd clapping and cheering the whole way around the track.
"It must have been amazing also for the crowd to right next to the action." Jones added.
"I would like to thank my sponsors, I could not have done it without their support. Highway Performance Bikes, Rockdale (Sydney‰Ûªs longest serving KTM dealer) for hooking me up with KTM 250 SX-Fs for the season, Waratah Lawncare & Garden Management, Ross McWatters at MCD, Teencee Graphics for making my bike look amazing, Pirelli, Motul, RK Chains, Force Accessories, John Titman Racing, SiDi, M2R and Scott Racing.
Also A big shout out to Chris Burch who trained me in NZ leading up to this event. The skills that I learnt from Chris enabled me to ride this event with confidence," Jones concluded.
Top Image: Tayla Jones on her way to third place at the opening round of the 2014 Australian Enduro-X Championships
Credit: FourohFour
