The 2024 Un4seen NZ Sprint Series (NZSS) is underway, with round one staged at the Scott’s farm property at Oparau, near Kawhia, last weekend.
This venue had been on the NZSS schedule for 2023, until the weather gods had other ideas, but the wait was worth it.
Tracks one and two both started just out of the parking area, located next to a beautiful river, fresh out of the bush. With scorching temperatures, riders were making use of the river, both between runs and at the end of the day.
Track one was 7km in length, with a climb up a winding track to the top of the hill, weaving around some rolling paddocks and then diving into the bush for a couple of kilometres, exiting into farmland on the other side. It was a case of squeeze through the rock gap, then back down farm tracks for a short blast through more bush and river flats.
Track two was 12 km, with a flat track MX along the river flats for a couple of kilometres before the hill climb. Then up to the top with some rolling grass hills before the bush draws riders into the cooler gulleys and creek crossings. Emerge on the other side with a short blast back down to finish with a splash at a final creek crossing.
With riders’ four best times through each track to count, it was go time!
The race for the overall senior win was on between two riders. Taupo’s Wil Yeoman, who has been in hot form in recent events, and Helensville’s Tom Buxton, fresh off a few years racing the World Enduro Series. It was pretty close, but, in the end, but that international experience won out and Buxton was consistently faster, taking the win with some of that super smooth European style riding.
Yeoman rode hard the whole day and claimed second with Rotorua’s Callum Dudson putting in some great times to settle into third overall.
Auckland’s Charlotte Russ again dominated the Women’s class.
Harrison Findley was on fire in the juniors and claimed a dominant win over Angus Scott. Max De Malmandie filled out the C4 podium at day’s end.
In the Minis race, local rider Leo Gilbert was riding amazing and took a solid win. Last years Mini champ, Colton Whibley, had to settle for second and Brody Barakat dropped into third.
It’s set to be a great summer’s racing in the Un4seen NZSS. Next stop is Holly Farm in Marton on Saturday, February 17.
© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
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