KIWI RIDER 01 2019 VOL.2 | Page 34

JUNIORS The junior phase of racing at the annual King of the Mountain MX was certainly edge-of-the-seat stuff and Whanganui’s James Rountree was perhaps the stand-out individual. Rountree won both the 14-16 years’ 250cc class and the 15-16 years’ 125cc class at the Taranaki track. Also impressive was Whitford’s Brandon Draper, who won the junior King of the Mountain feature race after Manawatu sensation Luka Freemantle crashed while comfortably leading, less than two laps from the finish, speed and consistency therefore handing Draper the win in the signature race. Te Puke’s Kyan Loomans also shone, winning of the 12-14 years’ 125cc class, while Invercargill’s Jack Symon ran away with the 13-16 year’s 85cc class trophy. Best of the 11-12 years’ 85cc class riders was Auckland’s Reuben Smith, while Te Awamutu’s Nixon Parkes won the 8-10 year’s 85cc trophy. Junior women’s class winner was Palmerston North’s Hannah Powell and Kaihere’s Soren Staudinger won the Pro 65cc class. OTHER CLASSES Rotorua’s Josh Bourke-Palmer topped the 125cc division. Nelson’s Roma Edwards scored a hat-trick of wins in the women’s grade, while Inglewood’s Larry Blair (35- 44 years) and New Plymouth’s Mitch Rowe (over-45 years) dominated their respective veterans’ classes.