In the Juniors, Raglan’s
Coby Rooks was in front
at the end, following a
tense battle for the lead
JUNIORS
In the 90-minute junior race staged earlier in
the day, it was Raglan’s Coby Rooks in front
at the end, following a tense battle for the
lead earlier on between Rooks, Napier’s Bryn
Codd and Eltham’s defending junior champion
Adam Loveridge. Codd was forced to settle
for runner-up spot, with Loveridge third and
Taupo’s Wil Yeoman and Morrinsville’s Liam
Calley eventually rounded out the top five in
the junior race.
The 15-year-old Rooks put his win down to
“staying consistent”.
“I just kept pushing myself. When I caught up
to Adam [Loveridge] I really put my head down.
I didn’t have to pit at all for fuel because I’ve
got a 12-litre tank on this bike. That was the
difference for me really.”
Motorcycling New Zealand cross country
commissioner Chris Smyth had praise for the
host Central Hawke’s Bay Motorcycle Club.
“They ran an awesome event. The track was
very demanding, probably more demanding
than the course they laid out there last year,
but it was well marked and also good to see a
fresh face winning it.
“I felt sorry for Reece Lister, though, who had
to pull out because of his painful ankle injury.
He was riding so well.”
It is now six weeks until round two of the
series, set for Mosgiel on March 24. The series
is supported by The Dirt Guide, Oakley goggles,
Bel Ray oils and Michelin tyres.
KIWI RIDER 31