I like the principle of cross
country racing as you experience
a range of obstacles and can go
from rolling hills to trees in a big
mud hole very quickly
-CALLEY
SECOND PLACE JUNIOR 13-16 OPEN – LIAM CALLEY
I first started XC racing in February 2012 on my
KX110L, at the KR Kids XC Series. Looking back
now we had no idea what XC racing was about.
The pits are very different to those at a MX track,
and we weren’t prepared at all. Thankfully I
survived, thanks to the KTM crew marshalling
and other supportive parents helping out.
The KR Kids series gave me a taste for riding in
the bush, so I then went on and took part in the
well known Bel-Ray series on the mini’s track.
These tracks were on big paddocks with rolling
contours but still in sight of the pits – making it
safe but still fun.
I then had two year off the bike due to injuries,
after stepping up to a KX85. I was left wondering
whether I would ever ride. This time taught me
I needed to work hard to achieve results. I had
to work on conditioning my body, and pilates
helped me get back on the bike.
After the injuries I have been concentrating on
XC racing in the North Island. This year I’ll be
travelling twice to the South Island too. The thing
with XC racing is you get a different track each
time with different weather, and you get to ride
64 KIWI RIDER
your bike for 1.5 hours in the junior races and
anywhere from 2-3 hours in the senior races.
That’s value for money!!
The atmosphere at XC races is easy going,
you get to know your fellow competitors and
their support crews. There is genuine concern
for each other. In the MNZ-sanctioned events
it is compulsory for the junior riders to have a
“look” lap. This is where you get the chance to
experience the track you will be racing on, which
provides a safe speed for any new riders to
understand what the ride will demand.
I like the principle of cross country racing as
you experience a range of obstacles and can
go from rolling hills to in the trees in a big mud
hole very quickly. It brings a challenge which I
enjoy, and I love the endurance aspect of it. I
think cross country racing is the best discipline,
especially if you’re just wanting to sharpen up
your motocross skills because it offers things
you would never encounter on a motocross
track – improving your reactions, track craft and
line choice. The same can be said for motocross
helping XC riders too.