From 2017 I have
significantly grown in
terms of my riding ability,
fitness, mindset, and as
a person. I am working
hard each day to take
steps to achieve my
personal goals
-CALLEY
From 2017 I have significantly grown in terms
of my riding ability, fitness, mindset, and as a
person. I am working hard each day to take
steps to achieve my personal goals. This time
last year I was in the top 15 on average which
seemed a long way from being up the front. I
was truly inspired by the people at the top of
the field. With a lot of hard work on my KX250F
(proudly supported by Kawasaki NZ, Motul NZ,
and Kiwi Rider mag) I have and continue to
progress towards better results. Now i am sitting
in the top 5 for the juniors this year.
Racing in 2019 has been great so far. My first
race was on January 13, which was round two
of the Bel-Ray. This is my last year in the Junior
class. I had a solid race and finished 4th overall
and 2nd in 250 class for the day, behind Adam
Loveridge, Luke van der Lee, and Jack McLean.
The track was an awesome layout with some
slower technical parts and we got to ride
through an orchard.
At the third round I had a good race. It was
an awesome track with a lot of hill climbs
66 KIWI RIDER
and descents. The top was where the Raglan
Windfarm ridge line is (beautiful scenery but I
was there to race). I managed the holeshot, but
lost the lead within moments! I had great battles
with Will Yeoman on the last two laps, but I took
3rd overall for the day and 2nd in the 250 class.
The final round was held at the Eyre’s farm, a
long standing name in the XC scene. It was a
fast flowing track, but some sections were off-
cambered and rough, which made for some
great racing. I had a 7th place start, but this
wasn’t great as the dust became a problem,
slowing my pace down because I could hardly
see. After the third lap I made my way into 4th
place, but I couldn’t catch Luke van der Lee who
was in 3rd after making a gap at the start. In the
4th round I finished in 3rd overall behind Coby
Rooks and Adam Loveridge, and in the 250 class
I took 2nd place for the series behind Coby.
Overall, the Bel-Ray was awesome series, one
which you really should have in your calendar.
LIAM CALLEY