Kevin Archer (KTM
450 XC-F) from Te
Awamutu took the
Silver class honours
"It was supposed to be a brutal event. We
don't want to scare people off, but it was
meant to be tough," he said.
"In saying that, though, there is quite a
big step up from the Bronze Grade course
to what the Gold Grade riders faced and
individuals could choose for themselves how
much of a challenge they wanted.
"The feedback I've received is that they
all enjoyed it. I believe the riders come to
events like this with a different mentality
anyway. They know what to expect. Even the
guys who didn't manage to finish said they
enjoyed the day.
"It was an awesome start to the series."
The top three finishers in the Silver Grade
were Te Awamutu's Kevin Archer, followed
more than 16 minutes later by Auckland's
Carl Steadman, with Aucklander David Steen
completing the podium.
Best of the Bronze Grade riders was
Whitianga's James Kerr, with Hastings' Brett
Gunson and Auckland's Ben Hastie not too
far behind.
The series continues now with round two
at Moonshine V