following a crash in 2016. I managed to keep my core
fitness while I was sidelined, but there’s no substitute
for time on the bike and that’s what this visit to New
Zealand is all about,” said the Gold Coast rider.
125
Another CML KTM Racing Team rider, also visiting
from Australia, 16-year-old Semmens, made sure the
high-profile race team was also represented solidly in
the third championship category, the 125cc class, but
he was beaten to the chequered flag each time by
Gibbs
Rampton
ceremony at Rotorua – as well as Harwood topping
the MX2 podium, the team’s MX1 class rider, Gibbs,
also ended his day standing on the podium top step.
MX1
Gibbs won the MX1 class at Rotorua, his 1-3-1 score-
card over the three races meant he had edged six
points closer to series leader Lamont and, with two
rounds (and six races) remaining, he’s perhaps well
placed to make good his title threat.
Defending national MX1 champion Cody Cooper
(Honda Racing Team CRF450), from Mount
Maunganui, was second best in the MX1 class at
Rotorua after finishing 2-1-4 in the three races and he
slips back from second equal (level with Gibbs) after
round one to now be ranked third.
Lamont ended the day third overall at Rotorua and
he remains the series leader in the MX1 class,
although perhaps a little concerned to see his
15-point advantage now shaved to just nine points.
The 29-year-old Gibbs said he had “taken big steps”
since the opening round of the series.
“I have only been back on a bike six weeks since the
operation to have a rod removed from my leg
RIDE - UPLOAD - REVIEW
KIWI RIDER 79