Woodville legends : Above from left , Ken Cleghorn , Tim Gibbes and Kevin Eagle . Below left : Woodville MX founder Tim Gibbes drapes the winner ’ s sash over Woodville winner Kirk Gibbs ( no relation , from Australia ). Below right : from left Peter Ploen , Tim Gibbes and Ken Cleghorn , pictured in 2011
( 5-time winner ), Motueka ’ s Josh Coppins ( 5- time winner ), Mount Maunganui ’ s Cody Cooper ( 3 ), Tauranga ’ s Peter Ploen ( 3 ) and Pahiatua ’ s Ken Cleghorn ( 3 ).
TOUGH DECISION As riders , fans , sponsors and supporters can probably imagine , it was a tough decision for the host Manawatu Orion Motorcycle Club to make to cancel this year ’ s event , especially seeing as the Woodville MXGP had been running for 60 years and throughout all that time been a highlighted date on the racing calendar . However , considering the current COVID-19 pandemic climate and the massive financial risk , the club ’ s committee decided it would be best to cancel the event for 2022 .
“ We were absolutely gutted that we have had to cancel ,” said club president and event organiser Brad Ritchie . “ It all comes about because of the uncertainty of the world we now live in . A big factor for us is that this should again be an outstanding blockbuster event and to push on under the current constraints would take some of the shine away from what has historically been such an iconic event . Hopefully , next year it will be all up and running again . We can ’ t thank the sponsors enough for the fact they continue to stand beside us .” All being well , when the pandemic eventually wanes , we can look forward to mixing with our mates and racing again on the hallowed turf at the eastern end of the Manawatu Gorge .
32 KIWI RIDER