It was an amazing start, blasting past ten riders off the line and knowing you have the pace and back to full fitness … Until another rider’ s incident causes chaos and you get forced into the gravel. Bugger.“ This is one of those weekends we just have to move on from and focus on understanding what we need to get the best out of both myself and the bike, because we know when we do that, we can be very fast. Taking on the world championship as a New Zealander means having to defy the odds stacked against you and we’ ve always known and accepted this. The results don’ t tell the whole story about the progress we are making this season. When I look beyond the races, I know my trajectory is positive. I guess no one truly sees the sacrifices and the fact I am navigating one of the toughest championships on the planet largely on my own – no manager, no coach, no family here and no real budget. That’ s the reality. Yeah, it’ s not easy but it absolutely will be worth it and that is my fuel to keep fighting. What I do have is an incredible team in Code Motorsports and so many people supporting me, especially through these tough moments. I won’ t give up because I know the potential we have.” You can’ t help but admire the mental strength of Buchanan as he forges ahead in his pursuit. You’ d also have to think that fortitude means he will succeed. He has the talent, he has the team, now just a little luck would be nice.