DIRT NEWS
need to watch out for any changes forced upon us by future COVID-19 restrictions . We will keep everyone informed . “ I offer a big thanks to the Bush Riders Motorcycle Club and the Central Hawke ’ s Bay Motorcycle Club for getting the New Zealand Cross-country Championships underway this season . It would be good if more clubs stood up to be counted too , enabling us to offer a wider variety of circuit venues . “ It is yet to be seen how the entries will progress . Pre-event entries are required this year . I am really looking forward to February 27 ,” Smyth concluded . The senior champion from 2019 was Raglan farmer Jason Dickey and , now recovered from an ankle injury , he may be expected to return to racing and challenge defending champion Watts . Watts ’ main rival last year , Palmerston North ’ s 2015 New Zealand Cross-country Champion Paul Whibley , is also expected to feature again , as are perennial contenders Brandon Given , from Raglan , Glen Murray ’ s Sam “ Charlie ” Brown , Whanganui ’ s Seth Reardon and Taupo ’ s Will Yeoman . Other riders too , such as Pahiatua ’ s Charles Alabaster , Hamilton ’ s Phil Goodwright , Hamilton ’ s Andrew Charleston , Te Kauwhata ’ s Jacob Brown , Pukekawa ’ s Jim Orton , Toko ’ s Karl Roberts , Drury ’ s Richard Sutton , Taupo ’ s Hadleigh Knight and Rotorua ’ s Callum Dudson , to name a few , should also be among the leading bunch . The round one venue is Holly Farm , 235A Galpins Road , RD2 , Marton , with all riders knowing a good result is essential if their respective bids for glory are to bear any fruit . Points from only the best three results from the four rounds will be counted towards the championship titles , with riders to discard their worst result , ensuring the contest will go down to the wire . The 2022 New Zealand Cross-country Championships series is supported by Yamaha NZ .
2022 NZ XC CHAMPS CALENDAR
Round One – Sunday , February 27 – Bush Riders MCC , Marton
Round Two – Saturday , April 16 – Bush Riders MCC , Pahiatua
Round Three – Monday , April 18 – Central Hawke ’ s Bay MCC , Dannevirke
Round Four – Saturday , May 14 – Host club and venue to be decided .
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