WORDS: Brendan Abel PHOTOS: Supplied by Jono Hill

WHAT’ S YOUR CURRENT RIDE? I’ m fortunate enough to currently have a couple of bikes. My race bike is a 2024 GASGAS MC350F, with WP split triple clamps, WP6500 Spring fork inserts, WP Shock Bladder, G2 quick turn billet throttle & housing, Akrapovic slip on muffler, tall seat, GASGAS factory wheelset, Dunlop tyres and Workshop Graphics. My trail bike is a 2025 GASGAS EC500F with X-Grip Soft compound tyres, X-Grip Soft compound grips, and a tall, soft seat. I’ ve also got a nasty 2026 Beta 350RX twostroke build in progress( which you’ ll learn more about in Kiwi Rider soon).

WHO TAUGHT YOU TO RIDE? My Dad taught me to ride when I was 10 or 11, on the grass verge of a concrete carpark on a ruthless 1984 Yamaha YZ80. I never wanted to ride again … thankfully we got that swapped out for a sweet little TTR90 and never looked back.

GOT ANY FAVOURITE MEMORIES? My dad told me I had to crash 100 times to become a good rider. That same day I watched my sister tuck the front three times on the same corner at the Woodhill Sandpit and I realised I was going to have to crash a lot more than that!

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS? On the bike- I’ ve had a few better results, but the greatest achievement is finishing on the podium at the 2025 Woodhill GNCC. I had to train pretty hard for that one! Off the bike, it was getting married to my beautiful wife, Alannah, and travelling to a few different countries around the world.

WHAT’ S YOUR FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE? I really like cross-country racing. There is something that can be found in it for all levels of riders. Personally, I really like where you have to go mentally to perform well, trying to stay

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