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Rookie New Zealand motocross international Ben Townley has pulled off a huge seventh placing at one of the world\'s biggest supercross events, at Bercy in Paris.
The 16-year-old from Taupo starred in the 125 class at the indoor stadium event in the historic arena near the Bastille, with a string of gritty rides over three nights of glitzy entertainment.
One of the biggest stadium events in the world and the most historic in Europe, Bercy has been the launchpad for many international careers.
The cool young Kiwi leapt his 125 KTM to placings as high as fifth in individual races against some of the world\'s best. But most importantly he maintained consistency through the weekend to score the vital points.
\"It\'s a mega event,\" commented Townley late on Sunday night. \"I\'m shattered now, this whole place is just such a challenge.\"
Crediting his Big Five Vangani team for its support, Townley said his KTM ran flawlessly through the weekend.
\"You have to be absolutely spot on with everything here . one problem and you\'re gone.\"
After a gruelling first season in the world outdoor motocross championship, in which he impressed Europe sufficiently to score a factory-backed KTM, the former New Zealand junior champ has been riding individual races before taking a Christmas break to prepare for next season.
The Bercy result caps a roller coaster first year out of school for the exciting young talent.
His 125 class placing is rated in the Prince of Bercy title, won by American Brock Sellards on a KTM. The 250 King of Bercy title was nabbed for the second year in a row by US-based Frenchman David Vuillemin.
