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Contrbutor: Jeff Sole.
Pahiatua rider, Paul Whibley won the final round of the NZ Cross Country Championship held near Blenheim on Sunday, [May 19].
Riding his usual 250 cc, two-stroke Husky, Whibley once again dominated the field, winning both his class and being the first bike across the line.
As usual, his main competition came from Suzuki mounted Sean Clarke, with these two riders being far enough ahead of the field to complete an extra lap. Michael Gibbons once again proved to be one of the fastest two-stroke riders on the day finishing behind Whibley in this class.
Conditions were extremely demanding with the terrain being rocky and dusty. However the course was also quite fast with the result being that many riders fell. Adam Youren, who was expected to also challenge for outright honours was one rider who fell heavily, breaking his wrist.
The event was also good news for the Husqvarna team with Paul, Glen Manning and Warren Timpson winning the teams title.
Having dominated the series over recent months, Whibley now leaves for Australia where he competes next weekend in the Gas Gas Australian 4 Day Enduro in Harvey, near Perth.
He will switch bikes to compete in this prestigious event on a Husqvarna TE570 in the open four-stroke class.
