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Junior Team made the grade in the 2005 A4DE in Wyong north of Sydney.
Held over 28th to 31st August, the team rode really well to consolidate their 2nd position with some big efforts by the new comers who performed really well.
Unfortunately at this time the full results are not available as there has been some serious mishaps so we are unable to give you individual results below 3rd place in each class.
The experienced Karl Power anchored the team improving his individual position from the previous year. Karl rode the entire 4 days without mishap crediting his Honda CR250 for his excellent top 20 finish.
Michael Phillips was a star. After losing several minutes trail time when he got caught up in a barrier fence that wound up in his back wheel he dropped from contention however he did not give up and in the final MX he won the B Race by half a lap showing his true form. Being one of only two Kawasakis didn't matter a toss to him. He elevated his individual position as well. We are not yet sure of his final placing.
Heath (Poster Boy) Howlett piloted his Yamaha WR450 through some of the most demanding trails yet set out for an Australain 4 Day finishing well into the top 20. Heath felt he rode quite well and deserves the credit shared with the team. Heath and his WR450 are the face of the 2006 ISDE - look out for the poster near you.
16 year old Jason Davis is the fourth member of the conquering Junior Team. Jason struggled on day three but put in a big effort to finish well and help the team with their fantastic result. His KTM200 went well over the 4 days and he has decided that this is the bike that suits him.
As for the Senior Riders, there is still good fortune with most riders improving on their 2004 results.
In the 200cc class, Christopher Power looks like taking 6th place after holding 3rd on day one. His chance to move up a place at the final MX dissapeared when his front wheel was taken out an Aussie on the 5th corner leaving him dead last. He recovered admirably and really pushed his Honda CR125 hard to get up to 8th place redeeming at least some time.
Sean Clarke had a torrid 4 day with a badly damaged shoulder but managed to soldier on to finish in the top 20 determined to get his Suzuki RM250 through without any more misshaps. A gutsy effort and one only Sean could complete.
Mark Whyte ronde his Suzuki DR400 hard all week to get a great top ten finish and another 4 day under his belt. A solid and quick team member, Mark can be relied upon to be there at the end.
Lockie Columb had to be the hero of final MX. After losing a couple of minutes at the parc ferme, he put a big effort into the final MX and finished third behind two of the fastest Enduro riders in Australia. His big grunty honda CRF450 really rooster tailed round the course and he definitely made an impression on the Aussies.
Duncan McLaren had a mixed ride finishing well to complete his first 4 day and achieve the distinction of being another kiwi A4DE finisher. At this stage we don't have Duncans result so no more information is available.
Merv Heard finished! His Suzuki continued to run well and he got to the end an exhausted but really satisfied man. His times were not fast but he worked really hard to end without losing too much time. Merv said he blew ass on Monday and had to concentrate on riding smoothly and finishing. Well done to Merv.
So congratulations to the Junior Team, to all the finishers and to everyone who made it possible. without the support of the team, the riders would never have made the second check.
Stefan Merriman rode the whole 4 days in complete control. At the final MX he cruised in the front for a couple of laps then turned up the wick and left the field in his wake. Watching him you could be excused for believing that he was just out for a sunday afternoon trail ride. So smooth and fast is he that he makes it look too easy. We are just glad he is a Kiwi.
The next A4De is something we look forward to (if there is one) and we are keen to come back and kic some more Aussie ASS.
We will post a full list of results when and if they become available.
keep an eye on this site.
