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MARCH 6, 2007: The pupil became the master at the weekend, albeit only briefly.
Wellington teenager Jake Whitaker achieved a career first on Saturday when he beat his mentor, 33-year-old national champion Warren Laugesen (Levin), at round one of the North Island Trials Championships near Wellington.
It was a coming of age for the 15-year-old Whitaker as he coped best with the steep circuit and obstacles and finished the day nine points clear of his idol, with Hawke’s Bay’s Luke March third, another 17 points adrift.
“It was scary stuff. Very steep terrain and some vertical uphills and downhills,” said Whitaker. “I felt I could have ridden better but, all things considered, I’m thrilled to have beaten Warren. That’s a first for me at any event.”
But he came unstuck at round two the following day near Paraparaumu, adjudged to have rolled his bike backwards in one section and therefore incurring a five-point penalty.
“I’m a bit disappointed to finish the weekend in second spot,” said Whitaker, now four points behind Laugesen after scores from the two days of the Beta-sponsored series were added together.
Third overall after the two rounds is Wellington’s Shane Clark, a massive 180 points behind Whitaker as the series already looks like becoming a two-horse race.
“Even though Warren has the advantage, I feel my results at the weekend have given me a huge confidence boost,” said Whitaker. “I now know I can beat Warren and I’m sure I can do it again.”
2007 TRIALS CALENDAR:
