National champion Adam Reeves has just rung a few warning bells for his cross-country dirt bike rivals.

In just his first hit-out of the season and with the start of his national cross-country title defence still weeks away, the 27-year-old printer from Pahiatua showed he was ready for business.

Reeves took his Yamaha YZF450 to tackle the inaugural Pirongia Four-Hour Cross-country race near Kawhia on Saturday and, though riding solo against some of the best two-rider teams in the sport, he was a comfortable winner.

“Most riders team up for an event like this but I did it on my own an d I was quite surprised at how well I went,” said Reeves.

“I’m not quite 100% for the nationals and need to work on my fitness but, even so, I managed to set my fastest time of the day on my final lap.

“It was a great course, about 22-kilometres around and very challenging with about 40% among the trees and the rest was fast-flowing farmland tracks.”

Runners-up were local pairing of Phillip Goodwright and Michael Vining (Suzuki), with another local two-man outfit, Dean Goodwright and Matthew Vining (Suzuki), taking third spot.

Reeves finished more than six minutes ahead of the pack.

“I feel as if I’m on the right track for then nationals now,” said Reeves. “It was a bit of a drive to go from Pahiatua to Kawhia but it was definitely worth it. I feel a bit sore now and I guess I’ll need to be fitter when the nationals roll around.”

Supported by Carterton’s Sargent Yamaha Motorcycle shop and Demon Energy Drinks, Reeves won his first national cross-country crown last season and he has every intention of keeping it in 2010.

Reeves’ New Zealand Cross-country Championship title defence is due to kick off near Waipukurau in April.

Reeves is sponsored by Yamaha New Zealand, Darbi Accessories, wearing Acerbis gear, Sidi boots, HJC helmets, Progrip goggles and supported by BikesportNZ.com.

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com