After several years of trying, Aucklander Karl Power finally broke through for victory at the annual Taupo Leatt 4-hour dirt bike race at the weekend.

“This year I teamed up with (Tauranga’s) Peter Broxholme riding a Honda CRF250R,” said Power.

“This was quite a special win for me as I have done this event three years in a row and I have gone from 3rd to 2nd and this year we have managed to pull off the win!

“I can’t thank all those that have helped Broxy and myself to get this.”

Runners-up were the Yamaha team of Callan May and Adrian Smith, with another Yamaha pair, Cameron Negus and Barry Morris, taking the third step on the podium.

Tokoroa’s Sean Clarke was the best solo (ironman) rider, bringing his Yamaha WR450 home in sixth spot overall and also winning the veterans’ 25-44 years’ honours.

The Leatt Four hour first exploded onto the New Zealand Cross Country scene in 2009 attracting 350 riders to quickly establish itself as the one of the premier off-road teams/individuals endurance race in NZ.

Key features of the Leatt Four hour are a fun 24-km track including a 3km Moto style grass track, a double loop course that jumps into the pits at half way.

The 2009 race was won by the Bay of Plenty Kawasaki team of Nick Saunders and Rhys Carter who just beat Ironman Sam Greenslade on his Husky.

In 2010 the event gained a new venue, attracted nearly 400 riders, and was won by Hawera Suzuki duo Daryl Hurley and Brad Groombridge.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

Here is a video of how the 2011 event went down …