ALONE AT THE TOP | Bikesportnz

New Zealand off-road motorcycle ace Paul Whibley has clawed his way back into the outright lead in the Grand National Cross-country Championships in the United States.

With a stunning win at a hot and rocky round seven of the GNCC series in Masontown, West Virginia, at the weekend, Pahiatua’s Whibley reclaimed his position as outright series leader.

Heading into the weekend, Whibley (Yamaha YZ450F) had been joint leader, sharing the top spot with American Kailub Russell, but Russell had no response for the Kiwi’s pace at the weekend and has slipped back to five points behind Whibley with six rounds remaining.

The temperatures were at an all-time high for the early summer months and it was exhausting for the riders battling through the foliage and rocks in the humid conditions.

“I settled into a battle with Charlie Mullins and Kailub Russell although I went down twice on the second lap and handed them a sizable advantage,” said Whibley.

“Picking myself up, I put my head down and began to make up some time.

“The scorching temperatures and technical nature of the track created some brutal conditions. Over the last two laps I held off Kailub’s attempts to snatch the lead. On one hill climb we bounced off each other as our alternative lines came together. I held it on and got to the top still with the lead.

“Another attempt came in the grass field where I had passed Kailub earlier. He held a high line on the off camber and moved in front, although I was able turn off the cushion on the outside and straight line to the next turn retaking the lead. In the last couple miles I was able to break away and open a 10 second lead that I held to the flag to take the win.

“The track was pretty gnarly out there,” said Whibley. “I usually prefer the softer dirt over the rocks and rough stuff but today’s win was good and I’m happy to hold on to the points lead.”

It was actually a Kiwi 1-3 on the podium in Masontown, with Wellington’s Rory Mead finishing third overall in the XC1 Pro class.

Mead (KTM), who raced a Yamaha YZ450F to reclaim the New Zealand Enduro Championships crown last season before embarking on his first full GNCC campaign this year, led the race early on but a crash on lap one saw him damage the throttle housing on his bike and he was forced to struggle on for the duration of the three-hour race at only half throttle.

Mead said he was “satisfied to salvage third place in the end” and keep alive his bid for the top spot.

“There was nothing I could do, so I’ve got to be happy with that,” he explained.

Mead is still fourth overall in the championship standings, but now just three points behind defending champion Mullins, the American striking problems of his own and crossing the line in an unaccustomed 13th place at Masontown.

The next round is at Snowshow, West Virginia, on June 24.

Whibley is supported by Monster Energy, Sargent Yamaha in Masterton, MotoSR suspension, BikesportNZ.com, Graphic MX Creation and Yamaha New Zealand.

XC1 Pro Results:

1. Paul Whibley (YAM)

2. Kailub Russell (KTM)

3. Rory Mead (KTM)

4. Thad DuVall (HON)

5. Takeshi Koikeda (KTM)

6. Garrett Edmisten (KAW)

7. Jordan Ashburn (YAM)

8. Chris Bach (YAM)

9. Jesse Groemm (KTM)

10. Nathan Kanney (HON)

XC1 Pro Standings:

1. Paul Whibley (177/2 wins)

2. Kailub Russell (172/4 wins)

3. Charlie Mullins (129)

4. Rory Mead (126/1 win)

5. Thad DuVall (115)

6. Jordan Ashburn (103)

7. Garrett Edmisten (93)

8. Chris Bach (92)

9. Cory Buttrick (77)

10= Nathan Kanney (76)

10= Takeshi Koikeda (76)

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