New Zealand’s Paul Whibley has his fingers crossed that his title defence in the United States is just beginning to gather momentum as he scooped up more valuable points at the weekend.

The 34-year-old former Manawatu forestry worker, affectionately dubbed “The Axeman” on the motorcycling scene, won two major cross-country titles in the US last season, clinching the Grand National Cross-country Championships (GNCC) and the Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) crown as well.

However, the Yamaha ace from Pahiatua was disappointed to finish only fourth overall when his GNCC title defence kicked off in Florida a week ago, and it was further cause for disappointment at the weekend when he crossed the finish line in an unaccustomed sixth position at round two in Georgia.

But the series is a long and exhausting one, with 11 more rounds to go before it wraps up in Indiana in October, so it is still early days in the title chase.

“The racing at round two started well for me as I again grabbed the holeshot before we headed into the woods,” said Whibley.

“The track was in good shape and the morning race seemed to have opened up some nice lines. I was feeling good up front, ready to make amends for the poor start to the season in Florida. However, crossing a little muddy creek that was filled with ruts, I hit a hidden root and tipped over, dropping back to fourth spot.

“I recovered quickly and slotted in behind my team-mate, Jordan Ashburn, determined not to let the leaders out of sight

“I pushed hard to make a pass stick on Jordan and regained contact with (Australian) Josh Strang and (American) Charlie Mullins, who was leading.

“But I was forced to pay a heavy price for pushing too hard and the muscles in my arms started to pump up. I tried to relax and just follow Josh (Strang), but it’s hard to ride fast and loosen up at the same time.

“After a lap trying to hold on, I had to back off and try let my arm pump reside, surrendering a few positions. I dropped back and had Jordan and Japanese rider Takashi Koikeda on my tail.

“After the first gas stop I began to loosen up and started to distance myself from Takashi and Jordan. I felt like I was riding well and expected to begin eating into the gap to the riders in front. But I had lost a lot of time with the arm pump and, by the time we stopped for the second fuel stop, I realised I still hadn’t made up any significant time.

“I kept pushing to the flag but the guys in front were running a fast pace and I had nothing for them.

“Crossing the line in sixth place, I was pretty disappointed. I have some work to do to get back onto the box by the third round.”

Meanwhile, fellow New Zealander Rory Mead (KTM) also had a difficult time at the weekend.

The Wellington rider, who won the New Zealand enduro championships for Yamaha in 2011, finished 85th overall, but this was good enough for 12th overall in the Pro XC1 class.

The next round is set for Steel Creek, North Carolina, on April 6-7.

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

 

Leading results:

XC1 Pro Class Results:

1. Kailub Russell (KTM)

2. Charlie Mullins (KTM)

3. Thad DuVall (HON)

4. Josh Strang (KAW)

5. Chris Bach (YAM)

6. Paul Whibley (YAM)

7. Jordan Ashburn (YAM)

8. Takeshi Koikeda (KTM)

9. Ricky Russell (YAM)

10. Adam Bonneur (KAW)

Also:

12th Rory Mead (KTM, NZ)

 

XC1 Pro Standings:

1. Kailub Russell 55 pts

2. Charlie Mullins 55

3. Josh Strang 39

4. Thad DuVall 37

5. Paul Whibley (NZ) 33

6. Chris Bach 31

7. Ricky Russell 25

8. Takeshi Koikeda 24

9. Adam Bonneur 21

10. Jordan Ashburn 21

11. Ronald Cammo Iii 16

12. Nick Fahringer  14

13. Rory Mead (NZ) 13

14. Garrett Edmisten 12

15. Jaco Wolmarans 9

 

XC2 Pro Lites Results:

1. Andrew DeLong (HSQ)

2. Grant Baylor (KTM)

3. Zach Osborne (HON)

4. Shane Hufford Jr (KTM)

5. Jason Thomas (KTM)

6. AJ Stewart (YAM)

7. Scott Grills (KAW)

8. Robbie Horton (HON)

9. Ian Blythe (KTM)

10. Brad Bakken (YAM)

 

XC2 Pro Lites Standings:

1. Andrew DeLong 50 pts

2. Grant Baylor 41

3. Zach Osborne 39

4. Jason Thomas 35

5. Shane Hufford Jr 31

6. AJ Stewart 25

7. Jesse Groemm 24

8. Ian Blythe 23

9. Mark Heresco Jr 21

10. Scott Grills 19

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