It was business as usual when the 2014 edition of the annual Woodhill Two-man cross-country series kicked off near Auckland at the weekend.

Winners of this first round of three were none other than the defending champions from last year, Kaukapakapa’s Josh Jack and Muriwai’s Luke Mobberley, although they were made to work hard to secure their first-round honours.

Jack (BikesportNZ.com Suzuki RM250) and Mobberley (Spectrum Motorcycles Gas Gas 125) found themselves behind the Yamaha pairing of Chris Power (Yamaha YZ250) and Mitchell Nield (Yamaha YZ125) soon after the start of the three-hour race.

It was Mobberley’s first race back following knee reconstruction surgery nine months ago and so it was a matter of settling into the race rhythm before beginning a push for the lead, but that attack did eventually come from his team-mate, Jack, who took over the lead on the fifth lap of six and they maintained that position until the end, eventually winning the race by a little over 30 seconds.

Auckland’s James Ainsworth (CRF450) and Daniel Nieuwenhuyzen (Husqvarna 250) held third place early on in the race until lap four when 14-year-old Auckland rider Jake Wightman, straight from his junior win at the Dirt Guide Series near Tokoroa the day before, powered his KTM 125EXC past him to snatch away third spot.

Wightman’s team-mate, James Mancer (Yamaha YZ250), extended the lead and the young team eventually claimed third overall by four minutes.

Masterton’s Reuben Vermeer (Yamaha YZ450F) rode solo for the three hours and finished sixth overall, easily winning the ironman section of the race.

Round two of the Spectrum Woodhill Two-Man Cross Country series is set for Sunday, August 31, with the third and final round due on Sunday, September 28.

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

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