The 2015 Beta South Island Enduro Series got underway near St Arnaud over the weekend and the event proved to be a drought-breaking day for the region with rain setting in early on.

As riders lined up to get the event underway, all eyes were on last year’s champion Hamish Macdonald, who had made the switch to Sherco during the off season.

There were though, a few people who fancied their chances of snatching victory from his grasp with KTM cross-country ace Ethan Bruce and Christchurch Beta riders Jacques Bakkenes, Angus and Mitchell Macdonald, all lining up to kick off the series.

Riders were given three loops to complete, each of which was to be ridden twice with the loops consisting of a mix of farmland and native forest sections and plenty of river crossings thrown in to keep riders on their toes.

As the day drew to a close and riders struggled their way through the final, treacherous rivers crossings it was Nelson’s Bruce (KTM 250XC) who emerged victorious with West Melton brothers Angus Macdonald (Beta RR300) second and Mitchell Macdonald (Beta RR350) third.

Hamish Macdonald (Sherco SE-R300) set a blinding pace up front, taking the win in all special tests. Unfortunately for the West Melton teenager, bad luck struck in the form of a slight mechanical issue, taking him out of contention for the overall win

The South Island Enduro Series is supported by: Beta Motorcycles, Precision Motorbikes, Goldentyre, Motul, Tu-Bliss, Forma, Merchant of Venison, Kiwi Rider magazine, XRC and MCD.

© Words by Steven Kelly, www.BikesportNZ.com

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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