Round four of the New Zealand Enduro Championships near Christchurch yesterday was another Chris Birch benefit, giving the Glen Eden Man his fourth round win in a row for the seven-round KTM-sponsored series.

There were no surprises in Birch continuing his unbeaten run, but what may have come as something of a surprise was where Birch’s main challenges came from.

Christchurch rider Hamish McDonald finished the day second overall, just 49 seconds behind Birch, while a rider not a recognised enduro exponent, Taupo’s Brad Groombridge, finished third overall.

McDonald has rocketed from eighth to third overall in the Expert Grade standings for the series, just behind Howick’s Liam Draper, who finished fourth overall yesterday.

Groombridge is an accomplished cross-country racer and is mostly recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading MX1 motocross racers, but his performance in finishing third at this national enduro championship round is really something special for the Suzuki rider to celebrate.

Check back with www.BikesportNZ.com as we bring you the wrap-up of the Easter Weekend, with round five of the enduro nationals set for Mosgiel on Monday.

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

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