Another Canterbury crusader is heading off-shore to wave the New Zealand flag in Europe.

New Zealand 600 Supersport Champion Alastair Hoogenboezem, from Christchurch, will partner Uruguay’s Maxi Gerardo at the New Zealand WIL Sport-backed Racedays Honda squad for the Misano, Jerez and Magny Cours rounds of the FIM Europe Superstock 600 Championship.

Also supported by Kiwi company WIL Sport and already competing overseas are fellow New Zealand racers Avalon Biddle, from Orewa, and Jake Lewis, from Rangiora, but this will be the first racing trip to Europe for the 22-year-old Hoogenboezem.

He said he is looking forward to riding in the highly competitive support class to the eni FIM World Superbike Championship.

”I’m really excited for the challenge ahead, the experience it will become and being able to compare myself to some of the best young riders in the world,” said Hoogenboezem.

The team principle, Gerry Bryce, said: ”We’re very pleased to welcome Alastair to the team and I would like to thank Phil London of WIL Sport for his help in supporting Alastair’s debut into international racing.

“It will be a challenge for Alastair with new team, bike and circuits but he has adapted well in the past with some great results at new tracks.

“For the Portimao round WIL Sport rider Josh Harland will have the opportunity to try out the Racedays Honda CBR 600 RR before returning to racing in the PATA European Junior Cup in Italy.”

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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