The warning bells are ringing and national cross-country champion Adrian Smith has been made to sit up and take notice.

The man from Mokau was well beaten at the opening round of the 2013 KTM-sponsored New Zealand Cross-country Championships in Southland on Sunday, last season’s national No.4 Jason Dickey moving up and taking the win instead and, at the same time, sending a clear message to 2012 senior champion Smith.

“At least I’ve got some points on the board but I reckon this title defence is going to be very tough indeed,” conceded the 27-year-old Smith (Yamaha) after a brutal day of racing on steep and rocky farmland near Te Anau.

Teenager Dickey (Kawasaki) led Smith to the finish line by nearly five minutes, with Te Awamutu’s Mark Penny (Suzuki) taking third spot overall.

These three riders were the only competitors to complete seven laps in the three hours, with all the other riders managing only six laps or fewer.

Motorcycling New Zealand cross-country commissioner Chris Smyth, of Dannevirke, said “it was a very rocky course and nailed anyone who wasn’t paying attention”.

“The Southland Motorcycle Club did a great job with this event. It was very well organised,” said Smyth.

Meanwhile, in the junior grade, Cambridge’s Taylor Rae won ahead of Pahiatua’s Charlie Richardson, with Shaun Knight filling out the podium.

The four-round championship continues with rounds in Taranaki on March 16, Christchurch on April 21 and, finally, it wraps up in Hawke’s Bay on May 18.

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