Round two of the Woodhill Two-man Cross Country series is all go this weekend and is the precursor to Paul Whibley’s round three of the NZXC race at the end of August.

Round one of this Spectrum Motorcycles sponsored cross country race was run three weeks ago and what a success it was, with 2014 champions Luke Mobberley (Honda) and Joshua Jack (Suzuki) teaming up and winning again.

If anyone can get close to these sand specialists this weekend, it could be the surprise Husqvarna pairing of Oparau’s James Scott and Howick’s Liam Draper, who were the runners-up at round one.

With Muriwai local Jake Wightman winning the solo class by the narrowest of margins from Masterton Yamaha rider Rueben Vermeer at round one, it could be another huge battle between these two for ironman honours again this weekend.

Vermeer was impressive at the Taikorea 500 near Palmerston North last weekend and he will be looking to get one back this Sunday.

He will surely bring a pit crew to tell him that the gap in front is only seconds (16 seconds) … lesson learned from round one?

Probably the closest racing is in the novice section with only a couple of minutes separating the top six teams. You can bet everyone will be watching this with interest on race day.

However, the most pleasing sight from round one was the increase in numbers in the junior and women’s race. This could possibly be due to the morning’s race being sponsored by the enduro legend himself, Chris Birch. There are some great prizes to be won here.

Nick Wightman, the younger brother of Jake, won the solo section with Patrick Lunt and Matt Vastre coming home second by the smallest of margins from Whangaparoa’s Refoy boys, Jacob and Daniel.

Once again the location is at the Muriwai end of Woodhill Forest and the track built will be the same flowing forest terrain as of round one, albeit brand spanking new.

© Photos by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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