FREESTYLER’S SET FOR CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE

It’s back again! FMX Battle is returning to Wanganui this summer with even more action and a tougher line-up of competitors. FMX Battle is New Zealand’s only annual Freestyle MotoX competition, and has a head-to-head competition style making it fast paced and spectator friendly. The event made its debut last December, in conjunction with Race Week, and proved to be a great night out for all ages.

Levi "Rubberkid" Sherwood

With rivals from over the ditch returning again this year, the competition is guaranteed to be worth watching. Red Bull X-Fighters winner, Levi Sherwood, has confirmed his participation at the event making it his first performance back in New Zealand after his current leg injury. Sherwood (18yrs) took out the victory at X-Fighters in Moscow and London this year, and also earned himself a silver medal at X-Games for Freestyle MotoX. Other confirmed New Zealand & Australian riders are due to be released next month so keep your eyes peeled for more details.

The brain behind the operation is ‘Scary’ Mary Perkins who runs Encounter FMX, New Zealand’s premier FMX team. Perkins will be putting $10,000 prize money on the line for Australasia’s most impressive and consistent rider.

Sherwood constantly pushing the boundaries of extension

‘Scary’ Mary and her team are running the competition in a similar format to the popular RedBull X-Fighters tour and as Red Bull has already signed on as the event’s major sponsor, plans are well underway. Additional sponsors include Wanganui District Council and Smith Optics.

So mark your calendars for Tuesday 28th December and get along to the Cooks Gardens in Wanganui to see all the action FMX Battle will have to offer - sure to be a great night for all! For more information check out fmxbattle.co.nz.

Posted By: OllieS
Photo credits: Red Bull

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KEN ROCZEN SIGNS WITH KTM 2011

German motocross sensation Ken Roczen has become the latest addition to the dominating KTM Motorcycles brand. Having just won the final GP of the 2010 calendar in Fermo, Italy, aboard his Teka Suzuki RMZ250 the 16 year old ace finished a sensational 2nd place in the World MX2 standings behind newly crowned MX2 World Champion Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin in his rookie year.


In the press conference that followed the Fermo GP, KTM Off-Road racing team manager Pit Beirer officially announced the news that Roczen will be joining young Belgium superstar Jeffery Herlings to contest the 2011 MX2 Grand Prix for KTM.


2010 MX2 World Champion Musquin is bound stateside for 2011 to ride orange under the management of newly appointed KTM USA team manager, Roger De Coster.

Posted by: OS
Images: MotocrossMX1.com

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KAWASAKI SUPERBIKE NINJA ZX-10R RACER

By: Ollie S
Source: Kawasaki


Newsflash, 2 September 2010
The all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R race bike has been unveiled to the international press at the Nürburgring racetrack, in advance of the full launch of the production machine in early October.


The new Ninja ZX-10R race bike has been eagerly anticipated by everyone involved in the Superbike racing project for a while now and therefore the Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team are extremely keen to get started with the new Ninja ZX-10R.

Steve Guttridge, the Race Planning Manager from Kawasaki Motors Europe, said of the new bike and the timing of the ‘sneak preview’ of the racebike version of the Ninja ZX-10R, “The new race bike has been eagerly anticipated by everyone involved in the Superbike racing project for a while now. The PBM team have evolved and restructured continuously in order to be in a position to utilise the new bike's potential to the maximum next season. As you can imagine the Paul Bird team are ultra keen to get started with it and so who better than the team itself to help us show the first edition of the race version of it here at the Nürburgring?”

Ichiro Yoda, the Kawasaki Project Director, confirmed that racing is at the heart of the new machine’s DNA. “We have started development this bike with slick tyres and racing spec engine. This is a quite different procedure than previous models.”

The next chance the world’s media will have to get close to this exciting new machine again will be at official unveiling of the production model, at the Cologne show in early October.

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KAWASAKI WINS INDY MILE

By: Ollie S
Source: Kawasaki NZ

SMITH GIVES KAWASAKI THEIR FIRST AMA PRO FLAT TRACK WIN

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (August 28, 2010) - History was made on the fabled Indiana State Fairgrounds mile oval as Kawasaki / Monster Energy / Werner-Springsteen Racing's #42 Bryan Smith captured the first AMA Pro K&N Filters Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com Twins Main event in a hard fought, twenty five lap battle.


Lancaster Harley-Davidson / Dallas Fort Worth Honda's Chris Carr grabbed the early lead from series points leader #3 Joe Kopp on his Latus Harley-Davidson / ENI USA R&M backed Ducati, then repeated the feat as the race was red flagged on lap three, when Stevie Bonsey fell in turn three.

Carr picked up where he left off, but now Smith and Zanotti Racing's #5 Jake Johnson were right behind. On lap six Smith took control, but White's Harley-Davidson / SNIP's Matt Weidman was up high on the cushion and flying to the front. Unfortunately for Weidman, when the high line went away, he backed up as fast as he had come forward.

As the race reached the mid-point it became a two rider race. Smith and Carr went back and forth several times, but as the laps wound down Smith took control. The race would end with Carr just over a tenth of a second out. "I've been dreaming about this all year," said Smith. "And it wasn't a nightmare either. I was sure, as soon as we got to these tracks with long straight-aways, the Kawasaki's power was let us finally win one."
"I just couldn't draft him (Smith)," said Carr. "I could get close, but he just had too much power."

Harley-Davidson Motor Company's Kenny Coolbeth brought his #2 Harley-Davidson home third over two seconds off the lead.
Johnson took control of fourth and rode home a lonely three seconds off the pace. King's Kustoms / KK Motorcycle Supply's Sammy Halbert finished an uneventful fifth as Joe Kopp made a late race pass of Rookie of the Year front runner, Moroney's 1-800fasthog.com's #99B PJ Jacobsen.

Defending Series Champion # 1 Jared Mees work his way up to fourth before sliding back to an eighth place finish. It was another eight seconds back to Matt Weidman.
The K&N Filter's dash for Cash saw Chris Carr dominate as points leader Joe Kopp suffered a blow to his points total when he couldn't get his Ducati to fire and he received no points. Sammy Halbert and Bryan Smith rounded out the podium as all three received "Special Edition, Nicky Hayden watches."
When JD Beach announced he was moving up to the Expert ranks for the Labor Day races in Springfield he said he wanted to win the Peoria, IL TT and the Indianapolis, IN Mile before taking on the challenge.

Impressively Beach accomplished just that as he led the last eleven laps of the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Grand National Championship main on his #95C Red Bull / Top 1 Oil backed Honda. Price Truck Line / Kennedy Wheels' #22L Michael Toon and Van's Yamaha / Woody Kyle Racing's #24P Jeffery Carver finished a very close second and third.

Carver's points lead continues to grow in the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Grand National Championship. Carver now leads defending Champion Brad Baker by 31 points with James Rispoli another thirty six points back.
The K&N Filters Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com points standing are still being le by Joe Kopp, but Sammy Halbert and Jake Johnson are closing in, just twelve and fourteen points back respectively.

INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
RESULTS: August 28, 2010
AMA PRO K&N GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED by MOTORCYCLE-SUPERSTORE.COM MAIN (25 laps; 18 riders): 1. Bryan Smith (Kaw); 2. Chris Carr (H-D); 3. Kenny Coolbeth (H-D); 4. Jake Johnson (H-D); 5. Sammy Halbert (H-D); 6. Joe Kopp (H-D); 7. PJ Jacobsen (H-D); 8. Jared Mees (H-D); 9. Matt Weidman (H-D); 10. Willie McCoy (H-D); 11. JR Schnabel (H-D); 12. Larry Pegram (Duc); 13. Luke Gough (H-D); 14. Brandan Bergen (H-D); 15. Rob Pearson (H-D); 16. Shawn Baer (Tri); 17. Steve Murray (H-D); 18. Jethro Halbert (H-D); 19. Stevie Bonsey (H-D).
Time: 22: 59.491 --RED FLAG--

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FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - BRAZIL

Posted by: Ollie S
Source: Pirelli

22 August 2010, Campo Grande (Brazil)

The mechanical problem experienced by Clement Desalle’s Suzuki delivered the MX1 title into the hands of champion Antonio Cairoli who with the Pirelli Scorpion MX confirmed a successful defence of his crown. It was a triumphant day for KTM at the Grand Prix of Brazil but it was also a momentous occasion for Pirelli, having equipped the first nine of ten riders in the top ten of the classification. With second position overall in MX2, standings leader Marvin Musquin now has one hand on the championship and could wrap up the 2010 series at Lierop, Holland in two weeks.

WEATHER: Sunshine TEMPERATURE 28° HUMIDITY 47% TERRAIN Hard-pack

MX1
Antonio Cairoli had planned to celebrate his 2010 world championship at Lierop in two weeks and the penultimate round of the series, instead his victory at the new circuit in Campo Grande combined with the mechanical failure experienced by Desalle meant an early celebration for the KTM rider and team using the 350SX-F booted with Scorpion MidSoft 32 front and rear. The timing of the success was not completely expected but there is no doubt that Cairoli thoroughly deserves his spoils and in the alliance with Pirelli has owned seven of the thirteen rounds this season so far. The same tyre combination in Campo Grande was used by the next eight riders. Second place was earned by David Philippaerts followed by Max Nagl, Steve Ramon, Rui Goncalves, Davide Guarneri, Joshua Coppins, Tanel Leok and Clement Desalle. One of the revelations of the 2010 campaign, Evgeny Bobryschev, did not take part after a crash in practice caused several cracked ribs.

Cairoli in action

Overall Classification:

1. Antonio Cairoli KTM
2. David Philippaerts Yamaha
3. Max Nagl KTM
4. Steve Ramon Suzuki
5. Rui Goncalves KTM

World Championship standings:

1. Antonio Cairoli KTM Team Red Bull De Carli 578
2. Clement Desalle Suzuki Team Teka 471
3. David Philippaerts Yamaha Team Yamaha Monster 441
4. Max Nagl KTM Team Red Bull De Carli 420
5. Steve Ramon Suzuki Team Teka 408

MX2
The Brazilian stage saw MX2 championship leader Marvin Musquin lose a set of duels with Ken Roczen but the Frenchman only has to wait two weeks for the Grand Prix of Benelux in the sand of Lierop to place his hands on the title for the second year in succession. The works KTM rider, using Scorpion MidSoft 32 front and rear, finished runner-up to the German Suzuki representative at both times of asking. The absent Jeffrey Herlings was joined on the sidelines by Red Bull KTM team-mate Shaun Simpson who also dislocated his shoulder (left) on the first lap of the opening moto. Yamaha’s Gautier Paulin was out of luck after his involvement with the Simpson incident led to a broken water pump and a DNF. In the second moto he took fourth place but could have been one position higher if it had not been for a crash on a slippery part of the terrain in the waves section.

Overall Classification:

1. Ken Roczen Suzuki
2. Marvin Musquin KTM
3. Jeremy Van Horebeek KTM
4. Arnaud Tonus Suzuki
5. Zach Osborne Yamaha

World Championship standings:

1. Marvin Musquin KTM Team Red Bull Factory 571
2. Ken Roczen Suzuki Team Teka 499
3. Steven Frossard Kawasaki Team CLS 430
4. Jeffrey Herlings KTM Team Red Bull Factory 391
5. Zach Osborne Yamaha Team Yamaha Bike-it 329

Cairoli

David Philippaerts won first heat

MX1 podium in Campo Grande

Clement Desalle

Marvin Musquin, MX2 leader

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SHERWOOD EYES UP CAPUT MUNDI

By: Ollie S
Images: A. Schelbert & B. Gardi - redbullxfighters.com


Kiwi FMX legend-in-the-making and Red Bull Athlete Levi Sherwood has taken out the fifth stage of the Red Bull X-Fighters 2010 World Tour in front of the Battersea Power Station in London.


Having won the Moscow leg of the X-Fighters 2010 World Tour earlier in the year the 19 year-old Palmerston North bred sensation destroyed the competition with a near faultless finals run pulling out his signature trick the "ruler flip".


Sherwood's overall win at Battersea combined with his earlier overall in Moscow sees Sherwood jump to third in the X-Fighters standings behind Andre Villa and Nate Adams.


Italy marks the battle ground for the final stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour on October 1st, where X-Fighters riders will throw everything humanely possibly to claim the X-Fighters 2010 crown. Using the Caput Mundi as one of the most surreal backdrops of the tour so far, Levi Sherwood is in for a very good chance of making X-Fighters history.

For more great images and videos or to follow the Red Bull X-Fighters 2010 World Tour pop over to Red Bull X-Fighters

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SHOULDER INJURY PUTS HERLINGS OUT

Source: Motocross Planet - Images: Archer. R/KTM Press
Jeffrey Herlings, who burst onto the MX2 GP season in 2010 as the rising star of the Red Bull KTM Factory Team and has proved himself as a top rider in the most elite company, is out for the rest of the season to heal an injured shoulder.
Jeffrey, just 15 years old, crashed heavily on his shoulder in the second moto in Loket, Czech Republic last weekend after a blistering performance in the first moto that saw him finish third and move into third in the championship standings behind factory teammate Marvin Musquin and rival Ken Roczen.


Everts confirms Herlings withdrawal from the last three GPs
Red Bull KTM team boss Stefan Everts told KTM Racing News that after a second medical opinion that established the shoulder injury was more serious that a simple dislocation, it had been decided that Jeffrey would not race in the remaining three GPs of the 2010 season. "The damage to the shoulder was worse that we thought and there is still some bleeding. He will need surgery and it is better that he concentrates on healing the injury and recovering to be completely fit for the beginning of 2011. Jeffrey is still very young and he has nothing more to prove about his performance on the bike. He has won two GPs and has proven that he is up with the best and the fastest on the world championship tracks. The injury is unfortunate but that's racing, and like all champions he will come back to the track stronger than ever," Everts said.


Time to heal, says Jeffrey
Speaking by telephone from his home in the Netherlands Jeffrey also said he considered that withdrawing from the last three GPs was the right decision. "Now I have to take at least six week's rest before I can have the surgery on my shoulder," he said, "The muscles are still very swollen and the swelling has to go down before the operation. After that I will need 2-3 months of recovery time but that means I will be fit and ready to race at the beginning of the 2011 season. I have had a lot of good races this year and I have shown that I can race with all the good guys and get good results. I know there will be a lot expected of me going into next season so now I'll have time to recover and to get really fit again in time for the first races."

Herlings delivers a stellar first season
Jeffrey has had a stellar first season with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. He had the pleasure of winning his first career GP at home in the Netherlands and followed it up with a second win in Latvia. He was three times second on the overall podium (Portugal, Sweden and Belgium) and was third in Lombardy, Italy. He won four individual motos, was placed second in four races and was third six times to underline that despite his entry into senior world championship level racing at such a young age, he is a professional that can deliver on all kinds of terrain.


The entire Orange family join in wishing Jeffrey a speedy and complete recovery and look forward to him being "Ready to Race" for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team at the beginning of the 2011 season.

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2011 GAS GAS EC ENDURO'S PREVIEW + VIDEO

Slipping under the radar here in New Zealand is the recently released PR from GasGas Motos.

Check out their gorgeous looking 2011 EC 250 & 300 with a newly designed front headlight. Other new features are adjustable SACHS 48 front forks, FMF Q-Stealth silencer, Sachs shock absorber and the improved cooling system with the new radiator cap.



2011 GasGas EC 250 / 300 2T | Enduro Specifications

Engine Single-cylinder 2-stroke, liquid cooled
Displacement 249,3 cc / 299,3 cc
Bore x stroke 66,4 x 72 mm / 72,5 x 72,5 mm
Gearbox 6 speed gearbox with foot control
Clutch Wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Carburettor Keihin 38 mm - Intake by reed valve
Frame Chrom-Molybdenum tubular frame
Swingarm Aluminium, Progressive linkage system
Front fork Sachs 48 mm Up-Side-Down, 295 mm travel
Adjustability Adjustable compression and rebound
Shock absorber Sachs hydraulic mono shock absorber
Adjustability Rebound, compression and spring preload
Suspension travel 310 mm rear wheel travel
Rim type Light aluminium spoke rim
Rim - tyre Front: 1.6 x 21 - 90/90 - 21
Rim - tyre Rear: 2.15 x 18 - 40/80 - 18
Front brake 260 mm wave floating, 2-piston caliper
Rear brake 220 mm wave disc, 1-piston caliper
Fuel 9,5 lt (2-stroke-oil/fuel mixed 1:50)
Dry weight 101 kg / 102 kg
Dimensions Length x width x height: 2.200 x 830 x 1.260 mm
Wheelbase 1.475 mm
Seat height 940 mm

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HAMPTON DOWNS RIDE DAY – JULY 10TH

By Ollie S


The California Superbike School couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions on Saturday 10th July for their long awaited re-opening of their Hamptons Downs Ride Days. Despite the mercury slowing rising from a very frosty 3deg in the morning to a slightly more manageable 14deg in the afternoon there was huge turnout of riders from learners to pro’s mixing and mingling with unabated smiles.


The option to ride with other track warriors of similar skill and speed is a hugely popular draw card to the Hampton Downs Ride Days. Not only does it bring out learners and first timers but also pools a magnificent number of reconditioned classic road bikes. Focusing on track only experience, Darren Sweetman and his Californian Superbike School team enforce the track sessions are for track time only and any hint of racing, lap timing or inconsiderate riding is strongly governed.

KR was there testing several Hyosung’s and a new Yamaha R6, with BikeMart man Todd S also nabbing a ride on Sloan “Choppa” Frosts sensationally trick BMW 1000RR. We had Geoff Osborne firing off some frames for an up and coming test/feature, so look out for some cheeky offside images making it to the Kiwi Rider blog and Facebook pages soon.

If you attended the July 10th Hampton Downs Ride Day and looking for your own riding images don’t forget to head over to Andrew Bright’s Championship Digital webpage to view his magnificent work. Andrew attempted to cover all riders so if your picture comes up on his page jump in and have that knee scrub hanging on your office wall, no doubt the images will be tack sharp. The day was absolutely magnificent and the best money can buy on a world-class track.

The next Hampton Downs Ride Day is scheduled for Friday, August 13th. For more information and to guarantee a spot on the tarmac head over to www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz and book a spot now. Hampton Downs Ride Days are operated by the California Superbike School and are independent of their training courses, although Darren and his friendly team are more than happy to offer advice. If your keen to learn the art of cornering or simply improve your tecniue and riding experience any one of the up and coming California Superbike Schools come highly recommended by Kiwi Rider Magazine. For more information or the California Superbike School course head over to www.californiasuperbikeschool.co.nz

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2011 2-STROKE HUSABERGS + VIDEO!

Rumours were rife all over the web that Husaberg were developing a brand new 2-stroke range with odd-ball engine capacities, direct injection and unique 4-stroke type exhausts. While it seems direct injection, odd-ball engine capacities and strange exhuast pipes will have to stay just that - rumour - Husaberg have now officially released a 2-stroke range.


Most likely derived from the KTM 250EXC and 300EXC range, Husaberg's brand new electric start TE250 and TE300 with user selectable maps will surely get the enduro pit tongues wagging!



Below is an excerpt from the official Husaberg press release found over at www.husaberg.com

"As Husaberg has always stood for innovative technology, lightweight construction and sensational handling, it seemed logical to extend the successful 4-stroke model range to include 2-stroke technology as well. As a result, Husaberg is offering two new models - the TE 250 and TE 300 - for the 2011 model year, both powered by state-of-the-art, high-performance, 2-stroke engines.

Husaberg has therefore also opened up an alternative for those who particularly appreciate the well-known characteristics of 2-stroke bikes, such as minimal weight, superb rideability, a lively power delivery, easy to cope-with technology and, last but not least, the low costs of acquisition and maintenance.

At the heart of the two TE models is a compact and extra-lightweight 2-stroke engine with a displacement of 249 cc or 293.2 cc respectively. These power units are equipped with the finest technology, such as an exhaust power-valve and an adjustable ignition (selectable via a switch fitted as standard to the handlebars), which provide the opportunity to adapt the engine characteristics precisely to the needs of the rider and the terrain. The six-gear transmission is also designed precisely for real enduro use. And not to forget, the smooth hydraulic clutch system by Brembo and the small and light electric starter, which is invaluable above all when the strength of the rider is gradually dwindling away.

Just like the 4-stroke Enduros from Husaberg, the TE models are equipped with the latest upside-down forks from WP, featuring closed-cartridge technology. With a sealed, internal damping unit, these forks guarantee unique sensitivity along with efficient and constant damping characteristics throughout the entire suspension travel.

The PDS shock has been tuned in such a way that the settings completely satisfy all requirements in tough enduro use. Greater comfort and better damping is almost impossible. And those who want to refine the tuning of their suspension even further have the option to adjust the rebound and compression damping in a matter of a few clicks. Furthermore, the PDS shock offers separate compression adjustment for high- and low-speed damping.

The two 2-stroke models have been further refined with other top-class components, including billet machined, black-anodised triple clamps, high-strength DID spoked wheels with CNC-machined hubs, the latest Brembo brake components and high-quality, tapered aluminium handlebars. A strong plastic holder is injection-moulded around the aluminium silencer which can be mounted perfectly to the aluminium subframe.
One clear benefit for the rider is provided by the 11-litre fuel tank that allows long off-road stages to be completed and longer intervals to be taken between pit-stops in multi-hour enduro races. Despite its capacity the polyethylene fuel tank offers excellent Enduro ergonomics.

The new Husaberg 2-stroke bikes, which have been named in accordance with the tried and tested Husaberg nomenclature (FE = Four-stroke Enduro, TE = Two-stroke Enduro), also share the fresh appearance of the other Husaberg offroad models and are clearly recognisable as Husabergs, even at a distance."

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2010 RED BULL ROMANIACS – BIRCH WINS!

Perhaps one of the most triumphant stories of 2010, Kiwi Off-Road hero and KTM Red Bull athlete Chris Birch has claimed the first Red Bull Romaniacs title of his career. In 2009 he finished second to the hard charging German born BMW rider Andreas Lettenbichler, but what a year 2010 has turned out to be for Birch outclassing all the elements with a never-say-die attitude.

Going into Off-Road Day 4 with just over a 27min lead from the competition Brit rider Graham Jarvis and 34mins ahead of German Lettenbichler, Birch couldn’t afford the slightest mistake. It became a battle of wits and pure endurance as Birch not only rode a near faultless final 126km stage he also did so an incredible 6mins faster than 2nd place finished Graham Jarvis who became the first finisher of Off-Road Day 4 doing it from the back of pack.

With a nation of clammy palmed fans following his every live GPS plot online it was clear from an external perspective that Birch had Red Bull Romaniacs 2010 in the bag. However for Birch it was a very different story. "I'm extremely happy today, because regarding all my technical problems from yesterday, I didn't even think that I would finish the race" says an all smiling Chris Birch who among other competitors battled through the slipperiest conditions of the event both mentally and physically exhausted.

The hard charging 2nd placed Brit Graham Jarvis, like Birch, battled through Red Bull Romaniacs 2010 showing at times some of the most magical riding finesse witnessed in the 2010 event that was plagued with mechanical problems. Jarvis’ 2nd place overall is a true testament to his gritty attitude and the former 2008 winner will be back for more next year.

German Lettenbichler took home the final spot on the podium when he crossed the finish line in unison with Paul Bolton and Jade Gutzeit in front of a huge crowd. Despite not repeating his victory from last year, the exhausted, battered and bruised BMW rider is more than satisfied with his performance. “This year’s race was probably harder than all previous Romaniacs due to the rain. The very first Off-Road day made me exceed my limits, so I'm actually very happy to have reached another podium here.”

Unofficial results for the 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs are:
1 BIRCH Chris (NZL, KTM) 28:17:31 hours
2 JARVIS Graham (UK, Sherco) 28:46:12
3 LETTENBICHLER Andreas (BMW) 29:18:29
4 BOLTON Paul (UK, KTM) 29:52:12
5 GUTZEIT Jade (RSA, KTM) 30:21:32
6 SEYDOUX Lionel (CH, KTM) 33:21:58
7 FORSTER Gerhard (GER,BMW) 35:47:18
8 CURTIS Darryl (RSA, KTM) 40:06:41
9 GYENES Emanuel (ROM, KTM) 42:10:59
10 BRANDAUER Erich (Husaberg) 42:36:54

Chris Birch now has his eyes set on the 2010 ISDE in Mexico Noemeber 1st – 6th and then onto defending his Roof of Africa crown November 25th – 27th.

And if you’re wondering about national news coverage, both One News and TV3 News will be covering Birch’s latest victory from 6pm tonight – do not miss it!


For now check out this cool video from Off-Road Day 4 and One News’ midday national news update (Coverage from Red Bull Romaniacs starts in chapter 2)

Video Recap Off-Road Day 4



One News Midday Update

http://tvnz.co.nz/one-news/midday-update-video-1031716

Photos Courtesy of Red Bull Photofiles

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RED BULL ROMANIACS 2010 DAY 3 + VIDEO

An early start amidst fog and rain the weather conditions were looking very omniscient of Off-Road Day 1 two days ago. Thankfully the weather was starting to clear and with sun blazing through the clouds around mid morning the drama began to unfold.

With most competitors successfully reaching the days only service point just before midday they all learn that the infamously hard and heavy ‘no-help-zone’ labelled the “Long Walk” had been scratched from the days racing because of the mornings atrocious conditions. Once Andreas Lettenbichler had come and gone from Service Point it wasn’t for another 15mins that Chris Birch, Jade Gutzeit and Joakim Lunggren made it to Service Point. Lunggren was the only competitor out of the top contention to not leave Service Point suffering from a violent stomach bug and subsequently made the decision to withdraw from the days racing.


Having pushed hard for 10km out of Service Point Birch encountered some serious engine electrical problems and was left hanging like a fly in the Carpathian Mountains. Armed with his mobile phone, mandatory for racing competitors, he calmly called up service (only as Birch could in a situation like that) and instructed them to load up Darryl Curtis with much needed parts.


Curtis shot off in search of Birch but it took several back tracks and agonizing minutes to locate Birch to off-load the goods. Knowing full well Lettenbichler was flying up ahead and Birch’s 50min lead buffer was fast diminishing, Birch worked quickly to get his KTM300EXC up and running armed with little more than a few spanners and screwdrivers. Over an hour and half later Andreas Lettenbichler and Bolton miraculously turn up back at Service Point after spending over an hour looking for the next check point. Bolton also had some front brake problems.


Hard charging Brit Graham Jarvis, after yesterdays shocking engine problems, was making up excellent time on the front runners until he too got caught out by the tricky to navigate check point after the Service Point and subsequently also surprised the Lettenbichler and Bolton when he fronted up to Service Point as they were leaving.


A touch on 2.30pm and Lettenbichler crosses the finish for Off-Road Day 3. Bolton trundles in a mere 4sec behind Lettenbichler, with a much destroyed looking South African Gutzeit finishing shortly after Bolton. However, it was Jarvis on top punching his Sherco home first, 25mins ahead of the competition.
At roughly 2.53pm Birch crosses the finish line. As Birch rolls under the Red Bull finishing platform he is quoted as saying “Man, I have nearly changed every part of my bike today! I have been riding for KTM for 6 years now, and I NEVER EVER had one single problem with electrics!”

Birch is estimated to have lost 27mins of his lead to Lettenbichler in the overall standings, which reduces Birch’s buffer as he heads into Off-Road Day 4 by under 30mins.

After having ridden for nearly 10 hours through the Carpathian wilderness, Darryl Curtis arrives at the finish line at 4:08pm. "I slipped sideways from the track and buried myself in a deep and really steep ditch. It took me nearly 25mins and all my energy to get myself back on track, only to discover that there were some more cruelties waiting for me."

Disturbingly late in the afternoon at 4pm only 55 riders have reached the finish and it is noted that heavy rain has set in making it increasingly harder for the remaining competitors still stuck out in the wilderness to make it the final kilometres home. Around 4.30pm only 8 riders from the Pro-Class have made it to the finish line they are Jarvis, Lettenbichler, Bolton, Gutzeit, Birch, Forster, Van Niekerk and Darryl Curtis.

Off-Road Day 4, the final day of the Red Bull Romaniacs 2010 is set to get underway around 3pm out time this afternoon. Birch has a rough 30min lead in the overall standings but there are some notoriously hard sections still left to come. Lets keep our fingers crossed that Birch can stay upright and claim the Red Bull Romaniacs crown!

Check out this cool video from Off-Road Day 3



Images courtesy of Red Bull Romaniacs

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RED BULL ROMANIACS 2010 DAY 2 + VIDEO

The weather certainly cleared up for Off-Road Day 2 of the 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs but that didn’t mean the course was any less challenging.


After leaving Sibiu in 2nd place early this morning on Romanian time, KTM Factory Red Bull Rider Chris Birch seems to have possibly encountered some problems out in the Carpathian Mountains as he looks to have slipped back into fourth overall.


After a crash fest filled Off-Road Day 1, battered and bruised factory BMW rider Andreas Lettenbichler has relished in the ‘easier’ conditions finishing Off-Road Day 2 in the early afternoon some 35mins ahead of 2nd place rider Swedish Joakim Ljunggren and taking the overall win for the day. Barely two minutes later South African KTM rider Jade Gutzeit comes in 3rd whilst Kiwi hero Birch holds 4th position, both a staggering 50 minutes behind Lettenbichler.


Graham Jarvis’ Sherco doesn’t seem to be holding up against the harsh Romanian conditions with yet another mechanical set-back, this time a failing fuel pump, causing him to lose precious time against the leaders. Jarvis was the first to start Off-Road Day 2 but now it is unknown where the British Enduro star stands.

It must also be mentioned that most of the Pro class riders have serious time penalties against their names due to the extremely technical nature of yesterdays racing and toerrential weather playing havoc with race lines forcing many to take a completely different route to have any chance of making it through some of the challenge sections. It remains a total lottery to who is actually leading the standings for the 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs overall title.

With two more days of intense Off-Road racing ahead of them in the intensely challenging Carpathian Mountains the 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs is far from over! Check out this cool video recap from Off-Road Day 1.



Images courtesy of Red Bull Romaniacs 2010

EDIT: Taddy Blazusiack is out of the 2010 Red Bull Romaniacs! After injuring his shoulder during the prologue, Taddy unfortunately clipped another tree during Off-Road Day 1 of racing and can no longer compete.

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