N ew Zealand ’ s cross-country motorcycle racing elite will be chomping at the bit to hit the tracks again as the competition is resurrected for 2021 . When the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic struck New Zealand in March last year , a nationwide lock-down was imposed , sporting activities curtailed and travelling restricted , with the 2020 New Zealand Cross-country Championships barely underway at that time . The competition was then postponed entirely for 2020 , so no national champions were declared last season . However , thanks to the generosity of the series ’ major sponsors , Yamaha-Motor New Zealand , their support has been “ rolled over ” to continue on into 2021 . Preparations are well underway for the fourround 2021 series , the opening round set for farmland at Marton on February 28 . The Yamaha New Zealand Cross-country Championships then head to Central Hawke ’ s Bay for round two on March 14 . The South Island hosts the second half of the series , with backto-back rounds three and four on consecutive days , at Gore and Mosgiel respectively , on April 17 and 18 . Motorcycling New Zealand cross-country commissioner Chris Smyth said he was looking forward to a thrilling season . “ We can ’ t thank Yamaha enough for getting behind us once more ,” he said , “ It will be fantastic to get back into the swing of things this year . New Zealand is so blessed with great opportunities to ride – terrain that can be both safe and exciting at the same time – and the incredible generosity of landowners makes all of this possible ”. The New Zealand Cross-country Championships series is also supported by Northern Accessories , O ’ Neal apparel , The Dirt Guide , Oakley goggles , Bel Ray oils and Michelin Tyres .

2021 YAMAHA NZ XC CHAMPS CALENDAR

Round One Sunday , Feb 28 – Bush Riders Motorcycle Club , Cam Smith ’ s Farm in Marton

Round Two Sunday , March 14 – Central HBMCC , location TBC

Round Three Saturday , April 17 - Gore & Districts Motorcycle Club , location TBC

Round Four Sunday , April 18 – Mosgiel District Motorcycle Club , location TBC

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KIWI RIDER JANUARY 2021 VOL2 | Page 21