Paul Whibley - Raglan Rocx 4 hour

The annual Raglan Rocx 4 Hour XC was held at a new venue, for this event, overlooking the Raglan harbour. Teaming up with NZ XC Champion and fellow Yamaha rider Adam Reeves was a no brainer. On paper we were the team to beat and everyone was expecting us to be up front. I was given the job of starting so off we headed out to the start line a couple of km away from the pits.

Lining up ready for the shotgun start, holding onto the fence. The shotgun blasted and then a sprint to the bike, leaping on with the YZF firing up quickly and launching off down the start straight. Rounding turn one in 2nd then moving into the lead after a few corners. I was kept honest through most of the first lap as I led the way through some fresh tracks and some extremely slippery clay sections under the scrub that could easily catch you out. With the lap being over 30 minutes and having to ride out to the start line we elected to gas after the first lap. I had pulled about a 30 second lead and handed the controls over to Adam. As Adam pulled out of the pits, 2nd place came through without stopping for gas and just slotted into the lead. Adam rode great and was able to return after his lap in the lead. We had done some calculations on fuel consuption and lap times and worked out we should be able to do two laps before gassing. So I was sent out for my second stint on the bike. Our lead was growing and we were well in command of the race now.

Adam was sent out for his second stint and increased our lead further. When I took control of the bike for the last session it was touch and go whether I would get one or two laps in before the flag came out. I pushed hard and came around with two minutes to spare and was able to head out for another lap, winning the race by a comfortable margin.Team races are good fun and riding with someone of Adams calibre was always going to result in a successful event.

Results:1st: Paul Whibley/Adam Reeves2nd: Michael Vining (Ironman)3rd: Luke Ramsey/Jason Moorefield

Thanks to the following sponsors for their support in NZ:Yamaha NZ, Sargent Motorcycles, MotoSR, Ohlins, Spectro, Pirelli, DID, JT, G2, Tire Balls, Smith, CTi, Shoei, Sidi, Acerbis, GHQ, MSR, WER, FMF, IMS Vortex Ignitions, Rekluse, ProMoto Billet