National motorcycling team roars into Queenstown ahead of ISDE

Blazing a trail to Mexico for the ‘Olympics of motorcycling’ is New Zealand’s Wellard Yamaha Endurance Motorcycling team - but first they’re set to unveil their 2010 jersey at the team’s official launch, (October 1) hosted at Queenstown Motorcycles in Glenda Drive, Queenstown.

Elite Kiwi riders, Rory Mead, Adrian Smith and Adam Reeves have been selected to represent New Zealand at the annual International Six Day Enduro (ISDE,) an extreme motorcycling event held near the city of Morelia in Mexico later this year (November 1-6).

Queenstown Motorcycles General Manager Duncan Smith said he was stoked to host the motorcyclists for a celebratory send off.

“The ISDE is regarded as the toughest off-road motorcycle event in the world and New Zealand riders are highly regarded, often taking podium spots, it’s fantastic to host the team launch in Queenstown,” he said.

Known as the ‘Wellard Club Team,’ the Kiwis are supported by Yamaha New Zealand and Wellard Group Holdings Pty – headed by Managing Director and former enduro rider Mauro Balzarini. Mauro, a part time Queenstown resident, became involved in enduro motorcycle racing 25 years ago, has won victory at the Italian Championships and completed his fifth ISDE in New Zealand in 2006.

“Mauro is a passionate supporter of enduro motorcycle racing. He has supported enduro teams in Western Australia and has provided the funding to set up and support a New Zealand team, paving the way for these young stars of the sport,” said Mr Smith.

Rory Mead of Whitby is the former National Enduro champion, Adrian Smith of Mokau, the National under-200cc Enduro champion and former National Cross-country champion, while Adam Reeves is Pahiatua’s two-time and reigning National Cross-country champion. A fourth rider, Auckland’s Karl Power, will be on standby as a reserve rider.

Rory, Adrian and Adam each competed at the Yamaha Top Trail Rider Enduro Series in Tokoroa this month ahead of the ISDE with the Yamaha team taking the top three podium spots (Rory 1st, Adam 2nd and Adrian in 3rd).

The ISDE is the oldest off-road motorcycle event of the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme. The very first event was held in Carlisle, England in 1913. The event attracts more than 500 riders from 32 national teams, testing both the rider and machine. Over the six days and upwards of 1250 miles riders must contend with strict time allowance rules and restrictions on mechanical replacements, carrying out their own track-side repairs.