Reeves Has Fight On His Hands

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Reeves Has Fight On His Hands

By Andy McGechan

APRIL 17, 2012: Two rounds complete and two different riders were the winners, so it could be a battle between mates to decide this year’s New Zealand Cross-country Championships.

Palmerston North’s defending national champion Adam Reeves won the first of four rounds in the Suzuki-sponsored series near Pahiatua in February and Mokau’s Adrian Smith won the day at round two near Huntly last month.

Round three is in Marlborough country, near Blenheim, this Sunday and fireworks are expected as the leading title contenders battle for each and every point.

With riders to discard their worst result of the series – so that only three rounds are counted – it is destined to be a very tight battle indeed before the championships wraps up near Christchurch next month.

The 29-year-old Reeves kicked off his title defence with a resounding win at Pahiatua, but managed only seventh overall at round two after experiencing “a tough day at the office”, a huge crash putting him near the back of the field and forcing a titanic battle to claw his way back.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Smith – crowned Waitomo Sportsperson of the Year in December – was only sixth overall at round one, before rebounding with his impressive win at round two.

“I feel Adrian is certainly my biggest threat and I really need to finish ahead of him on Sunday,” said Reeves.

“I’m carrying an injury and not able to train at all at the moment, so that’s going to make it especially hard for me.”

Whakatane’s Lance O’Dea is another rider among the title favourites, his 2-3 results thus far also putting him in a prime position to win overall. It will also be worth looking for a top performance from local rider Andrew Rudd, of Blenheim, who will be keen to turn local knowledge into valuable points.

In the junior ranks, riders such as Maruia’s Ethan Bruce, Raglan’s Mathew Quirke, Pahiatua’s Scott Sowry, Nelson’s Josh McDonald, Gore’s Ben Turnbull and Eketahuna’s Daniel Christie are among those expected to stand out on Sunday.

Sunday’s venue is Seventeen Valley, State Highway 1, Blenheim and it will be signposted from Blenheim, heading south to Seddon. It is about 10 kilometres south of Blenheim.

The fourth and final round is set for Christchurch on May 12.

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