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Kiwi Girl Confounds the Italians
Kiwi Girl Confounds the Italians
JULY 9, 2013: Auckland’s Avalon Biddle is making the most of her every opportunity in Europe.
With a wildcard ride at round three of the Trofeo Italiano Amatori (Italian Amateurs Trophy) road-racing championship in Italy on Sunday, the flying Kiwi took her WIL Sport Management-supported Tecnicamoto Honda CBR600RR to rocket from eighth position on the starting grid at Misano to snatch third place at the finish in what was an outstanding display of riding.
With the intense heat in Misano, Orewa’s Biddle was grateful that the race was run in the cool of the early evening and straight off the start line she pulled a gap on a snarling pack of 38 angry riders who were chasing her down.
The former New Zealand 125GP and 125TT champion, and the 2012 Italian Women’s Championship runner-up, set down a sizzling pace over the race’s opening laps, managing to keep the top qualifiers at bay.
But it could not last and, as the men pushed deeper and deeper into the corners in an attempt to get past the Kiwi heroine, she was eventually forced to concede her lead.
But Biddle stuck to her task and ended the day taking the third step on the podium, behind the two Italian men who also lead the championship, Umbria’s Paris Sereni and Verona’s Andy Rossi.
“I had a lot of fun in the race today, especially coming from eighth on the starting grid to first position within two corners,” said Biddle.
“I fell back to fourth mid race, but I was doing great lap times and someone crashed on the last lap, leaving me to pick up third place.
“I owed a podium my supporters here so bad. I want to thank them so much for all they have done for me.
“WIL Sport Management has been there all weekend and are the ones making it happen for young Kiwis to compete overseas. These opportunities are amazing and I hope we can continue to grow the silverware collection that’s coming back to New Zealand.”
Blue Wing Honda New Zealand’s events and race team manager Peter Finlay said he was excited by Biddle’s achievement at the weekend.
“She is doing us all proud, waving the New Zealand flag. She is such a fantastic ambassador for New Zealand and for the sport too.”
Words by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
ENDS
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