Motorcycling New Zealand Offers Riders Assistance

Motorcycling New Zealand Offers Riders Assistance

MAY 17, 2016: Canterbury motorcycle enduro riders Hamish and Angus Macdonald could be the next Kiwi superstars to claim a podium finish overseas, especially if they can continue their steep upward momentum in the brutal and unforgiving sport.

The board of Motorcycling New Zealand sets aside each year funding for rider grants and this year the two Christchurch bothers, rising stars on the national scene in recent years, have been granted $1250 to assist them in their bid for international success next month.

They are making plans to race at the big annual Red Bull Romaniacs extreme enduro event, in the rugged Carpathian Mountains of Romania, between July 12-16.

New Zealand's Chris Birch won the event outright in 2010, the only Kiwi ever to do so, a testimony both to the mental toughness and world-class abilities of Glen Eden's Birch, but also a telling indication of just how brutally difficult this event can be.

It attracts many hundreds of elite off-road riders from all around the world and not all of them are even able to finish as fatigue, injury and mechanical mayhem takes its toll.

Hamish Macdonald currently leads the 2016 edition of the New Zealand Enduro Championships, with two rounds still to be run, at Waimiha on June 4 and at Tokoroa on June 5.

Angus Macdonald is currently fifth overall in the nationals standings.

The back-to-back enduro nationals rounds in the Central North Island will be their last major outings before they head overseas.

Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) wishes every success for the Macdonald brothers, and for the many other intrepid Kiwis who will tackle the event this year.
New Zealand's many MNZ-affiliated motorcycle clubs are the first port of call for riders when they are applying for funding. Clubs have the ability to help riders with funding and fundraising; after these avenues are exhausted, the club can then make an application on behalf of the rider – ideally the club (or nominated representative) and the rider would complete the application together.

Funding is typically allocated four times a year. Applications are to be received by the 20th day of the following months – February, May, August and October.
Provided the application contains all the information that MNZ needs, it will be discussed at the following month's MNZ board meeting.

“MNZ recognises young talent and wants to encourage it and help facilitate progress by these individuals," said MNZ general manager of operations Vicky Hicks.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer some assistance to these fine athletes. Other Kiwi motorcyclists will also benefit from grants from MNZ and we will be naming those recipients shortly.”

New Zealand has a reputation for producing world class motorcyclists and, with assistance such as this coming from within the bike community, from individual sponsors, club support and MNZ grants, there is no reason why this record cannot be enhanced in Romania next month.

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