Team NZ's MXoN Catch-Up with Riders: brought to you by KTM NZ

Team NZ MXoN Catch-Up with Riders: Scott Columb, Hamish Dobbyn and Hamish Harwood

 

The Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is this weekend with NZ’s Team of Scott Columb (Open), Hamish Dobbyn (MX1) and Hamish Harwood (MX2) ready for the task ahead.

 

Having settled in Riga, Latvia, tested race bikes at a practice track and walked the MXoN track venue the guys are enjoying the whole experience and looking forward to competing in the annual ‘Olympics of Motocross on September 28^th and 29^th.

 

I caught up with the guys for brief chat on how it’s all going heading into the weekend.

Hamish Harwood:

‘I think everyone’s settled in nicely. As for myself I feel really good heading into MXoN. I haven’t felt any nerves yet but I think that will change when we’re at the event. I just want to give it 100%.

Bike 2015 KTM 250F: Yes, I am definitely pleased with the bike, for a while we were unsure of what we were exactly getting. KTM NZ and Dave Craig assured us bikes would be good and they were right.

Practice: We went and rode a practice track yesterday to set up bikes and do some testing and came away very happy with the bike set-up.

Heads up for weekend: I think for me the biggest thing is to feel good and comfortable on the bike. Not get flustered with the atmosphere and level of riders at the event. From there we need to qualify for the Main then just do what I know I can’.

 

Scott Columb:

Bike Rinaldi Yamaha YZF450: ‘I haven’t ridden my bike, it’s the same as my bike in NZ not a Factory set-up. I’ll swing my leg over it on Saturday.

Heads up for weekend: Try not to think too much. It’s the best riders in the world- enjoy it’.

 

Hamish Dobbyn

‘Pre-race mode I’m feeling good and relaxed.

Bike 2015 KTM450: I rode the bike on Wednesday and feel comfortable with that. We went and saw the track for MXoN which looks good and well prep’d. I’m now familiar with the track, Teams set-up, and programme which is good.

Heads up for weekend: Yes definitely I’m feeling positive heading into racing. I have good suspension set-up and the training programme with Mike Barnes for the past 3 months has definitely been great for me. The support and efforts from Patrick Stafford KTM NZ, Cannon Smith, Dave Craig and Bodo Schmidt KTM Racing in Latvia has been awesome and makes my job easier. I’m looking forward to getting out there’.

 

Scott Columb # 60                            Hamish Dobbyn # 58                                       Hamish Harwood # 59