Riders line up for last club race night of year

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THE last Gisborne BMX Club night for 2015 drew 47 riders to the start gate.

Striders — New rider Ariana Shanks improved as the meet went on, finishing her last race with minimal help. She was joined by Alex Kelly, Ada Lasenby, Ivy Lasenby, Jackson Young and Anna Spence. These young racers had a good time over their five motos.

Five and under — Reave Nepia-Anderson was again too quick for the chasing pack headed by Brad O’Connell- Bacon, who had four second placings. Walker Wallis and Zavier Iremonger battled it out and Asher Nepia-Anderson rounded out the group.

Six to seven mixed — Matt Hills was the class rider in this group, which needed two heats for the 10 starters.

Louie Sanders raced hard to claim second place overall, with Aliyah Lardelli not far behind. Josh Day raced well to come in fourth, followed by Jd Stairs, Sam Lloyd, Kyran Lasenby, Liam Spence, Jorja Rogers and Auric Pocock.

10 and 11 — Dane Berry raced off for five wins, with Cate Hills running a close second. Ruby-Anne Smith came home third, with Seth Iremonger — racing up a group — in fourth place. Miah Sommerton led home Ethan Gill, Breanna Iremonger and Erin Somerton.

14 and 15 mixed — Gemma Hills had five wins, heading home Krystal Smith, Taylah Pragnell, Cjay Ingram, Jimmy Jones, Kate McCosh and Noah Warman. Krystal, Taylah and Cjay had four close races with some pretty skilful riding.

16plus A mixed — Nick Fox has returned home from racing in the US and was back on the club track. Justin Nepia led the chase pack, often rubbing elbows with Ethan Rogers. Phill Gill and Tim Smith were not far behind, and David Parkes rounded out the field.

18plus — Shane Pragnell finished the night one point ahead of Rob Graham, with Bryce Kelly a close third. Often these riders were three-wide as they battled for the lead.

Women — Sharyn Lardelli was too quick for Kyla Newton and Leah O’Connell.

Next Tuesday night the club has its Christmas break-up at the Olympic Pool complex, where members will gather for a barbecue and a swim. Racing will begin again around the start of the school year.