Nield ready to endure

Mitchell Nield is all set for the first leg of the New Zealand Enduro Championships starting this weekend near Nelson. Photo/Sianella Nield

Kaikohe's Mitchell Nield is readying himself for his return to the National Enduro Championship which begins this weekend.

The season is starting earlier this year as round one was held in late March last year, but despite this, Nield said the preparations have been fine.

"Preparations have been going good, my new Trenz Homes racing team Yamaha 125 has come together nicely and we have managed to squeeze in a bit of bike testing leading up to the first round," he said.

"After having last season away from racing I am so ready and exited to get back into it. My goal this year is to be competitive and challenge for another national title."

Nield is looking for his first national title since 2011.

He said the championship is a great challenge for him and the other riders.

"The National Enduro Championship is a tough series that requires both mental and physical strength and my fitness is starting to get back to where it needs to be," he said.

"I usually try to spend some time on the bike at least once a week and do a lot of cycling, some swimming and bit of gym work, although I don't particularly enjoy it!

"With the Enduro being around 6 hours long, the toughest part of is staying focused and maintaining the same fast racing pace through to the end of the event."

The format of the race is similar to a rally with transport style stages and timed special stages where you have to go as fast as you can to decide the winner of the event.

Nield said he couldn't have gotten to this point without the help of his sponsors Trenz Homes, Yamaha Whangarei, Halvo Signs, Fox, Mitas, G and L Farming and Mitchell Nield Racing.

After racing this weekend, the national series travels north for round two near Whangamata on February 25