Motocross: Lamont eyes Australian title

Kayne Lamont. Photo/Bikesportnz.com

It's a fresh competition, in a different country, with new rivals, but it is business as usual for just-crowned New Zealand MX2 champion Kayne Lamont.

The Husqvarna rider from Mangakino is on top of the pile in Australia after the first round of 10 in the Monster Energy Australian Motocross Championship at Broadford, near Melbourne.

The Husqvarna Red Bull WIL Sport NZ Racing Team rider had a cracking day at the weekend in perfect conditions at Broadford, taking the MX2 class round win ahead of KTM duo Brendan Harrison, of Australia, and Hamish Harwood, from Takaka, near Nelson.

Despite early rain at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Victoria, the sun shone in the afternoon - matched by an equally bright performance by Lamont.

Lamont, supported by BikesportNZ.com, managed 1-2-1 from his three outings to claim a comfortable overall win on the day and stake his claim as a rider to watch in the MX2 class in 2014.

While the result might have surprised a few of the Australian commentators - and it shouldn't have after the young Kiwi's recent performances at home against world class opposition - it didn't surprise the man himself.

"I wasn't surprised to win," said Lamont matter-of-factly.

"I was planning on being among the top two or three at least.

"The track was quite hilly and they had put mulch down on the dirt so, when it rained, it got quite slippery.

"It obviously didn't suit all the riders, but I adjusted pretty quickly.

"I think I shut a few people up and shocked a few others."

Home now to rest and recover - he had surgery to remove his appendix just over a week ago - Lamont said he planned on training at the tracks near his Mangakino home before heading back for round two in less than two weeks' time.

"I was heavily strapped up but I still had huge stomach cramps at the weekend," said Lamont.

"I believe I will be 100 per cent again before round two."

And that should sound a few warning bells for his rivals - if he can dominate at less than 100 per cent, imagine what could happen when he's fully fit?

"I want to thank Jeff Leisk in Australia and Patrick Stafford in New Zealand for all their support and also Husqvarna, Red Bull, WIL Sport, Philip Parry Contracting, BikesportNZ.com, Workshop Graphics, Motorex, Suspension Tech, Karl Mason Builders, Advance Physiotherapy and Kinetic Planning."