Motorsport: Dirt duo marathon favourites

Winning three national cross-country crowns must count for something and Adam Reeves believes it might just be the edge he needs to conquer this weekend's six-hour dirt bike marathon near Taupo.

That winning experience plus a surprise new teammate could well be the right recipe for success in tomorrow's big race at The Pylons, on forestry land about halfway between Tokoroa and Taupo.

Sharing the riding duties with Yamaha ace Reeves (Palmerston North) will be national over-300cc four-stroke class enduro champion Chris Power.

The 31-year-old Aucklander is sensationally making the switch to the blue and white bike brand just this week and he is determined to make it a winning transition.

"I am super-excited about the move to Yamaha," said Power.

"Having raced Yamaha in Australia and in Finland and Mexico, I already had a great rapport with the Yamaha guys. So, when the opportunity came up, I simply could not turn it down.

"It feels like I'm rejuvenated, switching to a different brand.

"I feel a new sense of excitement and now, more than ever, I have gotten that eagerness to get out there and ride.

"I will do some modifications to the Yamaha WR450F to suit my riding style, but, from my initial riding, it is a very good base to work from. Plus, I rode the new WR at the 24-Hour Australian Enduro, so it's not like it is totally new to me."

Yamaha New Zealand's Peter Payne said he, too, looked forward to the strengthened association.

"He's won on a Yamaha at the International Six Days Enduro and twice won on a Yamaha at the 24-hour race in Australia, so he's already tasted great success with our bikes."

Power and Reeves look strong favourites to win tomorrow.