Oparau’s James Scott took third in
the MX2 class and the Under-19 title
“I’m pretty happy with my season,” said
Harwood. “Gibbs and Cooper are two world-class
professionals, so I can’t complain about being
beaten by them. I was happy with my speed and
don’t think my results always reflected that.
“I had two separate surgeries, in March last
year and then in May, to repair damaged
ligaments in my shoulder, so had been off a
bike for about nine months before this year’s
nationals,” he explained.
“So to come back and finish the 2020 nationals
on the podium is pretty satisfying. Mind you, I
think every rider is always trying to recover from
one injury or another... that’s the nature of this
sport,” he laughed.
Harwood had earlier in the season savoured
success by winning the main trophy at the 59th
annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at
Woodville in January.
He finished with a 1-1-2 score-card in the MX1
class that day.
Meanwhile, KTM riders achieved podium
finishes in all the championship classes at this
year’s motocross nationals.
In addition to Harwood’s No.3 ranking in the MX1
class, Oparau’s James Scott took his 250cc KTM to
finish third overall in the MX2 class, with the teenager
also clinching the top spot in the battle-within-a-
battle for Under-19 championship honours.
In the smallest bike division, the 125cc class,
Tauranga’s Brodie Connolly took his Husqvarna
to win the title, while KTM pair Madoc Dixon
(Tauranga) and Cobie Bourke (Auckland)
clinched the remaining two podium spots.
KIWI RIDER 91