NZ Insider No.45: The Learning Curve

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the NZ Insider, penned by Chris Ritchie.

The second round of the European EMX125 Championship was held over the weekend, in conjunction with the fifth round of the World MXGP series at the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard, Holland. For our boy Josiah Natzke, it was his first visit to the hard sand-based facility and a complete contrast to the opening round held in Italy a week earlier. In this year’s fiercely contested EMX125 class, starts are absolutely crucial, and in both motos Natzke got stuck in the pack from the gate drop and had to charge his way forward. He managed 12^th on Saturday, and 10^th on Sunday, and from the two motos ended the weekend 10th Overall, and fourth in the Overall points standings after two rounds.

The series now moves to Talavera, Spain in a fortnight. For Natzke, it is a steep learning curve being immersed into the European motocross scene full-time in 2015, with so much to learn and absorb. He is fortunate to be surrounded by multi-time World Champion, Stefan Everts, as Team Manager, providing valuable insights and advice throughout his debut full-time European campaign.

Ben Townley has spent the past fortnight in Europe supporting and mentoring Natzke and his inaugural European EMX125 Championship campaign with the KTM Factory Junior Team. The advice given to his protégé is literally like gold, as there is so much to consider and think about across the entire motocross spectrum, including aspects such as training regimes, technique, riding position and racecraft.

BT has also confirmed his participation in the upcoming fifth round of the Australian MX Nationals at Coolum at the end of May. BT101 will be on a Honda CRF450R, but it will be separate from the Penrite Honda outfit which he has been a part of previously. He will now return home from Europe to continue preparation for Coolum, as well as his Troy Lee Designs/Seven distribution venture which is gaining momentum in New Zealand.

The World Junior Motocross Championship will be held in Spain this coming July, which Natzke will also compete in alongside his EMX125 series campaign, and we received word from FIM and Youthstream officials that Australia will host the 2017 edition of the event, with the venue details due to be released in the coming weeks. The famous Digger McEwen Park circuit in Taupo hosted the 2009 event, and its return Down Under provides a great opportunity for Kiwi and Australian riders to challenge for World Championship glory closer to home. Expect an official release from the FIM very soon…