Whibley Keeps Hold of Series Lead

Whibley Keeps Hold of Series Lead

MARCH 20, 2012: A third-place finish at round two of the Grand National Cross-country Championships in the United States at the weekend was enough to keep Kiwi Paul Whibley on top of the series standings, but only just.

Yamaha’s Whibley won the series opener in Florida a week ago and managed third at round two in Washington on Sunday, finishing behind American stars Kailub Russell and Charlie Mullins, and the New Zealander keeps his lead, albeit now just one point ahead of defending champion Mullins.

Another New Zealander, Wellington’s Rory Mead, finished eighth on Sunday.

Coupled with his third-placing at round one, Yamaha’s New Zealand enduro champion Mead is now fourth equal in the championship rankings.

Whibley crossed the line just seven seconds behind Mullins for third place, which gives the kiwi a scant one-point lead in the early championship standings and an opportunity to run with the white ‘leader’s’ number plate background at round three.

“Everyone seemed to have some good lines today and we all mixed it up, it was a good day,” Whibley said.

“The last couple laps Kailub was on fire and Charlie and I pushed each other pretty well. I got caught in some lappers at the end there but I'm really happy with third today.”
Round three of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series heads to Morganton, North Carolina, March 31 and April 1 for The FMF Steele Creek GNCC.

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