THE KING OF BRITAIN: KRISTIAN WHATLEY Kristian Whatley was tipped to achieve a lot of success from a very young age, as it was apparent that he was a special talent; some would say he is a chip off of the old block. However, it has taken a handful of years for Whatley to fulfil his potential, as injuries, team issues and a lack of focus have hindered him in the past. But 16 | MX Vice - March 2014 - Issue 1
finally, in 2013, Kristian showed what he is capable of, and like buses, all of his titles came at once! Whatley was crowned the 2013 MX1 British Masters champion, the 2013 MX1 Red Bull Pro Nationals champion and the 2013 MX1 Maxxis British Champion last year. Whatley has been through a lot in his career, as a youngster he ended up riding the illfated 250f CCM machine. But that experience ended with a broken wrist at the British GP at Mallory Park. In 2011, Whatley finally found a team and the right people to get the best out of him when he signed for the squad now known as MBO Sport Yamaha. It allowed him to challenge Brad Anderson for the British title, and everything
seemed to be going well. However, everything starting to go downhill quickly when Kristian moved to the PAR Honda team for 2012. Whatley just was not the same rider, and was a shadow of his former self.
the likes of Jonathan Barragan and Tanel Leok for the title. But, as each round passed his confidence grew, until he eventually became the man to beat, not just in his own head, but in the minds of everyone else as well.
Thankfully, he returned to the MBO Sport Yamaha squad in 2013, and this time Whatley had learnt from his previous experience, and both sides knew what was needed in order to succeed. Whatley knuckled down, the team rallied round him and provided everything that he needed to win the various championships that he was going for.
What was the key to this success? Well, Kristian put it this way: “I have some good people behind me, and it has obviously showed.” The team spirit and guidance that the MBO Yamaha team have provided has been key to unlocking Whatley’s potential. They almost did it in 2011, and last year it all came together for one of the best seasons in the team’s history.
Initially, Whatley seemed surprised that he was challenging
At Farleigh Castle, the final round of the Maxxis British