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The Weekend Sun
Cooper and Townley shortlisted for 2015 MXoN Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper and Tauranga’s Ben Townley have made the initial shortlist for the New Zealand team competing at the upcoming Motocross of Nations.
Three Kiwi riders will eventually be selected to represent the nation at the annual competition, which this year is being held in France on September 26-27. Motorcycling New Zealand received numerous applications from throughout the country and expects to announce the three-rider team in
Mount Maunganui motocross rider Cody Cooper (pictured) and Tauranga’s Ben Townley have been shortlisted for the team to represent New Zealand and the 2015 Motocross of Nations. Photo: Andy McGechan
coming weeks. The selection panel consisted of MNZ motocross commissioner Howard Lilly, motorcycle sports commentator Neil Ritchie and Wellington motorcycle businessman Mike McLeod, who will also be the team’s manager in France. Both current national MX1 champion Cooper and former
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world and national champion Townley have previously represented New Zealand at the MXoN. The Kiwi team has also featured prominently at the MXoN in the past, winning bronze in 1998, 2001 and 2006. With no funding assistance for travel available to Team New Zea-
land, the Taupo Motorcycle Club’s hosting its annual fundraising initiative ‘Battle of the Clubs’ on Saturday, June 27. The event brings together some of the most passionate people in the sport while raising money to showcase Kiwi riders on the world stage. Enter online at www.mxt.co.nz By David Tauranga