November 4, 2016
It’s been a big year for Murgon sportsman Neil Collard, but he’s hoping there could be even bigger highlights still to come.
Neil, 18, began the year with major surgery on his knee – he’s now fully recovered – and then secured his first job after high school: a 1st year automotive apprenticeship with Huston Motors.
He is hoping to top off his year with a strong performance at Mansfield in Victoria at the Australian 4-Day Enduro, the premier off-road endurance event for dirt bike riders.
Scrutineering will take place on Monday followed by time trials on Tuesday. Then there’ll be three days of racing – during which Neil could cover 300km a day – and finally a MotoX event.
This is only the third year Neil has been racing enduro bikes.
During his first season, he worked his way to 2nd spot in Queensland in the junior class and in 2015 came 6th in Australia in the Under 19 Class.
He has now switched to the more powerful Yamaha YZ 450F which he will be racing in Victoria.
Neil’s had a quiet 2016 on the circuit, working to ensure his knee was 100 per cent.
The Australian 4-Day Enduro will be his first “proper” race after the surgery but he’s feeling confident.
He’s been practising regularly alongside other enduro riders, giving himself and his bike a good workout.
“This is the first time I have been to a 4-Day and I’m looking for a good result,” he said.
“For the sponsorship, I have to get a good position.”
- Related article: Neil’s Aiming For A Big 2016
UPDATE November 24: Neil enjoyed his first 4-Day Enduro. He was part of the trophy team that came third in the seniors. He came 17th in his class (E2) and 46th outright, and importantly came through with no injuries. There were a 134 riders competing.
