IN FOCUS: 5 MINUTES WITH WILL YEOMAN
We spend 5 minutes with Yamaha sponsored rider Wil yeoman to see how he’s been going in the NZ XC series and what’s on the cards for the rest of the 2021 season.
-How did you get into riding dirt bikes? Who encouraged you?
My Dad and my Koro. Dad rode motorbikes when I was young and then got into racing. My Koro has been involved in motorbikes for a long time. He has supported us a lot over the years. And has taken me to trail rides and races.
-Tell me what was your first bike and a little about that experience?
TTR50. We had a vacant bit of land behind our house and I learnt to ride there. Our good friends moved down the road and we rode with them on farmland near their house.
-What was the first thing you learned when you started riding?
How to stop using the brakes and do skids.
-What do you still struggle with when out on the track?
Throwing whips at the motorcross track.
-What is the best tip/trick/piece of advice you have had over your riding career?
Brad Groombridge - 'grip with your knees'
-What kind of riding do you enjoy doing the most?
Extreme Enduros because they challenge my technical ability.
-How did you get drafted into the PWR Yamaha Race Team and how is that relationship going?
I was asked to join the PWR off road Yamaha Race Team at the end of 2019. I had achieved some good results in 2018/2019. The relationship is going well with PWR, I am grateful for the opportunity to be on the team and the support I get from Yamaha NZ.
-I see you're now riding the 250F. What was the reason behind changing up from the 125?
I chose to ride the YZ250FX for the NZ Cross Country Championship to get some 4 stroke experience. I will continue to ride the YZ125X in the National Enduro Championship.
-You are currently leading the Junior NZ XC nationals. Tell me a little about the season so far.
The first round I got the holeshot and got ahead of the dust and led for the race. The second round I got pushed hard for the whole race by Luke Brown.
-What's on the schedule for the rest of the year?
Finish the NZXC championship, ride in the NZ Enduro Championship, Extreme Enduro Championship and Dirt Guide Series.
-What is one piece of advice that you would give others who are thinking about getting into dirt bikes?
Keep your toes in.
You can find Wil online by heading to his INSTAGRAM Page
Images: Charlotte Galpin & supplied.