Victory Roar! Securing the silver in a national title!
Blake Affleck has shown he has the talent, skill and determination to take a placing at a national level.
The NZ Cross Country Championships is run over 4 rounds. Rounds one and two were held in February near Nelson, where Blake finished 1st and 2nd in his class and overall. While most of us were enjoying the Easter break, Blake headed north to race in rounds three and four held near Dannevirke and in Tīnui near Masterton.
Racing was eventful and Blake finished second on day one and unfortunately had a big crash on day two. In true Blake style, he got up to finish a commendable 5th position. This means Blake's combined results means he is 2nd in New Zealand in his class and the number 2 ranked Junior in New Zealand. This is a position he will hold for 12 months. Well done Blake! His junior team which included Lochie Cornish from Cromwell College and Caiden Guthrie from John McGlashan are also the National Junior Team Champions.
Not only is that a huge achievement, but in March he also won Round 1 of the National Hard Enduro Championships, racing as an adult in the Silver grade. You would think that he has earned a rest, but he races again this weekend before heading to Canterbury for rounds 1and 2 of the NZ Enduro National Championships. Go hard Blake, we are proud of your accomplishments and we cannot wait to hear how you have done!
(Photo of Blake attached racing near Dannevirke on Saturday and text supplied by Jen Affleck).