16-Year Old Cross-Country Motorcyclist Rachael Archer Aims to Beat Dad Next
Rachael Archer has emerged as the national cross-country champion in the under-200cc two-stroke class.
(Image taken from Bike Sport NZ)
The Te Awamutu 16-year old is the first female to win an all-gender cross-country class in New Zealand, an incredible feat especially when considering her tender age.
Currently studying at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, the year 12 pupil came to the race equipped with fiery determination and a Husqvarna TE150.
Aboard her Husqvarna motorbike, Rachael needed a top-two finish in her class after two wins and a fourth in previous rounds.
“My fourth-place finish at Taupo was because I had been riding my new Husqvarna FC250 four-stroke bike and it sort of confused me a bit when I jumped back on the 150 two-stroke for the cross-country national,” she explained.
“I was in about last place after the start at Taupo and had to pass a lot of riders that day.”
But she need not have worried, for Rachael had comfortably won her class, crossing the finish line well ahead of the rider behind her.
Her father, Kevin, had won the over-45 years’ Super Veterans’ title in the fourth and final round of the 2018 series near Mosgiel, and placed only 3 ranks above his daughter in the final results. While it was a double celebration for the Archer family, Rachael was even more fueled to out-race her father next.
“I haven’t beaten dad at a national event yet, but I’m getting closer all the time,” Rachael said.
Rachael Archer had emerged 11th place overall, having battled with men from the 300cc and 450cc class.