IN just his second year of competing on two wheels, Falls Creek’s Koby Hantis has announced himself as one of the top prospects in the country.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 10-year-old recently finished fourth overall in 9-11 years 65cc class at the Australian junior motocross titles in Horsham, Victoria.
“Last year I came fifth in the 7-9 years 65cc class and this year moved up to the 9-11 years 65cc class,” Hantis said.
“I improved a lot due to an increased training load on and off the bike as well as believing that I could be right up there with the fastest guys in the country.
“I started off the titles really strong, qualifying fifth with some really fast lap times.
“In the first final, I finished sixth and in the second final, I also finished sixth again, before finishing fifth in the last final for a fourth place finish in the championship.
“I knew if I raced consistently all week and concentrated on just racing my own race, that I could finish in the top five.”
To make the achievement even more amazing was the fact that Hantis was competing against some of the top riders in the world for his age.
“I was stoked to finish fourth in Australia in the 9-11 years 65cc class,” he said.
I was stoked to finish fourth in Australia in the 9-11 years 65cc class
- Koby Hantis
“All the boys are super fast with the first and second place guys having just returned from the world junior titles, where they came third and sixth in the world.
“On top of that, the third place finisher is one of Queensland’s best riders – so to be able to even be up near them and to be able to compete with them, was a great feeling.”
With this the case, the St Michaels Primary School student ranks this achievements as one of his best of his young career.
“This would defiantly be up there with one of my greatest achievements in the sport,” he said.
“I've had a really solid year, which included just missing out on claiming the 9-11 yearrs 65cc title at the recent East Coast MX series, coming second behind my good mate Campbell Williams.”
Hantis hopes this is just the of his success on two wheels, with him having big dreams that he one day wants to achieve.
“To one day I’d like claim an Australian Championship,” he said.
“On of top, I’d like to race in Europe and the United States, as well as becoming a professional motocross rider.
“To achieve that, I’m going to continue to work hard training with my Dad and my coach Greg Moss, really focusing on my fitness off the bike and staying injury free.”
Hantis would like to thank the continued support of his sponsors and family.