Motocross: Columb fourth, despite starting woes

Queenstown's Scott Columb started his New Zealand Motocross Championships campaign with a solid fourth place in the opening round at Pleasant Point on Sunday.

Riding in the premier MX1 category, he qualified fourth and achieved two more fourths and a seventh for the day.

"I'm very happy with my Kawasaki, but I need to go practise some starts,'' Columb said of his racing weak point.

He added that the competition at the front of the field was particularly tough this year.

Top Australian riders Dean Ferris and Todd Waters finished first and third respectively, split by defending national MX1 champion Cody Cooper in second.

Round two will be held in Manawatu on February 28.