"Disappointed" was Queenstown racer Scott Columb's assessment of his state of mind after finishing second in the New Zealand motocross championships' MX2 class.
His fight with fellow international - and eventual winner - Rotorua's Michael Phillips in the 250cc category was lost by nine points after the fourth and final round at New Plymouth on Sunday.
Columb's brother, Lachlan, said watching the racing was "intense", especially in the first race when about eight riders went down on the first corner, including the two title contenders.
"It certainly had the crowd on its toes," he said.
Phillips recovered to catch and pass Columb, claiming fifth spot, which he backed up with a win and a second placing over his rival's 8-3-1 finishes.
Christchurch's Justin McDonald won his first MX1 crown from Mount Maunganui's Cody Cooper.
Columb (25) will return to Queenstown to recuperate after completing close to 40 races this season, which included several British series races along with his New Zealand commitments.
Switching his new fuel-injected Suzuki RM-Z 250 for a downhill mountain bike is part of his plan to increase his "fitness, agility and power".
In January, he will contest the national supercross series before returning to England where he has been re-signed by the Relentless Suzuki team.
