Dobbyn set for big test

GEARED UP: Hamish Dobbyn is representing New Zealand in Latvia this weekend.PHOTO/ANDY McGECHAN, BIKESPORTNZ.COM

Dargaville's Hamish Dobbyn willembark on the biggest motocross mission of his life this weekend, representing New Zealand in Latvia.

Dobbyn, who will be making his debut at the event, is joined by experienced Scott Columb, of Queenstown, and fellow rookie Hamish Harwood, of Takaka, in flying the New Zealand flag at the annual Motocross of Nations.

The strong Kiwi squad lines up for the 68th edition of the event at Kegums, Latvia, today and tomorrow.

Often called the "Olympic Games of motocross", the event is a massive stage for the New Zealanders, who are up against the world's elite, but they are determined to put in a good showing.

The teams include riders from the United States national championships scene and the predominantly European-based World Motocross Championships.

New Zealand have been on the MXoN podium on three occasions in recent times - at Foxhills, in England, in 1998; at Namur, in Belgium, in 2001; and at Matterley Basin, in England, in 2006.

Columb has raced this event on two occasions - in England in 2008 and Italy in 2009.