Supremacy once again is within his reach, writes Andy McGechan.
Time is fast running out for Paul Whibley's rivals.
The New Zealand motorcycle ace dubbed "The Axeman" has taken another huge step closer to securing this season's Grand National Cross Country Championships title in the United States with a runner-up finish at the 10th round of 13 a week ago.
Already the championship leader before the day began, the 34-year-old former forestry worker from Pahiatua, pocketed solid points at the undulating Unadilla course, near New York, putting himself even further in front in the title chase.
The race winner was American Thad DuVall (Honda), in his breakthrough first win of the competition. He is no threat to Whibley.