5 August 2010

Nairobi — Former Kenya national motocross champion Anthony Nielsen is on a high following a career-best result in the latest round of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship.

Once regarded as one of the most spectacular riders on the two-wheelers, Nielsen is now seen by many as a future 'king' of rallying thanks to his ability to produce fire power similar to that on display during his glamorous motocross days.

Nielsen finished fourth overall in Nakuru last weekend, his best ever finish in his brief rallying career. Before venturing into the KNRC with his first rally in 2006, Nielsen had spent 14 years of his career as a motocross rider in various categories which included the 85cc, 124cc and open class.

He won the Kenya national motocross championship on three different occasions. The 30-year-old rider participated in international competition with distinction touring Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Denmark, Germany and France for championships. He is the only Kenyan rider to ever earn a point in the world motocross championship.

His move to rallying was handicapped by lack of a competitive car and financial package but Nielsen was always in contention among the veterans. Things changed for the better for the young driver after Elodie Sampere, a lady with the love for the sport, saw a talent that needed to be tapped and did not let it go to waste.

A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 was availed to Nielsen by Sampere at the beginning of this season. "I do think that 'Anto' has a bright future in rally, and I am glad and honoured that I was able to play a small part in that," said Sampere, the head of conservation marketing at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Further dreams for Nielsen were realised a few days before the start of last weekend's Nakuru Rally when Wladoil, an Italian Petroleum Company, came to his aid with a sponsorship deal that will now keep him afloat in the KNRC for the remaining three rounds of and beyond.

"It is a big relief for us to get Wladoil on board. They will support us for the remainder of the 2010 KNRC season and also extend the deal into 2011 which will include two international rallies outside Kenya," said Nielsen, who is teaming up with navigator Mike Ogwapit as his navigator.

Nielsen said he was impressed with the standard of the KNRC and the backing of the Kenya Commercial Bank. Nielsen wants to prove to Wladoil that they made the right choice in sponsoring the team by focusing on better stage times and finishing the rest of the events. His plan is to slowly climb up the ladder and start winning events next season.

He regards Ian Duncan as a good friend and mentor. The team is now preparing for the next round of the series to be staged by the Kenya Motor Sports Club later this month.