RTR Performance KTM rider enters series following impressive GNCC debut
Wednesday July 4, 2012. St-Bruno, QC – The 4th consecutive run of the Canadian Enduro Championships (CEC) begin this weekend in Vernon, BC, but it doesn’t by any means mark the beginning of defending CEC champion, Bobby Prochnau’s season. After warming up at many regional BC events, the Kamloops native set off in search of new challenges in the US.
Already this year, Prochnau has raced and won the Desert 100, competed at X Games, raced an AMA Enduro, and earned a fifth in his first ever GNCC in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Prochnau’s better half, and fellow KTM RTR Performance rider, Chantelle Bykerk, has been chasing success in the US as well. Her highlight came last weekend with a bronze medal in Women’s EnduroX at X Games! It’s been interesting watching these two mixing it up with top American riders and keep Canada on the world stage.
Considering Prochnau’s versatility in off-road, it’s no surprise that he’s excited about the new format of the CEC, which features two Enduro events in the West and two cross-country events in the East. “I like all forms of racing but I usually do better at cross-country,” says Prochnau. “I like the new CEC format, it should bring out more pros and deliver better racing. We’ll soon find out who is the best rider in Canada.”
Despite the aggression we see on the track by Prochnau, he’s quite humble with expectations. “I’m not too worried; I just want to get the first day done and see where everyone stands,” he says.
Always looking to keep things fun and interesting on the bike, Prochnau has decided to compete on a 300 XC in the CEC, opposed to a 350 SX-F which he’s been riding this spring. Regardless of the cc or stroke, it’s hard to bet against Prochnau right now. The same could be said about his girlfriend Chantelle, who also won at the Desert, raced the Snowshoe GNCC and captured a bronze medal at X Games—a first ever in Canadian off-road.
“I didn’t feel very comfortable in Snowshoe riding a borrowed bike,” admits Bykerk. “But X games I felt so much better and couldn’t believe I got third—I didn’t even know where I was until I came across the finish! In Canada, the Women’s class is getting stronger every year. With Victoria Hett and Shelby Turner returning, it’s going to be a good race.”
The main focus for Prochnau and Bykerk right now is defending their National Enduro titles, but following their GNCC and X Games results, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them traveling south more often. Word has it we may see them on the line for the Loretta Lynn’s GNCC later this year….
For details on the 2012 Canadian Enduro Championships, please visit www.worldendurocanada.com.
Keep track of KTM’s off-road racers on Twitter by following: @ktmcanadaxc