Motocross star lauded at end-of-season awards

Dubai: A rising star of UAE motorbike racing, 21-year-old Sam Sunderland, was recognised for his superb, double-winning performance at the end-of-season UAE off-road motorbike racing awards.

The ceremony held this weekend at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa lauded Sunderland for wins at the MX2 Motocross and Desert X events, both of which he won while riding for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank-sponsored KTM-UAE team.

Sunderland's achievements in the 2009/10 season were all the more impressive considering it was the first time he had participated in the Desert X Championship. He also dominated the MX2 class of the Motocross Championship, winning all eight rounds to finish on 300 points, 87 ahead of his nearest competitor.

UAE Motorcycle Club President Mohammad Bin Sulayem congratulated Sunderland on his excellent performance, pointing out that the twin triumph was all the more impressive as he had displayed consistency through the season across two different racing formats. "It is heartening to note that motocross is picking up in popularity, and I look forward to seeing larger numbers of youth taking to this sport over the years," said Bin Sulayem, who is also FIA vice president.