Yamaha's women’s enduro champion, Alison Parker, had a flawless weekend at the technical Wonthaggi circuit, riding the wheels off her WR250F at rounds five and six, to take the lead in the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships for the first time this year.

Winning almost every heat of every round in the competition since its inception in 2005, Parker has been in foreign territory in the opening rounds of this year’s championship, commencing the season with a 4^th place.

“The initial rounds showed that the quality of rider in the female ranks is certainly improving, and at a rate that caught me by surprise” said Parker.

“In previous years, the combination of my riding style and reliable bike was enough to get me across the line for the win. This year I have had to revamp my riding skills and my fitness to find some extra speed”.

This is not the first time Parker has exhibited her potential in 2008, taking the Australian Women’s Enduro Championship at this year’s Hog’s Breath Café Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) by an unprecedented 15 minutes over 2^nd place, maintaining her status as the only female to be awarded a gold medal in the 30 year history of the event.

“I felt great at the A4DE (in Warragul in April), staying upright in all tests and building on my lead each day” reflected Parker.

“It was my 7^th A4DE, and this experience definitely helped me defend my Australian Title”.

Parker now holds an 8 point lead in the women’s class at the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships, and while it’s a margin closer than she is used to, she is confident and excited about the remainder of the season.

'It has been a less than perfect start to the season, but at the same time it has been fun and very motivating – the wake up call I needed to help me reach my potential as a rider”.

“The quality of riding from the other women gives me high hopes that Australia will field a women’s team to contest the Women’s World Trophy at the 2009 International Six Day Enduro in Portugal, a tough event that I believe Australia has an excellent chance of winning”.

For now, though, Parker’s focus is on building on her lead in the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships and defending her title.