The wait is over…
Red Bull KTM are gearing up for the next stop on the National Motocross calendar. The highly anticipated third round of the championship takes place in Welkom on Saturday, 22 May, and the orange squad will line-up with three championship leads to defend.
Taking centre stage is motocross star Tristan Purdon, who has been a war path from the moment the gates dropped this season. With a determination to defend his 2020 title, the rider has maintained a winning streak in both the MX1 and MX2 Class respectively.
Purdon has been following a specific training regime to maintain the fitness he built up for the last round in Port Elizabeth. He mentions running the Red Bull Wings for Life event as a build-up to the race this weekend and feeling confident about his fitness level. In addition, he has spent extra time with his mechanic, Kevin Tyrer, to make sure his bike is completely dialled in.
“We’re in for a tough round this weekend. The Welkom track always gets rough and you’re roosted quite badly when you’re behind someone, so goggle preparation is key. Kevin and I have placed extra focus on suspension for this round – he always puts so much work into making sure my KTM 450 and 250 SX-F are fully prepared for the type of track we need to race. I can’t wait to get out there and keep this winning momentum going,” said Purdon.
At the top of the reputable list of MX2 riders that Purdon will be up against this weekend is his Red Bull KTM teammate Cameron Durow. The youngster wasted no time in shaking off his rookie status as he stepped into the prestigious class this season. With only 16-points separating him from the top step of the leader board, Durow will undoubtedly pull out all the stops on Saturday.
As no stranger to the Welkom track, Durow commented: “The Welkom track is really unique because it generally starts off quite muddy and dries up by the time the first race comes around. By the last heat, the soil becomes quite hardpack and it feels like you’ve raced three tracks in one day! I’m so excited to battle it out with my teammate – my training has been consistent and I’m working really hard to get a win this season.”
High School Class hero Jonathan Mlimi will have a target on his back this weekend as he lines-up with the highly sought-after red plate. The rider has been dealt his fair share of blows this season but has fought his way to the front of his class to open a three-point lead on his closest competitor.
“It’s always a good feeling to line up with the red plate – but I can’t get complacent. It’s only the third round into a long season, so the focus is to get the maximum points I can on the day. My bike setup is feeling good – we’ve changed to hardpack tyres and made a few suspension adjustments. I’m really looking forward to getting out there!” said Mlimi.
Rounding out the squad with yet another red plate is young gun Trey Cox. As one of the team’s newest recruits, Cox has made it clear that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the fight for the Pro Mini Championship. With a two-point lead in his class, Cox is in for a bar-to-bar battle this weekend as he looks to snatch up every championship point he can get.
Published by: Louwrens Mahoney – KTM Motorcycles SA