National Enduro Season Finale
Tensions are running high as South Africa’s leading riders prepare for the National Enduro season finale, which takes place in Creighton, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday. With everything still to play for, Brother Leader Tread KTM’s Bradley Cox steps into the event on the cusp on snatching up not only the E1 Championship, but the National Enduro Championship overall.
Cox reveals that consistency has been his secret to success this season. Without having won a single round overall this year, Cox has been relentlessly hammering home his advantage with serial podium finishes. His consistent efforts have ultimately sent him to the top of the leaderboard, and he now finds himself in a position to take top honours in the prestigious championship.
“My main focus has been to consistently take the class win this season, which has really paid off. I only started racing Enduro four years ago, so to be in a position where I have the potential to win the overall championship is really cool,” said Cox.
As a KwaZulu-Natal based rider, the season couldn’t have ended at a better venue for Cox. Having spent countless hours using Natal’s terrain as his training ground, the rider will certainly line-up with home-ground advantage.
Also looking to finish the season on a high note is Brother Leader Tread KTM teammate Charan Moore. With only 11-points separating him from the top step in the E2 Class, the rider will look to grit his teeth in the fight for Enduro glory on Saturday.
“There’s always pressure going into the final event of the season, especially when you have a shot at the championship. While I plan to give this race everything I’ve got, I know that consistency will be key and that I need to minimize any mistakes,” said Moore.
Having prepared himself for a technical route this weekend, he added: “I remember previous races in this area being really demanding, so I’m not expecting anything less on Saturday. My bike is running perfectly and feels dialed in for whatever terrain they throw at us.”
Rounding out the team is Kirsten Landman, who having also committed to the Extreme Championship, will face a double-header event this weekend. Like Cox, Landman is looking forward to racing in familiar terrain as a Natal based rider.
“My fitness is really good going into this weekend. It’s been raining here a lot, so I’m bracing myself for a super technical, slippery event. For me, the harder the route the better!” said Landman.
This weekend will be particularly memorable for the Enduro queen, who after nine years will race for Brother Leader Tread KTM for the last time. While she still plans to compete at the Roof of Africa with the team later this year, this will be her last national under the Brother Leader Tread KTM flag.
“I couldn’t ask for a better way to end this chapter than with a hometown race. I started racing for Brother Leader Tread KTM when I was 21 years old, and now I’m 30 years old! It’s been an incredible journey and I look forward to ending it on a high note this weekend,” she said.
Published by: Louwrens Mahoney