Husqvarna South Africa’s Enduro team achieved outstanding success at the first round of the National Enduro Traditional Championship, held at Rover Motorcycle Club in Gqeberha, renowned for its sandy terrain and grueling endurance tests. Travis Teasdale, competing in the E2 class, and Heinrich Aust, riding in the E1 class, showcased their exceptional skills and fitness, securing remarkable victories for the team.
In the fiercely competitive E2 class, Teasdale emerged as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his outstanding skill and determination throughout the day. Fearlessly conquering the challenging sand tracks that Rover is known for, Teasdale demonstrated unwavering focus and great fitness. “Today was all about endurance, so I picked up the endurance training during the week” Teasdale commented. “They put a sneaky sixth lap in that really tested our fitness, but really happy with the bike and my performance on today’s race.” Teasdale’s performance culminated in a well-deserved first-place finish in both the E1 class and overall, solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the national enduro championship.
Heinrich Aust, competing in the equally competitive E1 class, exhibited his exceptional talent and resilience as he tackled the rigorous tracks in Rover. Aust’s commitment to excellence was evident as he skilfully navigated the bumpy sand terain and pushed his Husqvarna machine to its limits. His tenacity paid off, as he secured an impressive third overall finish and clinched the top position in the E1 class. “The track was awesome. I loved the breaking bumps, whoops and sandy corners. I don’t think they could have put a better track together.”
A surprise from Cross Country man Ryan Pelser came in the form of a third place in the E1 class and rounding off the top 10 overall.
Teasdale and Aust, along with the entire Husqvarna South Africa Enduro team, are thrilled with their accomplishments at the National Enduro Championship. The victories in their respective classes and outstanding overall performances serve as a testament to their hard work and commitment.
Commenting on this weekends race group manager Grant Frerichs said,” What a fantastic day of racing for the Husqvarna squad. Travis Teasdale put on a riding clinic and showed he is the man to beat onboard his te300 while Heinrich Aust showed his ability to make the fe250 work in all conditions finishing on the overall podium. We also had Ryan Pelser cross riding into the enduro championship who managed a fantastic 3rd in class.”
National Enduro Championship – Round 2 | Winterberg
The Brother Leader Tread KTM Enduro team displayed an impressive performance at the inaugural round of the South African National Traditional Enduro Championship, leaving a mark with their true grit. The team, comprised of William Slater, Dylan Jones, and Matthew Stevens competing in the E2, E1, and Highschool classes respectively, delivered outstanding performances on the tricky track, showcasing their prowess and tenacity.
William Slater encountered a minor setback on the start line, resulting in a seven-minute delayed start and starting in 27th position. Undeterred by the situation, Slater exhibited his speed on his KTM 300 EXC through the challenging terrain. Overcoming the initial setback, he embarked on a remarkable journey, progressively advancing through the ranks. Slater’s unwavering perseverance paid off, culminating in an impressive fourth-place finish in his class and an admirable eighth-place overall. “Considering how the day went, I’m frustrated, but happy to get valuable points on the board. We can only take it from here and work towards the next one.” Slater said.
Jones, on his KTM 250 EXC-F, riding with outstanding prowess and battling against tough competitors secured an impressive second-place finish in his class and a fourth place overall. Jones commented, “At the start of the last lap I was lying sixth overall, so I put a hard charge in and managed to bring it down to 4th overall and 2nd in class. So I’m super stoked with that”
Meanwhile, Stevens displayed commendable maturity and riding technique on his KTM 150 EXC, ultimately achieving a notable third-place finish in his class and an impressive ninth place overall. “I’m not far off anymore, I’ve been working hard and the bike was amazing. Really a pleasure to ride”, Stevens said.
The Brother Leader Tread KTM Enduro team’s performance at the first round of the South African National Traditional Enduro Championship highlighted just how capable the team and the bikes are. Despite the challenges faced, the team showcased resilience and skill, delivering strong finishes in their respective classes and contributing significantly to the team’s overall success.
KTM Group manager Grant Frerichs commented on the teams performance stating,” The team had a tough day out at Rover but I am proud of all 3 riders for their tenacity and “never give up” attitude doing what they needed to do to keep their respective championships alive.”
We are an outdoor and lifestyle family company based in Randfontein South, Gauteng. We have been in operation since 2015 hosting and facilitating themed camps and monthly hikes in and around South Africa and Lesotho. Our family is also based in Lesotho.
Over and above hosting outdoor events, we are also motoring enthusiasts contributing content (vehicles and motorbikes) to various media houses, namely:
The Annual Lesotho Cultural Tour came about as a result of our love for travelling and our Basotho culture. We then thought it would be befitting to offer travelers an experience like no other. Our tours are not average, or what is currently being offered by other tour operators, who may not know the people, the culture and the language of the Mountain Kingdom. And the fact that we are jealous of where we come from, we are ever so willing to showcase what Lesotho and its humble people has to offer.
The cultural tour started as a bike only event last year, but due to demand we have had to include cars, hopefully to win them into motorbiking.
The first Annual Mokorotlo Cultural Ride Lesotho – 2022
We left Gauteng on Friday morning to arrive in Lesotho in the afternoon. After crossing the border, we had lunch at Qhanolla Lodge, Botha-buthe. And when the food had settled, we headed towards our lodge, called Mamohase Home Stay B&B to check in. The road to the lodge from the main road is about 2 kilometers of gravel, which is rideable even with a road bike.
Prior to a home cooked dinner, we gathered around the fire and the local men entertained us with traditional music and praise songs. All this happened while we enjoyed a choice of either traditional home brewed beer, or the most sought after Maluti Premium Beer.
The following morning, after a traditional breakfast, we headed out towards the district of Maseru, where we had lunch. In Maseru we visited the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village tour, which gave an in- depth history of the Basotho nation, how it came about, their culture and heritage. Enroute to our lodge for the evening, we did a tour through the Sani Wines vineyards and enjoyed some horse riding from the community of Ha Ntsi, Nazareth. Our lodge for the night is situated a few kilometers up the road, where we checked in and prepared a braai. Sunday morning, after breakfast and before heading for the border on our return back home, we visited the local chief.
Round 4 of the Official MSA Motocross National Championships took place at Thunder Valley in Pietermaritzburg and it can certainly be said the team at Thunder Valley were ready for the action. Registration, scrutineering and timing, greeted all the competitors on Friday afternoon. And it did not go unnoticed that a new track layout and prime track conditions is what had been delivered for round 4…
Having had mud, thunderstorms and rumoured snow in the previous years at Thunder Valley, there is no doubt the riders would be showing up prepped for whatever was possibly in store for them. But this year our national competitors were in for more of a treat than they realised… The track was prepped and watered to perfection and Friday’s overcast weather played perfectly in favour of keeping the track in top form throughout Saturday’s racing.
Saturday morning’s riders briefing welcomed clear skies, putting a smile on everyone’s faces as this was a clear indication to the ideal day that would host round 4. With beautiful 30-degree weather, the local spectators started rolling in from as early as the practice sessions and everyone looked forward to what turned out to be a memorable day’s racing.
The day’s program was kicked off by the MX 50cc class, who’s racing took place on Thunder Valley’s Junior track. Fair track conditions meant that we were in for some intense racing and the riders did not disappoint. In Heat 1 it was Joshua-Zion Naude who took an early lead with the hole shot, followed closely by Parker Cik. Cik clearly had the top step of the podium in mind and charged to the front of the pack very early on in the race. The no.33 of Riley Geldenhuys was not far behind and made his way up into 2nd position keeping the pressure on throughout the race. Ultimately it was Parker Cik who took the checkers in Heat 1 followed by Riley Geldenhuys, and Joshua-Zion Naude kept things steady for the first heat bringing home a comfortable 3rd. In Heat 2, Parker Cik took an early lead followed by Luan Jordaan, but with Riley Geldenhuys charging through the pack this would again prove to be an action filled heat. In the end it was Riley Geldenhuys who came out on top in Heat 2, giving him the overall, followed by Parker Cik in 2nd and Luan Jordaan in 3rd, who rounded out the overall podium.
Arguably the most passionate classes of the day, the MX 65cc class battled it out lap for lap. It would be Evan Frost out front early on, however Trenton Kretzmann was not far behind, managing to keep the pace and even take over the lead early on in Heat 1. But in the end, it would be Evan Frost who would stamp his mark and take out two wins for the day for the overall win. A hard-fought battle gave Kretzmann 2-2 for 2nd overall. And it would be Aiden Retief clinching the final step of the podium going 3-3 on the day. Finishing up the top 5 would be Cassie Van Zyl in 4th and Rayden Woolls in 5th.
The highly competitive MX 85cc class was action packed and provided a spectacle for the crowd with battles right through the field. A dominant performance from Christian Berrington-Smith taking the top step in both heats for 1st overall. Followed by a close battle between Ashton Martin, Aiden Henley, Blade Tilley and Trail Carter in Heat 1. In the end Ashton Martin and Aiden Henley would come out 2nd and 3rd respectively and for the second race the battles would continue. Ashton Martin would grab another 2nd place; it would be Blade Tilley taking that 3rd spot ahead of Blake Frost in 4th and Aiden Henley in 5th. Deciding the overall podium as Christian Berrington-Smith 1st, Ashton Martin in 2nd and Blade Tilley in 3rd.
As always, the MX High school class delivered nail biting action to the crowd. There was no doubt that Red Bull KTM’s Luke Grundy would be going head-to-head with Husqvarna racing’s Barend Du Toit, with no telling who would come out on top. In Heat 1, it was Du Toit who took the early lead and Grundy hot on his tail. Followed by Blake Young in 3rd place with Jordan Van Wyk close behind, looking to take over that final podium spot. In the end it would be Luke Grundy bringing home the win in Heat 1 followed by Barend Du Toit in 2nd and Jordan Van Wyk in 3rd. Heat 2 would provide just as much action and the same results, giving Grundy the overall for round 4, with Du Toit and Van Wyk rounding out the podium. The top 5 was finished off by Bryce Petersen in 4th and Blake Young grabbing that 5th position for the day.
In the MX Ladies class crowd favourites Leah Heygate and Kayla Raaff came out swinging. Heygate took to the front of the class early on in heat 1, with Raaff on the hunt throughout the race. After a hard charge towards the end of the race from Raaff and a very close dash to the finish line it would be Heygate who snatched the win, leaving Raaff in 2nd place and Cheyenne De Lima taking up a comfortable 3rd place position from start to finish. Heat 2 would prove to be just as exciting between Heygate and Raaff, bringing the ladies very close together for some heated moves. In the end it would be Kayla Raaff claiming the number 1 spot, giving her the overall win for round 4. Heygate would come home in a close 2nd for the day and De Lima brought home the number 3 position. Zoe Botha and Dakota Grobbelaar both showcased that they had what it takes out there in the rough conditions and brought home 4th and 5th.
The Vets in the MX 3 class definitely showed the crowd they still have what it takes with some impressive lap times and solid racing. It would be Anthony Raynard out front with a sizeable lead in both heats, going 1-1 for 1st Overall at Thunder Valley. Royce Griffin would bring home two well-earned 2nds’, leaving him 2nd overall for the day. Sheldon Watkins and Jonathan Du Plooy would battle it out for the 3rd step of the podium and in the end, it would be Du Plooy victorious in taking 3rd place overall, going 4-3.
The premier class, MX 1, provided a stacked class with battles throughout the field all day. It was hometown favourite Cameron Durow who dominated at Thunder Valley with two wins, grabbing the overall win in the premier class. Heat 1 showed off Stav Orland’s impressive pace, giving the youngster 2nd place behind Durow. And it would be the Yamaha boys, Jesse Wright and Dirco van der Westhuizen putting on a show to the finish for the final podium position in Heat 1, with Wright coming out on top. Heat 2 saw the same result for Durow, with another win, and a complete turnaround for the Husky rider, Joshua Mlimi who burst out of the gates grabbing the hole shot and displaying a very impressive ride, ultimately claiming 2nd place for heat 2 and 2nd place overall for the day. It would be Yamaha’s, Dirco van der Westhuizen who took 3rd in Heat 2, however not enough to beat Orland’s 2nd and 5th, giving Orland 3rd overall for the day.
Another confident ride by Red Bull KTM’s Cameron Durow in the MX 2 class. Durow displayed two identical heats by securing the lead from the word go and going 1-1 for the overall win at Round 4 in his hometown. However, KTM’s success did not end there, Jonathan Mlimi put on an excellent ride with two comfortable 2nd place finishes, giving him a well-earned 2nd overall. It would be the crowd favourite, Mark Carty taking two 3rd place finishes and backing up his success in Cape Town with another overall podium finish. Stav Orland put on another great ride and would finish in 4th overall, followed by Dalton Venter in 5th.
The MX Support class welcomed many local riders to the National event. It would be Luke Walker and Daniel Peckham racing to the top spots, with Walker going 1-1 for 1st overall and Peckham taking 2-2 for 2nd overall. In the 3rd place overall, it would be Steve Baker with a solid ride going 3-3.
KTM South Africa would take home the manufacturer award with excellent results measured across the MX High School, MX 1 and MX 2 classes’ performance.
And with that concluded an excellent day’s racing at Round 4 of the Official MSA Motocross National Championships. Well done to all competitors on their well-deserved achievements. And thank you to all the crew and teams for your efforts that go into an incredible event such as this one! We look forward to Round 5 for another spectacular day’s racing.
We thank our Official MSA Motocross National Championship sponsors: TRP Distributors Venture Sports BAR Aviation Redbullza #givesyouwiiings Prepsol
This is the third annual occasion recognising and applauding the Sustainability Week within the FIM. A week dedicated to celebrating the efforts that the members of this great organisation make time after time and that this year will be held from 5 to 11 June.
Over recent times, we have welcomed a community increasingly involved in achieving the Agenda 2030. We have seen a large number of fans concerned about current critical issues, who are looking for conscious and committed entertainment.
In motorcycle sport, tourism and mobility we have made progress in fundamental areas such as education, inclusion and energy transition whilst taking advantage of the technological potential for phasing out fossil fuels. We have also worked on the reduction of the sound level, plus we have received with great enthusiasm the ambitious sustainability strategies from our promoters who have also spared no effort in the certification of our championships.
This year we are both pleased and proud to present our first ever Sustainability Report which will be presented during these celebrations.
Other relevant activities that we will celebrate are : 10 years of the KiSS Programme, which has the central objective to focus on the design and implementation of sustainable events; The sustainable enduro school for children in Portugal; the celebration of the World Environment Day, promoted by UNEP, which the FIM has supported since 2006 as well as other projects that will be added to all the activities and that will be announced throughout the week.
The motto of our 2023 campaign is “Join us to build a better future” – this is dedicated with great respect to the guild of engineers and mechanics who work every day in all sectors of our organisation and who have a predominant role in achieving our objectives.
As with every year, I convey a cordial invitation to all members of this great FIM family, our Continental Unions, Promoters, National Federations, Riders, Journalists, and Organisers to join the permanent efforts to preserve our environment, contribute to local communities, support global objectives and also to join in the celebrations of this great FIM Sustainability Week.
FIM AFRICA 