What South African Cross Country Moto Round 3 Report Where Wartburg, KwaZulu Natal When Saturday 22 June 2026 Community South Africa National
Team Tork Craft stars in third round Nationals
The third round of South African Cross Country Motorcycle racing season supported by Tork Craft came to a dramatic climax at Wartburg in KwaZulu Natal over the weekend. It appeared that Sigmafix Tork Craft Yamaha lad Maddy Malan had stormed to his second successive victory from opening round winner Scott Heygate and returning former champion Bradley Cox’s Sherco in an open class OR1 1-2-3. But it was not to be.
Malan was deemed not to have stopped safely at a road crossing and docked 30 minutes to hand the win to Heygate from Cox, with Maddy’s 250cc OR3-winning Sigmafix Tork Craft Yamaha teammate Slade Smith promoted to a podium third. OR1 man Matthew Wilson’s Roost KTM ended up fourth from second in OR3, Cobus Bester on his Roost KTM and the penalised Malan classified sixth despite his added half hour.
John Botha’s OR1 Fast KTM followed from Peter Karam’s OR1 Motos Yamaha as Sigmafix Tork Craft Yamaha dominated the classes. High School 125 winner Murray Smith and tenth overall and 350cc OR2 winner, Ruald Potgieter’s blue machines followed from third in OR3, Jake Pretorius’ Pepson Plastics Kawasaki. Further back, Mielies le Roux’s KTM took Masters from Warrick van Schalkwyk’s Sigmafix Tork Craft Yamaha. His teammates, Beau Levey and Shimwells man Marco Cocci took the Seniors 1-2.
It was also a dominant day for Team Tork Craft in the Ladies and Junior races. Sharisma Kriel rode her Team Tork Craft Yamaha to the Ladies win, while 85cc Senior lad Ryan Wichman’s Sigmafix Tork Craft Yamaha won Juniors overall from Rayden Woolls’ Tork Craft Husqvarna, Lourens Erasmus’ Tork Craft Pepson Plastics KTM and Ruald Potgieter’s Yamaha. Fifth overall, Juandre Wilken took 85cc Junior honours on his KTM, while Ulrich Sterley won the baby 65cc class on his Sigmafix Tork Craft Yamaha.
Elsewhere, Team Tork Craft Ride Train Race travelled to Botswana for a successful Motocross of African Nations foray. Adam Meyer rode his Team Tork Craft RTR KTM to 85cc victory from Husqvarna mounted teammate Tommy Wotherspoon, while James Gibson made it a team double in 50cc Minicross on his Team Tork Craft RTR KTM.
The third round of South African Cross Country Motorcycle racing season supported by Tork Craft heads to Mafikeng next, for its fourth round on Saturday 22 August. Your South African National Cross Country Motorcycle action is brought to you by proud series sponsor Team Tork Craft.
Young riders and beginners will have the chance to experience motocross in a fun and supportive setting at the upcoming Mini X Motocross Training Day, taking place at Border Motocross Club on Sunday, 28 June.
Starting at 9:00 am, the day is open to all with free entry, making it the perfect opportunity for newcomers to get a first feel for the sport or for young riders to build on their existing skills.
Experienced trainers will be on hand to guide participants through the basics, focusing on building confidence and improving riding ability in a safe environment. The aim is to introduce riders to motocross in a way that is both enjoyable and encouraging.
Each rider will receive a certificate, a prize, and a sweet pack as part of the day’s activities.
Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Zairon Barnes on 073 260 3857.
For those of you who missed the recent press release and launch of the FIM Africa Continental Sustainability Campaign for Motorcycling.
Please find here below the release for your reference and subsequent action.
FIM Africa is proud to be launching this new campaign with the support of Ross Branch, the newly appointed FIM Sustainability Ambassador.
Also attached below are links:
Two versions of Ricky Rhino, the new mascot for the FIM Africa campaign which will be available to your FMN’s to use in promoting awareness and support of the campaign within the sporting and leisure riding communities.
The campaign framework which has been shared with the members of the sustainability commission for implementation in your various countries and will be available for reference on the FIM Africa Website under the Sustainability commission.
It is our hope that you will embrace this new initiative and fully support the work of your local sustainability representatives in implementing the plan within your local context.
Kind Regards
Julie Wahome Director Beyond Sport
FIM AFRICA LAUNCHES CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN FOR MOTORCYCLING
FIM AFRICA LAUNCHES CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN FOR MOTORCYCLING
FIM Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Botswana’s internationally acclaimed Rally Raid rider and World Champion, Ross Branch, as the new FIM Sustainability Ambassador for Africa.
The announcement forms part of the launch of the 2026 FIM Africa Sustainability Campaign, themed:
The campaign represents a landmark commitment by FIM Africa to promote motorcycling across the continent as a sustainable, resilient and regenerative sporting and leisure touring ecosystem that reduces environmental impact, strengthens operational systems, builds adaptive event structures and creates lasting positive community and environmental legacies.
Ross Branch, one of Africa’s most recognised motorcycle riders and a leading figure in international Rally Raid racing, will serve as the public face of the campaign, helping to inspire riders, organisers, federations and communities to embrace sustainable practices in motorcycling throughout Africa.
Ross expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating:
“I’m very honoured to be invited to join the FIM Sustainability Ambassadors Programme. Africa is home for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up riding, training and racing in places that are so wild, beautiful and full of freedom. Those experiences are a big part of who I am, and they’ve given me a huge respect for the environment and the wildlife we are so privileged to share it with. I would love for future generations of riders and motorsport fans to have the same opportunities I’ve had, and I’m proud to play a small part in helping create a more responsible and sustainable future for our sport.”
Branch’s appointment reinforces FIM Africa’s commitment to ensuring that motorcycling continues to grow responsibly across the continent while preserving the natural environments, communities and opportunities that make Africa such a unique destination for riders and enthusiasts alike.
Speaking on the appointment, FIM Africa President Marco Comana said:
“Ross embodies the values of excellence, resilience and responsibility. His achievements on the world stage have inspired riders across Africa, and his passion for the continent makes him the ideal ambassador to champion sustainability within our sport. Through his leadership, we hope to inspire meaningful action that will benefit future generations of motorcyclists and the communities in which we operate.”
The six month campaign will be launched during the 2026 FIM Sustainability Week and will focus on five key pillars:
Reduce unnecessary consumption and environmental impact
Reuse materials, systems and infrastructure wherever possible
Recycle unavoidable waste through sustainable management practices
Build Resilience across motorcycling operations and events
Promote Regeneration by leaving communities and environments stronger after events
Throughout the campaign, FIM Africa will work closely with its member federations to implement practical sustainability initiatives, conduct baseline assessments, develop leadership workshops, establish community partnerships and create long term sustainability standards for events across the continent.
A significant component of the programme will focus on community engagement, environmental awareness, youth education and the development of local partnerships that strengthen both motorcycling and the communities that host events.
As Sustainability Ambassador, Ross Branch will support awareness campaigns, engage with riders and stakeholders, promote responsible riding practices and encourage meaningful environmental and community initiatives throughout Africa.
The campaign reflects FIM Africa’s vision of a future where motorcycling is not only measured by competition and performance, but also by the positive environmental, social and community legacy it leaves behind.
Through this initiative, FIM Africa aims to position African motorcycling as a global leader in sustainable sporting development while continuing to grow participation, strengthen communities and protect the natural environments that make the continent unique.
Motorsport South Africa (MSA) recently hosted a comprehensive marshal training session at Legends MX Track as preparations continue for the upcoming MXGP event. Held on Saturday, 13 June 2026, the training was presented by experienced officials Nigel Cosway and Rob Webber and brought together a large group of both new and experienced marshals.
The training focused on the vital role marshals play in ensuring the safe and efficient running of an international motocross event. Participants received both classroom and practical instruction covering flag signals, trackside positioning, communication procedures, incident management, rider safety, emergency response protocols and the responsibilities expected of marshals during an FIM World Championship event. The practical exercises gave attendees the opportunity to apply these procedures in a track environment, helping to build confidence and consistency ahead of race weekend.
MSA CEO Vic Maharaj said the training was a key part of the organisation’s preparations for welcoming the MXGP to South Africa.
“Our marshals are the backbone of every motorsport event. Their commitment, professionalism and willingness to volunteer their time are what make safe and successful racing possible. With MXGP bringing the world’s best riders to South Africa, it is essential that our officials are prepared to meet the highest international standards. This training is an important step in ensuring we deliver an event that reflects the quality and professionalism of Motorsport South Africa.”
With South Africa preparing to welcome the world’s best motocross riders, the training forms an important part of MSA’s commitment to delivering a safe, professional and well organised event. Well-trained marshals are a key part of every successful race meeting, ensuring incidents are managed quickly and effectively while maintaining the highest standards of safety for riders, officials and spectators.
MSA extends its thanks to everyone who attended the training, as well as to Nigel Cosway and Rob Webber for sharing their knowledge and experience. We look forward to seeing both the newly trained and experienced marshals in action when the MXGP comes to South Africa on 4 and 5 July 2026.
The Mazagan Sand Race Test Event, held on 13 and 14 June 2026, showcased the growing role of women in motorcycle sport, both on and off the track.
The FIM Africa Women’s Commission was pleased to see women contributing in a wide range of important roles throughout the event. From registration and timekeeping to race management, track marshalling and pit board signalling, women played a valuable part in ensuring the event ran smoothly.
On the track, French rider Mathilde Denis proudly represented women in competition, demonstrating the continued growth of female participation in the sport.
The event was also attended by FIM Africa Board Member Gillian Dykes and Mrs Dalila, President of Miss Moto Maroc Wima Morocco. Their presence reflected the ongoing commitment to creating more opportunities for women in motorcycling across Africa.
As more women become involved as riders, officials, volunteers and leaders, the future of motorcycle sport continues to grow stronger, creating a more inclusive environment for the next generation.
