National Enduro: Cape Comeback... - Dirt And Trail Bike Magazine

South African National Enduro Rounds 1 & 2 Blaze Through Robertson.

Pics by ZCMC and Focus Creative

It’s been nearly three years since the National Enduro Championship made its way to the Western Cape — but this past weekend, the long-awaited return did not disappoint.

Hosted by the CSMX Enduro Club, Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2025 South African National Enduro (SANE) series roared into Robertson, bringing with it not just heat and adrenaline, but a level of racing that reminded the Cape why national-level enduro is such a spectacle. With back-to-back racing days, rising temperatures, and a technical, unforgiving course, the event marked a high-octane start to the championship season.

The Return of National Enduro to the Cape

The last time the Western Cape hosted a National Enduro was in 2022. Since then, the enduro community in the region has been waiting — and planning — for a comeback worthy of the wait. CSMX stepped up to the plate, delivering a seamless, professional event.

A challenging layout, excellent rider facilities, and a route that showcased the rugged beauty and tough terrain the region is known for.

From seasoned national contenders to rising junior stars, the weekend saw a stacked rider list across all six classes: E1, E2, E3, High School, Pro 85, and Ladies.

Day 1: Heat, Dust, and Determination

Saturday’s Round 1 kicked off under the clear Robertson skies with scorching sun and dry conditions. Riders were thrown straight into the deep end — the course featured a mixture of fast-flowing riverbeds, rocky climbs, and off-camber slopes that demanded finesse, strength, and laser focus.

As the temperature climbed, so did the pressure. Managing pace and hydration became as crucial as cornering and throttle control. From the very first lap, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. The Western Cape terrain asked questions, and only the fittest riders had the answers.

Day 2: Endurance Redefined

If Saturday was hot, Sunday was brutal. Temperatures soared even higher, and with fatigue from Day 1 already in their bodies, riders returned to face a tougher challenge than before. Every section felt steeper, every corner sharper, and every minute in the sun longer.

Round 2 quickly separated those who had trained hard in the off-season from those who hadn’t. Pacing, mindset, and resilience became the difference-makers. Riders were pushed not just physically, but mentally — and by the time the finish flag came out, the word “enduro” had never rung truer.

Despite the conditions, the spirit in the pits remained electric. Spectators gathered along key points, cheering riders through river crossings and final climbs. It was a reminder of the tight-knit community that keeps the sport alive and thriving.

A Strong Start to the 2025 Season

With the first two rounds now complete, the 2025 SANE Championship is officially underway — and if Robertson was any indication, we’re in for one of the most competitive seasons in years. The double-header format proved to be a true test, setting the bar high for the rounds to come.

CSMX delivered a race weekend that will be remembered for its heat, challenge, and incredible organisation. Hats off to the club, the crew, and the riders who braved it all.

Top 3 Results Per Class:

E1 – Round 1

Matthew Stevens
Luke Walker
Gabriel du Toit

E1 – Round 2

Matthew Stevens
Luke Walker
Heinrich Aus

E2 – Round 1

James Moore
Travis Teasdale
Kyle Flanagan

E2 – Round 2

James Moore
Kyle Flanagan
Thomas Scales

Brett Stevens commented, “The season couldn’t have started any better for me, two wins in two days, and also claiming the overall is a huge one. I’m so excited for the next rounds and to build on this momentum.”

Reflecting on his weekend, James Moore shared, “I went 5 kms off track on the first lap but managed to screw my head back on and settle into a good rhythm! My bike felt super good on such a demanding track. Day two wasn’t the cleanest either, I got sent over the bars after a wire wrapped in both my front and back wheels, and then broke my banjo bolt on the back brakes on lap two. But I managed to come back swinging and take the win in E2 again.”