The Linex BLU CRU Yamaha Racing Team has announced its rider line-up for the
2026 racing season This is the team’s second year of competition. It’s great to see more blue bikes on the startlines.
Building on a strong debut season in 2025, the team returns with a balanced mix of experienced
riders and exciting new talent. The 2026 squad will feature returning riders Zander King and
Shawn Badenhorst. Alongside new team additions Keaton Venter, Justin Boniface (not so new
actually) , Matthias Thienpont and Tiané Thienpont.
2026 Linex BLU CRU Yamaha Racing Team Line-Up:
Zander King – OR2 Pro | Yamaha YZ250FX
Shawn Badenhorst – Seniors | Yamaha YZ450FX
Justin Boniface (Team Manager) – Seniors | Yamaha YZ250
Keaton Venter – OR1 | Yamaha YZ450FX
Matthias Thienpont – OR3 Pro/Am | Yamaha YZ250FX
Tiané Thienpont – Ladies Class | Yamaha YZ125X
The team will contest the full 2026 GXCC calendar, with a strong focus on rider development,
consistency, and growing the sport at grassroots and professional levels.
“We are incredibly excited heading into our second year of racing,” said Justin Boniface, Team
Manager of the Linex BLU CRU Yamaha Racing Team. “We learned a huge amount during our
first season in 2025. While we are always aiming for strong performances, we are not a resultsdriven team per se — our focus is on development, teamwork, and building a solid foundation
for long-term success.”
The team would like to extend a sincere thank you to its sponsors, whose support makes the
2026 campaign possible:
Linex Lynnwood, Linex Sandton, Yamaha Distributors South Africa, Bikewise, Leatt, 32Gi, Bandit
Graffix, PSP, CWC Electrical, Plasson South Africa, Mzanzi Agriculture, Nova Feeds, Africor
Auctioneers, CJ Distribution, PEL Security Services, DJ van R, FLEX Clothing, Cycle Worx
Suspension, Dusk Run Sunglasses, Manzi Water.
Media Assets:
Video and photography courtesy of Black Rock Moto.
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