Thunder Valley Delivers Another Classic
Photos by Ruben Louw Photography.
Round 2 of the 2026 MSA MX Nationals headed to Thunder Valley in Pietermaritzburg. 2026 seems to be the year of mud and once again,the boggy track delivered a proper mix of struggle, pressure, and bar-to-bar racing across all classes.
With championship points already starting to matter, riders came in swinging and the results showed just how tight the competition is this season.
(Results as per MX Nationals South Africa)
MX1 – Durow Controls the Tempo
The premier class belonged to Cameron Durow, who put together a strong and consistent performance to take the overall win for the round.
Durow was challenged early by Slade Smith, who kept the pressure on with solid pace across both motos, but ultimately had to settle for second overall. Jayden Proctor completed the podium after another composed outing.
MX1 Overall:
1st Cameron Durow – KTM
2nd Slade Smith – Yamaha
3rd Jayden Proctor – Yamaha
MX2 – Cox Takes Control at Thunder Valley
The MX2 class saw a standout ride from Trey Cox, who topped the overall standings after a strong win and consistent pace under pressure.
Cameron Durow doubled up with another front-running performance to take second overall, while Luke Grundy secured third after a solid and calculated day in the heat of the MX2 battle.
MX2 Overall:
1st Trey Cox – KTM
2nd Cameron Durow – KTM
3rd Luke Grundy – Husqvarna
MX3 – Wheeler Strikes Again
In MX3, it was Brandon Wheeler who set the benchmark once more, taking the overall win with a controlled and confident performance.
Keegan Du Plooy kept things honest in second, while Jason Hill rounded out the podium after a consistent showing across both motos.
MX3 Overall:
1st Brandon Wheeler – Honda
2nd Keegan Du Plooy – Yamaha
3rd Jason Hill – Honda
Ladies – Bam Leads the Charge
The Ladies class once again highlighted the pace of Mackenzie Bam, who took another overall victory with a clean, controlled ride.
Ivana Venter finished second, with Zoe Botha completing the top three after a solid day of racing.
Ladies Overall:
1st Mackenzie Bam – Husqvarana
2nd Ivana Venter – Honda
3rd Zoe Botha – Yamaha
125 High School – Frost vs Valsecchi
The 125 High School class delivered one of the closest fights of the day, with Evan Frost taking the overall win.
Trent Valsecchi kept the pressure on throughout to finish second, while Trenton Kretzmann secured third in a tightly packed top group.
125 High School Overall:
1st Evan Frost – Yamaha
2nd Trent Valsecchi – GasGas
3rd Trenton Kretzmann – KTM
85cc – Bircher Takes the Round
The 85cc class saw momentum swing between motos, but it was Brody Bircher who came out on top overall after a win and a second place finish.
Rayden Woolls finished second in both heats with two consistent rides, while Aiden Retief completed the podium after taking a race win in Heat 1.
85cc Overall:
1st Brody Bircher – KTM
2nd Aiden Retief – KTM
3rd Ross Mackenzie – KTM
65cc – Geldenhuys Sets the Standard
In the 65cc class, Riley Geldenhuys dominated proceedings, taking a clean overall win after two strong heats.
Richard Smith finished second, with Coby Kretzmann rounding out the podium.
65cc Overall:
1st Riley Geldenhuys – KTM
2nd Richard Smith – Yamaha
3rd Coby Kretzmann – Husqvarna
50cc – Small Claims the Win
The youngest class of the day went to Nate Small, who held off strong competition to take the overall victory.
Gianno Ferreira finished second, while Garry Hamer completed the top three.
50cc Overall:
1st Nate Small – KTM
2nd Gianno Ferreira – KTM
3rd Garry Hamer – KTM
With Round 2 in the books, the pressure now shifts as riders turn their focus to the next stop on the calendar, where every point starts to matter just a little more. Round 3 will be held at Zone 7 25 April, don’t miss out on the action.
