Round 3 of the National cross Country championship saw the countries fastest speed merchants heading to the community of Vryburg and opening throttles…
Dry, Dusty and fast was the order of the day, but all in – it was another great day on the SA racing calendar.
Brother Leader Tread KTM:
The Brother Leader Tread KTM team delivered an outstanding performance. With strong results in the Time Trial, the riders set the tone for a successful day of racing.
Scott Heygate lined up second in the Open Class, while Matthew Wilson secured pole in the OR3 Class. Kerim Fitz-Gerald led the Senior Class from first place. Their efforts put the team in an excellent starting position with a 2, 3, 4 start heading into the main race.
The race unfolded with the KTM riders holding their ground in the challenging dusty conditions and fighting hard for their respective class victories.
Heygate wrapped up the day with an impressive second overall and second in the Open Class.
Scott Heygate shared, “Had a fun day battling it out with Dav. Faced a small issue along the way, but massive thanks to the team for sorting it out so quickly. We’re making steps in the right direction – the speed is there, the fitness is there, just need to iron out a few little things and we’ll be good. Grateful for everyone in my corner that makes this possible.”
Wilson impressed with his speed and consistency, claiming the OR3 Class victory and finishing fifth overall. “Really good day out in the ‘desert’,” said Wilson. “Looking forward to Round 4,” he added.
Fitz-Gerald kept his winning streak alive in the Senior Class taking first place and earning a spot on the overall podium with third. Fitz-Gerald commented:
“It was an awesome weekend in Vryburg. The track was tough and the dust made things tricky, but I felt strong on the bike and it was great to come away with a class win and an overall podium. Big thanks to the team for keeping everything dialed in.”
KTM took home the Manufacturers Trophy for the day, underlining the brand’s strength across classes.
From Team Husqvarna:
KTM’s Davin Cocker opened the track from first in the Open Class, while teammate Luke Walker lined up in second for the OR3 Class, both set to chase top results.
Cocker delivered a superb ride, powering through the conditions to claim the overall win of the day as well as victory in the Open Class. Reflecting on his result, he shared,
“It was a really good day out in Vryburg. The dust made things tough at times, but I felt strong on the bike and was able to keep a solid pace until the end. Huge thanks to the team for all their support, it’s awesome to bring home the win.”
Walker also impressed with a steady and competitive ride, finishing second in the OR3 Class and sixth overall. He said, “I’m happy with how the race went. The pace was fast and the track kept us on our toes, but I managed to stay consistent and bring home a solid result. I’m looking forward to building on this heading into Round 4.”
Team Manager of the KTM group Megan Prinsloo was full of praise for the riders, “It was a fantastic weekend for Husqvarna and KTM! It was especially rewarding to see KTM walk away with the Manufacturers Trophy.
We’re proud of what the teams achieved and are excited to carry this momentum into the next round in Lesotho.”
Yamaha:
Four wins, podiums galore at Cross Country National
Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing painted Vryburg blue on Saturday as the team returned from the tough Northwest semi desert South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship round at Ganyesa with a pile of medals.
Most of them are gold.
“What a weekend!” Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing team boss Harry Grobler beamed. “Four class wins in the 65 and 85 senior, 125 High School and Masters classes, what more can we wish for? The team pulled out all the stops in the desert and all I can add is that I am supremely proud of my team and Yamaha on a truly special weekend.”
Already the team to beat in the Junior classes, Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha continued to dominate in Vryburg as High School ace Murray Smith stormed to victory. Murray’s second win of the season, along with a second place, also consolidates his 125 cc class championship advantage.
It’s no different in the primary school classes. Ryan Wichman made it a hat trick of wins in the first three races of the season to extend his 65 cc Junior championship advantage with another win in Vryburg. Ruald Potgieter meanwhile bounced back to score his second 85 cc Seniors win of the season to jump into that championship lead too.
It was also a great day for Everest Wealth Ridgeway Yamaha on the other side of the Cross Country Racing age gap as team Madala Warrick van Schalkwyk sped to Masters honours to close down that title lead aboard his flying Yamaha YZ 450 FX.
Shimwells rider Marco Cocci and Gerhard Vorster were meanwhile second and third in Seniors.
Closing off the Everest Wealth Ridgeway Yamaha action, Slade Smith and Hayden Louw came home fifth and sixth in the Open class aboard their YZ 450 FXs.
Maddy Malan suffered mechanical problems.
Tyron Beverley ended fifth in OR3 aboard his Yamaha YZ 250 FX.
“All in all, I’d say that was a very good day out in the desert,” Harry Grobler concluded. “We came home with a pile of gold and leading, or very close to the championship lead of seven of the ten classes including both the Senior and Junior Manufacturers chases in Yamaha’s comeback season.
Great job, team!”
The fourth round of the championship is set to take place in Maseru, Lesotho.
