After the first round of the 2025 National Cross country championship was postponed due to extreme weather conditions, teams were eager to hit the track – and by all accounts it was a great day of racing.
Yamaha had a cracker start to the day in the Junior classes as Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha duo Ruald Potgieter powered to victory in the 85 Seniors and Ryan Wichman took the 65 cc Juniors win. In the High School Class, Murray Smith led Tyler Petersen home in a Yamaha 125 cc 1 and 2.
The Husqvarna Racing team made a bold statement as they charged into the season with back-to-back victories.
Davin Cocker and Luke Walker both clinched first place in their respective classes, setting the tone for what promises to be a great season.
Cocker, coming off a championship-winning season in 2024, wasted no time in showcasing his intent to defend his title in the Open Class. After a strong time trial, he led the way from the start.
“The race was muddy, but I enjoyed it a lot. It was interesting to see how the track formed throughout the day, and I am happy with a strong race for the day” Cocker shared.
Walker, also entering the season as a defending champion, delivered a solid and composed ride to secure the top spot in the OR3 class. “It was a good start to the season, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” he commented after the race.
KTM’s Kerim Fitz-Gerald takes Seniors:
In the Seniors Class, Kerim Fitz-Gerald (#108) delivered a class performance to secure a first-place finish, despite facing early setbacks. Starting the main race from seventh after a less-than-ideal time trial, Fitz-Gerald encountered brake issues just a few kilometers into the race, making for a challenging ride. “I wasn’t too happy with my time trial result, and a couple of km’s in, my back brakes failed.
It was tough riding, and I had a couple of close calls. The team managed to fix my brake problem, and I kept pushing and managed to bring home the win,” he commented.
The Brother Leader Tread KTM team made the most of the muddy conditions to deliver an impressive performance on a great track.
KTM’s Scott Heygate (#387), on a mission for championship glory this season in the Open Class, put in a solid ride. He started third after the time trial and fought hard throughout the race, making up significant time to finish second on the day and earn valuable championship points.
Reflecting on his race, Heygate said, “I had a great day out there. I found a good flow but I still have a few things to work on. The track was amazing, and it changed a lot after lap three with all the rain we’ve had, which made things really interesting and fun.”
KTM’s Matthew Wilson (#88) also put in a determined ride in the OR3 class, overcoming an early crash in the first 10km.
Despite the setback, he pushed hard for the remainder of the race to claim second. “Even with the crash, I gave it my all and raced my heart out. To finish that close after such a long and tough race feels great,” Wilson shared.
With a strong start to the season despite the unpredictable conditions, the Brother Leader Tread KTM team has laid a solid foundation for the championship battle ahead. As the season unfolds, they remain focused and ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.
Some More results:
Third overall, Maddy Malan meanwhile powered his Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha YZ 450 FX to third in the Open Class, while Tyron Beverly stormed home to a top ten ninth and third in OR3 aboard his YZ 250 FX. Marco Cocci rode his Shimwells Yamaha to second in Seniors ahead of Blu Cru man Gerhard Vorster in third, while legend Warrick van Schalkwyk was second among the Masters men.
Team Yamaha: “Wow, that was the perfect start to Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing’s National season and a dream return to the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship for Yamaha!” team boss Harry Grobler beamed after the race. “We dominated the Junior classes with wins in the 65, 85 and 125cc classes, and enjoyed podium finishes in both National classes and also in Seniors and Masters. What a day!”
“We were on the podium in every class we entered this weekend,” Grobler concluded. “That’s huge considering this was Yamaha’s comeback race in the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship, which also means that we start off at the sharp end of the championship in every class we compete in.
