National Enduro news: Winterberg
Overall Results:
P1 Travis Teasdale
P2 Brett Swanepoel
P3 Heinrich Aust
So. Here’s the fun part of trying to keep everyone up to date on national racing and all that good stuff.
The KTM group, as usual is on point and they have sent race reports on their respective teams. But we have heard literally, nothing more from anyone.
So, herewith, the story and photos from KTM and Husqvarna, with a hello from Sherco’s Brett Swanepoel.
If anyone goes along to the national enduro’s and would like to send a little writeup and some pics… we’ll make you famous!
Husqvarna South Africa’s Enduro team achieved outstanding success at the first round of the National Enduro Traditional Championship, held at Rover Motorcycle Club in Gqeberha, renowned for its sandy terrain and grueling endurance tests.
Travis Teasdale, competing in the E2 class, and Heinrich Aust, riding in the E1 class, showcased their skills and fitness, securing victories for the team.
In the fiercely competitive E2 class, Teasdale emerged as a force to be reckoned with. He demonstrated unwavering focus and great fitness. “Today was all about endurance, so I picked up the endurance training during the week” Teasdale commented. “They put a sneaky sixth lap in that really tested our fitness, but really happy with the bike and my performance on today’s race.” Teasdale’s performance culminated in a well-deserved first-place finish in both the E1 class and overall, solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the national enduro championship.
Heinrich Aust showed some tenacity that paid off as he secured an impressive third overall finish and clinched the top position in the E1 class. “The track was awesome. I loved the breaking bumps, whoops and sandy corners. I don’t think they could have put a better track together.”
A surprise from Cross Country man Ryan Pelser came in the form of a third place in the E1 class and rounding off the top 10 overall.
Team Shercos Brett Swanepoel: We landed on Monday night from Serbia, got a bit of work done in the week and Thursday we Left to PE for Rnd1 SA National Enduro Championship
P2 Overall and E2
Team KTM, William Slater, Dylan Jones, and Matthew Stevens compeing in the E2, E1, and Highschool classes respectively, delivered outstanding performances on the tricky track.
William Slater encountered a minor setback on the start line, resulting in a seven-minute delayed start. He started in 27th position. Undeterred by the situation, Slater exhibited his speed on his KTM 300 EXC and embarked on a remarkable journey, progressively advancing through the ranks. It paid off, culminating in an impressive fourth-place finish in his class and an admirable eighth-place overall.
“Considering how the day went, I’m frustrated, but happy to get valuable points on the board. We can only take it from here and work towards the next one.” Slater said.
Jones, on his KTM 250 EXC-F, secured an impressive second-place finish in his class and a fourth place overall. Jones commented, “At the start of the last lap I was lying sixth overall, so I put a hard charge in and managed to bring it down to 4th overall and 2nd in class. So I’m super stoked with that”
Stevens displayed commendable maturity on his KTM 150 EXC, ultimately achieving a notable third-place finish in his class and an impressive ninth place overall.
“I’m not far off anymore, I’ve been working hard and the bike was amazing. Really a pleasure to ride”, Stevens said.
KTM Group manager Grant Frerichs commented on the teams performance stating, “The teams had a tough day out at Rover but I am proud of all of our riders for their tenacity and “never give up” attitude doing what they needed to do to keep their respective championships alive.”
