@RoofOfAfrica The start of the 2015 Roof of Africa (2 – 5 December) is less than a week away and the hot and dry conditions experienced in the Mountain Kingdom, over the past few months have not relented. A brief thunderstorm last week was enough to keep the pundit’s guessing, however event organizer, Peter Luck of Extreme Off Road Promotions, isn’t expecting any weather conditions that would affect the route.
An International field of over 360 riders’ will make up the 3 classes of Gold, Silver and Bronze, where riders will all be pushed to their respective limits to make it to the finish. The combination of the high altitude, heat and the constant barrage of rocks sets the “Roof” apart as one of the toughest Hard Enduro’s in the world!
Wade Young has his sights set on becoming the youngest rider to earn 3 Roof of Africa titles, after his incredible victory in 2012 at the age of 16 and his second victory in 2014. Young will be looking to join the elite group with over 3 victories, that include South African Dakar Rally legend Alfie Cox (9 X Victories); Multiple SA Off Road Champion Louwrens Mahoney (3 X Victories) and New Zealand Hard Enduro Legend Chris Birch (3 X Victories).
Young will be feeling the heat from arch rival, Graham Jarvis, as he will also be looking for his 3rd Roof title this year, the two riders have been alternating victories for the past 4 years and if history is anything to go bye, Jarvis will be coming back to Lesotho even more prepared and focused this year.
While the pressure builds on both Young and Jarvis for the 3rd title, the stacked field will be ready to capitalize on any mistakes. Leading the charge will be last year’s runner-up Brett Swanepoel, riding for the Proudly Bidvest Yamaha Team who have also included former Roof Winner Jade Gudzeit in the team to try push Brett to the top step of the podium.
Young himself, rates his Brother/Leader Tread teammates as a threat and should he make any mistakes, Dwayne Kleynhans, Travis Teasdale and Scott Bouverie will all be looking to take over the team leadership.
The ABE Midas Husqvarna team will be looking to 10 x South African Motocross Champion Richie van der Westhuizen to get up front and mix it with the big boys after a full season on the National Enduro circuit.
Anything can happen in the Mountain Kingdom and there will be lots of local support for riders like Kenny Gilbert (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha), Bronson Louw (ABE Midas Husqvarna) and comeback kid Marc Torlage (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha).
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