THE Bank Windhoek Namibian Enduro Championship winners were officially announced and awarded their trophies at Farm Elisenheim on Saturday, 5 November.
Henner Rusch (KTM) was awarded the overall Namibian Enduro Championship and the more than 250cc motorbikes crown for the fourth year in a row.
The season had not started promisingly for Rusch after he ran out of fuel in the first event at Omakwara. However, he kept his nerves and won six out of the seven following events, demonstrating his outstanding skill.
Pascal Henle (KTM), who had moved up from the motorbikes up to 200cc Class only this season, was on his heels throughout the season, and pounced to win whenever Rusch gave him an opportunity. He finished second overall, ahead of Kai Hennes (KTM) in third place.
Five victories in the motorcycles up to 200 cc Class helped Marcel Henle (KTM) to be awarded the championship, although he tied on points with veteran Ingo Waldschmidt (KTM, four victories) in the end. Throughout the season, the two riders showed an entertaining battle, up to the showdown in the last event. Joern Greiter (KTM) finished third.
In the Senior Motorbikes Class, Sven Schneidenberger (KTM/Husaberg), won his third championship title in a row, ahead of Frank Ahlreip (KTM) and Kai Hohmeier (KTM).
The overall motorbikes title went to Rusch, who was “sandwiched” on the podium by the Henle brothers, with Marcel Henle second, and Pascal Henle third. “Challenge accepted” were his words, when asked about the next season and the competition by the Henle brothers.
The Open Quad Class saw a dramatic final race of the season at Otjihase, in which JL Oppermann (Honda) clinched the win, and with it his first Namibian championship title. Newcomer Jens Rubow (Yamaha) – who was awarded the Quads Rookie of the Season award – rode an excellent first season to finish second, ahead of Claire Brendel (Honda).
Brendel, was the first female rider to have entered the class, and ended it in style by finishing on the podium in all events except one. In the Women’s Quad Class, Shannon Rowland (Honda), who had dominated the season, was awarded the Namibian Women’s Quad champion title.
In the Motorbike Clubman’s Class, Jürgen Gladis (KTM) was awarded the championship title. Gerald Heiser (KTM) was second overall, while Ronnie Adams (KTM) ended the season in third after winning the last two events.
In the Offroad Bikes Class, Kurt Hartung (KTM) won the championship crown ahead of youngster Lenny Bagwitz (KTM) and Juan van As (KTM). Van As was awarded the “Most Improved Bike Rider 2016” title, due to his constantly improving results over the season. Noam Babluki (KTM) was awarded the Development Class championship title, ahead of Adam Johnston (Yamaha).
Next year’s Bank Windhoek Enduro Championship season will start in February. The Namibian Enduro Club offers male and female enthusiasts, from beginners to professionals, from young to old, the possibility to enjoy Enduro sport, and encourages newcomers to join next season.
More information and registration forms are available at www.namibianenduro.com.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
