Enduro is for endurance and stamina

For the few who dare to take on enduro, they will tell you the name is just right.

Unlike most motorised sports where speed and time is of the essence, enduro needs stamina, mental and physical fitness, as well as an iron will to complete the course.

The first leg of the national enduro championships kick off this weekend at the Yellowstone Trials west of Windhoek.

Ruaan de Lange, an avid enduro participant, describes the sport as “a test of men and machine in extreme conditions.”

“Enduro is not about distance or the amount of laps around the tracks, but wisely using your limited time to service and repair your machine.

“Enduro means nothing to the rider without his or her motorbike,” De Lange says.

The sport is slowly returning to its glory days where each event averaged 40 entries.

French made Sherco and Australia’s KTM are considered the most reliable machines on the track.

“These motorbikes are specially designed to take extreme punches,” De Lange says.

Unlike the MX bikes, the enduro bike has a longer range fuel tank, softer suspension, and fan kits to keep the engine cool.

To avoid tyre punctures, riders use an enduro tyre mousse – a solid foam ring inserted into the tyre to replace the inner tube – keeping tyre pressure consistent.

Enduro riders take part in various classes, including the women in development, who ride a much easier route; the beginners intermediate pro-class and the senior pro-class.

First-time enduro racer and Team Sherco representative Zwayne Blaauw says he is nervous but excited.

He is familiar with the Yellowstone Trails, saying it is where he trains and prepares for the event.

Second-year rider Dean Schlechter says he expects a tough track.

“The track is a technical, long loop with lots of rocks – some steep and large – and lots of rivers and river beds,” Schlechter says.

Veteran Henner Rusch plans an impactful return to enduro, drawing on his international experience to motivate the youth to challenge him on the track.

“I will be out there having a lot of fun, and this time I will be the chaser and not the chased one,” Rusch says.

Meanwhile, 2025 enduro champion Quinton van Rooyen, riding a KTM, assures Top Revs that he is in top form and determined to keep the title his.

“The two-strokes and bikes will be roaring in the mountains. We managed to have a great 2025 and we managed to win all the national races and kept the rubber below me and me on top of the bike so it couldn’t get better,” Van Rooyen says.

Sexagenarian John Greiter says he will show the youngsters age is just a number.

The first riders are expected to start at around 07h00 and finish in the afternoon at Yellowstone.

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