Good turnout, competition at 2nd MX leg

The long anticipated Moto-Cross (MX) leg scheduled to take place at Gobabis over the past weekend was shifted to the Gallina MX tracks north of Windhoek due to the water shortages in the Omaheke town. Despite the change in venue, about 40 riders from across the country entered the competition.

Just like previous events, riders young and old competed in seven different classes, ranging from the 50cc for the young ones, to 125cc for older and more experienced riders. This also included five entries in the Women’s Class (WMX).

Speaking to Mark Sternagel, referred to as the ‘Usain Bolt of MX’ by his teammates, passion does not end with victories.

He says his passion runs much deeper since he spends a lot of time motivating and training young MX riders.

“Never give up, keep on working. Every time you fall, get up. If you fall seven times, just get up for the eighth and get going, just never give up, you will get out on top,” says Sternagel when advising younger participants who admire his skills on the tracks.

Describing the MX event as a “good and successful day”, Sternagel says it takes a lot of dedication and many hours of practice to excel on the tracks.

Even fitness in the gym is vital since MX is more than just a bike challenge.

“It is the guy that works the hardest that will reap the fruits of success,” Sternagel says.

When Top Revs mingled in the pits with the various senior riders after the races, it was clear that Sternagel is a force to be reckoned with after over-lapping the more senior riders three times during the King Of The Dirt (KOTD) race.

The KOTD is the highlight of any MX event, since anything goes to take the title.

Tertius Joubert, another open-class racer like Sternagel, told Top Revs shortly after the race every second and round was worth the while. Despite this class seeing less entries, it was still a good competition.

“We keep pushing each other but it is always fun to be on the MX tracks,” Joubert said.

Despite an injury sustained three weeks ago during a practice round, Joubert still got back in the competition after being declared medically fit.

Despite the risks involved in MX, riders have to undergo a strict safety screening that includes safety gear like helmets, goggles, rider boots, gloves and other forms of body protection. While the bike itself must pass inspection before being allowed on the tracks.

Watch out for the next event, slated for 25 May at Swakopmund.
The results are as follows: (First, second and third place)
50cc: Carter Bouwer, Delmar du Plessis and Markus Pack.
65cc: De Wet du Plessis, Oliver Mathews and Markus Pack.
85cc: Leander Metzger, Khan Kortze and Patrick Geiger.
125cc Junior: Juan de Vos, Geno Friederich and Jarno Metzger.
WMX: Zoe Waldschmidt, Ronja Friederich and Gabrielle Still.
Clubmans: Lourens du Plessis and JF van Eeden.
Open Class: Sternagel, Rigo Wolf and Tony Viljoen.
Veterans: Sigi Pack, Olaf Pack and Jaco Huisamen.
KOTD: Sternagel, De Vos and Sigi Pack.