The third leg of the motocross (MX) national championships this past weekend at the MX tracks outside Swakopmund featured good weather and great competition in all the different heats.
At least 50 riders in nine different classes took part in the event.
Despite windy and extreme weather conditions forecasted for Saturday, the weather was perfect.
Extreme weather makes it difficult for riders on the tracks, since they have to calculate and counter wind during jumps.
Lourens du Plessis, the winner of the clubman’s class after the race commended the organisers for their role in making the day a success.
Starting and ending the day with a fall on the tracks, Du Plessis said the MX track was exceptionally well prepared.
“The MX tracks lasted quite well throughout the entire race,” he said.
What makes the coastal tracks more favourable for this sport is the cool air and the mist that keeps them damp, making them dust free.
Tony Viljoen, a veteran still enjoying the sport, after the championships said he enjoys the Swakopmund event due to the weather and an “almost dust-free” track.
“One’s breath lasts a bit longer due to the sea level and fresh breeze coming from the ocean,” he said.
He said the soft breeze from the sea influences riders’ performance on the longer jumps.
The winner of the women’s section (WMX), Zoe Waldschmidt, said the race was fun, but she also experienced pain in her forearms from holding onto her bike’s handles.
Zoe’s father, Ingo Waldschmidt, said the MX tracks are a bit faster than that of other MX tracks in Namibia and needed to be adjusted, ensuring the speeds are not too high.
The ‘King of the Dirt’ item is most likely the highlight of every MX event, since this allows senior riders in all categories to race against each other.
It guarantees high jumps, good performances and a definite adrenaline rush.
Many riders will hardly have time to rest or practise, as the next event is slated for Swakopmund again on 15 June.
This is due to the water shortages at some other towns.
Water is crucial in maintaining MX tracks.
The next event after that is on 13 July at the Gallina tracks outside Windhoek.
The national championships’ results are as follows:
85cc class: First: Khan Kotze, second: Patrick Geiger, and third: Connor Bouwer.
50cc. First: Carter Bouwer, second: Delmar du Plessis, and third: Markus Pack.
Veterans class: First: Martin Kruger, second: Sigi Pack, and third: Ronald Geiger.
Clubman’s class: First: Du Plessis, second: Keagan Kotze, and third: Johann Lochner.
Open class: First: Mark Sternagel, second: Rico Wolf, and third: Stefan Bartsch.
MX 65cc class: First: De Wet Du Plessis, second: Oliver Mathew, and third: Paul Mans.
125cc juniors class: First: Marno Kruger, second: Juan de Vos, and third: Jarno Metzger.
WMX class: First: Zoe Waldschmidt, second: Maronique Kruger, and third: Ronja Frederich.
KOTD: First: Mark Sternagel, second: Kruger, and third: De Vos.
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