Motul Roof of Africa celebrates 50th anniversary

Scheduled to take place from 15-18 November 2017 in Lesotho, the Motul Roof of Africa, described as the oldest off-road race in Africa and one of the oldest in the world, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Motul Roof of Africa celebrates 50th anniversary

This year's Motul Roof of Africa is the final round of the Red Bull Hard Enduro Series for the year and promises to be a good test of man and motorcycle.

Worldwide, Hard Enduro or Extreme Enduro, has become increasingly popular and the Motul Roof of Africa has earned the reputation as being one of the hardest to compete in. The three-day race attracts overseas interest and regular participation from a large contingent of international competitors as well as pro and amateur local riders.

2017 event

The route begins in and around Maseru, Lesotho’s capital. This part of the race, known as the “Round the Houses” will give spectators a taste of the adrenaline and pace of the race. Gold and Silver riders will take part in the "Round the Houses" and Bronze riders will proceed directly to the time trial. There will also be endless stunt entertainment between races at the Maseru Club Grounds.

Motul Roof of Africa celebrates 50th anniversary

The start of the time trial will be at 2,700 masl (meters above sea level). The altitude of the race will vary from 1,500 masl in the lowlands to more than 3,000 masl in the mountains. The route of day two and three comprises of sand and rock tracks with hard surfaces and donkey paths through mountain passes which are generally very steep and rocky. Several deep rivers may have to be crossed depending on weather conditions.

Top competitors to watch

After winning last year, Graham Jarvis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) is scheduled to return to defend his Roof of Africa title while Alfred Gomez Cantero (Red Bull KTM), who came in at a very close second last year, will also be back to chase down the overall title.

Some of the top performing SA athletes include Wade Young (Sherco LiquiMoly Racing), the youngest competitor to win a Roof of Africa title at only 16 years of age in 2012 (he also won in 2014); Brett Swanepoel (Pepson Plastics Husqvarna), as well as World Junior SuperEnduro Champion, Blake Gutzeit (Bidvest bLU cRU Yamaha) and his brother Jade Gutzeit, 2003 Winner (Alfie Cox KTM Motul Racing).

From the ladies entries, Kirsten Landman (Brother Leadertread KTM), known as “the iron woman of Hard Enduro” who was the first-ever female competitor to enter and complete the Gold class in 2016, will be joined by Spanish Sandra Gomez (Pepson Plastics Husqvarna) which should make for an interesting battle and one worth keeping an eye on during this year’s event.

Motul Roof of Africa event organiser, Peter Luck, gives a rundown of what can be expected: “The route is as tough as always but is do-able for the various classes, certainly a great test for man, woman and machine. Spectators can look forward to great viewing points along the route,” he says.

For more, go to www.roofofafrica.info.

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