Heavy rain created some serious challenges, but still Bloemfontein’s Austin Stuart (Orange Country KTM) pulled through and came third in the Silver Class of the Roof of Africa in Lesotho. He was well on his way to victory after a good first day, but technical difficulties had the last say.
The diffirent legs of the race from 10 to 12 November had to be changed due to heavy rains and swollen rivers.
Stuart won the first leg over 100 km in the Silver Class on Friday.
On Saturday he saw his 25 minute lead being wiped out due to mechanical problems and had to settle for third place.
He said the roads were very slippery and it was difficult to cross the rivers.
The Silver Class started out with 90 riders and only 40 crossed the finishline.
On Saturday in the Gold Race, defending Champion Wade Young (Sherco Factory Racing powered by Motul) led from the start to achieve his seventh victory.
He was pushed hard by Mani Lettenbichler (Red Bull ITM Facotry Racing) and Travis Teasdale (ASP Rope Mclarens Racing) who finished second and third respectively.
“The Maloti Mountain weather presented us with some serious logistical challenges this year – even more so than usual,” commented Charan Moore, Roof Race Director and Founder of Live Lesotho. “We’re therefore especially proud that we were able to deliver another classic edition of the Roof, and that we could provide a rewarding challenge for everyone from the world’s top Enduro riders to the weekend warriors in the Iron Class,” he added.
Another Bloemfontein rider Graham Maclachlan won the Round The Houses in Bronze Class. He donated his prize money to the adventure riders TT2Sea who rode from Bloemfontein to Port Edward to raise funds for Beaudene Daycare.
