Henle wins at first enduro of the year
Henle wins at first enduro of the year

Henle wins at first enduro of the year

Gerine Hoff
The long anticipated start of the Enduro racing season for 2017 finally arrived last weekend when close to 70 motorbikes and quad bikes entered the first race of the Bank Windhoek Namibia Enduro Championship for the year.

The race was held on Farm Omakwara with riders from across the country making their way to this impressive event, characterised by endless turns on the red, sandy surface.

Fifteen riders entered the most competitive Open Motorbikes Class, and one of the most interesting duels of the championship went into the first round in this division. Each rider had to complete three laps of approximately 50 km, with only a few seconds between Marcel Henle (KTM) and Henner Rusch (KTM) throughout the race.

In the end, Henle managed to build a gap of 41 seconds ahead of Rusch at the finish line to take victory in this first event. Ruhan Gous (KTM), known for his motocross skills, finished third.

The senior motorbike rider's championship class saw Jörn Greiter (KTM) taking victory ahead of Derrick Clark (KTM) and Werner Wiese (KTM).

A good number of quads entered the event and provided outstanding performances for the spectators. Last year, Jens Rubow (Yamaha) and JL Opperman (Honda) were neck to neck until the final event to determine who wins the championship, and this year started on a similar note.

Rubow finished first while Opperman took second place. Both riders showed excellent skills. Jens Weynand (Yamaha) came in third to complete the podium.

The 2016 ladies’ quad champion, Shannon Rowland (Honda), had an excellent start to the race in this category, recording the fastest lap. However, she had to park her quad after completing only two laps. Claire Brendel (Honda) rode at a consistent pace to take victory. Jolly Fourie (Yamaha) showed a strong performance to finish second.

Namibian motocross and enduro has produced a number of very promising riders in the last few years. Youngster Liam Gilchrist (Husqvarna) illustrated his exceptional skills at the Omakwara enduro. In the Clubmans Class, he showed one of the best performances of the day to take victory ahead of Sigi Pack (KTM) and Jürgen Gladis (KTM).

In the Beginners Bike Class, Teddy Kausch (KTM) took victory ahead of Duard Oosthuizen (Suzuki) and Hauke Fisher (KTM).

The Namibian Enduro Club offers youngsters from the age of 9 the opportunity to compete in the Development Class. Dylan Hilfiker (KTM) won the race ahead of Levin Quinger (KTM) and Charl Marais (Kawasaki).

The Omakwara event provided a perfect start to the Bank Windhoek Namibian Enduro Championship, with numerous new riders joining the championship, illustrating the growing popularity of the sport. The next event will take place on 11 March on Farm Lichtenstein, near Windhoek.

The Namibian Enduro Club offers quad and off road motorbike enthusiasts the possibility to enjoy the endure sport and encourages newcomers to join (www.namibianenduro.com).

Kommentaar

Republikein 2025-04-05

Geen kommentaar is op hierdie artikel gelaat nie

Meld asseblief aan om kommentaar te lewer