Yesterday it was announced that Yamaha will participate in the Africa Eco Race and in this announcement it was revealed that global leaders in transport for healthcare, Riders for Health has become Yamaha’s title partner for the race to raise awareness for its projects.

Now, Yamaha is happy to officially announce a three-year partnership with Riders for Health, a humanitarian organisation which provides accessible healthcare to some of the most remote communities in regions across Africa by supplying and maintaining motorcycles and other suitable vehicles to health-focused organisations.For more than 30 years, Riders for Health has been providing suitable transport to health care workers across some of the poorest and most hard to reach regions of Africa where citizens often find themselves without the basic health care that many of us take for granted.

Riders for Health has long used Yamaha motorcycles to provide these vital services, making the organisation a natural fit for this partnership as Yamaha looks to live by its ethos of contributing to society and bringing value to people’s lives.

Over the coming months in the lead up to the start of the Africa Eco Race, Yamaha and Riders for Health, in cooperation with its UK-based fundraising arm, Two Wheels for Life, will launch some exciting fundraising activities, so stay tuned for this news on either the Yamaha or Yamaha Motor For Riders’ website.Andrea Coleman, Co-Founder Riders for Health and Two Wheels for Life

“Yamaha are close to our hearts. We have used their reliable AG bikes for over 30 years in our African programmes and their racing teams have supported our fundraising since the start of the charity. We are excited to announce this new, landmark three-year partnership between Riders for Health, Two Wheels for Life and Yamaha. Together we will show that motorcycles save lives!"

Eric de Seynes, President, Chief Executive Officer of Yamaha Motor Europe, Senior Executive Officer of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

“We are proud to partner with Riders for Health. Our aim with this partnership is to raise awareness and raise funds for Riders’ projects in which they provide vital healthcare to communities in the most remote areas. We really hope that people are touched by Riders’ cause and participate in our upcoming fundraising activities.”

At WP Suspension we have the need to always go one step further, we are non-conformists and we work on our PRO COMPONENTS taking care of even the smallest detail.

Our range of street components, APEX PRO is not an exception, we know that mixing our best materials, technology and expertise in the elite of motorsports is a perfect recipe for outstanding quality and performance.Our priority is that every rider can maintain maximum control of the bike, to draw corners with laser precision or brake in the most aggressive way. Whether on the track or on the street, the APEX PRO COMPONENTS have been developed using the technologies used in our MotoGP Factory Racing Teams to give those ambitious riders maximum confidence and optimum performance and unleash their most competitive spirit.

The WP APEX PRO 6500 Cartridge offers first-class damping characteristics combined with outstanding feedback from the road. The open-cartridge technology ensures optimized heat dissipation even under extreme stress and frequent compression. The extensive adjustment possibilities guarantee precise response and a completely new riding experience, whether on the road or in racing.The suspension characteristics of the WP APEX PRO 6746 SHOCK can be easily adjusted to almost any situation using the separate high- and low-speed compression and rebound settings. Thanks to the SCS BIG VALVE Technology, the suspension now delivers maximum precision and direct feedback in every riding situation.

The APEX PRO 6500 Cartridge is available for (€573.00 retail price excluding VAT). TheAPEX PRO 6500 Cartridge is available for the following motorcycles with KIT Article No.:AP06C100U001220

KTM: RC 125/390 MY2022 and Duke 125/390 MY2017-MY2022The APEX PRO 6746 Shock Absorber is available for (€696.70 retail price excluding VAT). The APEX PRO 6746 Shock Absorber is available for the following motorcycles with KIT Article No.: AP06C100U001221

KTM: RC 125/390 MY2022 and Duke 125/390 MY2017-MY2022

For more detailed information visit your nearest WP AUTHORIZED CENTER
 or go to - WP Suspension (wp-suspension.com)

Mark your calendars, THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK will take place on July 4th to 10th. Encouraging mass participation by all adventurers no matter what bike they are on, THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK is a unique opportunity to go out and ride. The main goal: to complete 1,000 km or more in seven days…

Seven days, 1,000 kilometers, July 4th to 10th 2022. 

Powered by KTM and RISER, THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK is the perfect excuse to put some mileage on your motorcycle. It is an invitation to go explore the tracks and trails you’ve always wanted to and is an opportunity to share your favorite places with the global motorcycling community. 

The most adventurous riders will be rewarded with daily prizes and the chance to be featured on theworldadventureweek.com as well as KTM’s social media channels. There will be different challenges to complete on each of the seven days, with all riders completing 1,000 km or more in total receiving a personalized award. 

The challenges will be open to all riders from all brands. To enter, you simply need to download the RISER app from the App Store or Google Play and start recording your rides. 

For all adventurers keen to learn more about this exciting new challenge, more information is available on theworldadventureweek.com. 

More information on the event’s daily and weekly prizes will be released in the coming two weeks.

The National Enduro Championship season was off to a stellar start for Brother Leader Tread KTM. The first round of the championship took place in Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, this past weekend where riders blistered their way through some of the most iconic trails South Africa has to offer.

The event marked the debut race of two new orange riders – namely Blake Gutzeit and Matthew Stevens. Star rider Bradley Cox was missing from the action after an injury he sustained at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. 

Gutzeit stepped onto a KTM 300 XC-W TPI for his debut national event with the orange team. Having started in the fourth row, he was off to a slow start in the opening lap as he worked his past the riders ahead of him. As he picked up the pace from the second lap, however, it wasn’t long before he closed the gap on frontrunners Brett Swanepoel and Wade Young. After an eventful fourth lap and an exceptional display of grit, Gutzeit finished second in his class and second overall. He explained:  “I really put the hammer down in the second lap and made up a lot of time. It gave me confidence going out on the third lap, and I quickly started closing the gap on the guys ahead of me. I unfortunately crashed on the fourth lap and broke my clutch! I never gave up though, and kept my head strong. I managed to get ahead of Brett when we hit a muddy section, so with a bit of luck and a ‘never say die’ attitude, I finished in second overall!” said Gutzeit.Adding to the excitement this weekend is the fact that former Brother Leader Tread KTM rider, Scott Bouverie, set the routes. As one of the most talented Enduro riders the country has seen, Bouverie carved out nothing less than world-class trails in Harding.  “The track was incredible! It was a ‘real Enduro’ route that was so well marked. Scott put on a great show. There was even a new timing system, which I believe is a big step forward for racing in South Africa. My motorcycle ran so smoothly and the team dynamic was awesome – we share the same common goal of wanting to win and that really kept me going on Saturday,” said Gutzeit. 

Also making his debut for Brother Leader Tread KTM was exciting Enduro prospect Matthew Stevens, who raced in the J1 class on the KTM 125 XC. He had a tough start to the event by his own high standards and used the remaining laps to play catch up. With a sixth place overall in his class, the rider was happy to secure some championship points but was also determined to work on his speed for the next event. Stevens also raced in the Extreme Enduro Championship the following day where he stormed to a podium spot. He commented: “I’m more comfortable on the extreme terrain and realised that I need to work on my pace on the faster stuff. I loved every moment of this weekend and look forward to improving as I move into the rest of the season.”

The Brother Leader Tread KTM team will now turn their attention to the next round of the National Cross Country Championship. The event takes riders back to KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday for what promises to be a nail-biting day of racing. All eyes will be on star rider Bradley Cox who opened the season in victory. In what was an unforgettable start to the championship, the rider stormed to both the Overall and OR1 Class win at Legends MX. 

In the highly competitive OR2 Class, new recruitScott Heygate will enter the event with fresh sense of confidence after the first round. It was an impressive debut performance for the rising star who managed to finish second in his class and fourth overall – his best national finish in South Africa to date.Joining him in the OR2 Class is Red Bull KTM’s Kerim Fitz-Gerald. With years of experience to fall back on, the former South African Motocross champion will look to build on his third place finish from the first round.

Rounding out the team is young gun Matthew Wilson, who like teammate Cox opened the season in victory. The team added Wilson to their cross country roster in the OR3 Class this season, and judging by his first performance, have a promising season ahead with the rising star. 

After an unforgettable season with Husqvarna Racing, star rider David Goosen has announced his retirement from competitive racing. Goosen injured his knee in the last moto of the recent Cape Town national and later discovered that it would require surgery. 

The rider well-known for his “21” number board brought a breath of fresh air into a highly anticipated 2021 season for the Husqvarna Racing team. Having been a top contender for the championship title, Goosen and the team decided to give the 2022 season their best shot before the rider would gracefully end his competitive racing career.    The recent injury, however, is expected to side line Goosen from the next three rounds of the season – dashing any hope of winning the MX1 or MX2 Championship. After numerous discussions about the best way forward for both Goosen and the team, it was with heavy hearts that the decision was made for an early retirement. 

“Just over a year ago we were so proud and excited to announce the signing of David as our premier athlete in MX1 and MX2. David is so much more that a top motocross rider to me, he is also a friend, a gentleman and a fine ambassador for both our team and the sport! This career ending injury is tough, really tough, and he will leave an enormous gap in many ways. We will, however, make sure we keep him around us and the sport whenever possible. It’s time for new beginnings for David and Shannon, and we are going to miss them both!” said Husqvarna South Africa’s Brand Manager Fred Fensham.Motocross has been a part of Goosen’s life since he got his first motorcycle at 3 years old. Growing up in Zimbabwe, he fondly remembers spending weekends with his family at the track for a great portion of his childhood.  As he looks back at that time in his life, he believes that it set him up for success in what would soon become a flourishing racing career.

The rider was crowned the country’s National Motocross Champion in 2017 – a defining moment in Goosen’s racing career. With immense pride in everything that rider has achieved, the team took some time to chat to Goosen about everything from his recent injury to the most memorable moments of last season: 

Tell us about the extent of your recent injury?

I injured my knee in the last moto of the recent Cape Town national. While pushing at the front end of the pack I had a bit of a side swap and my knee clicked quite harshly. MRI scans showed that I had torn the meniscus in my knee. I opted to not have an operation as I wasn’t in too much pain and could continue riding. 

Just over a week ago while I was training for the upcoming round, I had a very similar twisting movement on the bike which ended up causing a locked out knee and a serious amount of pain. I had no option but to undergo emergency theatre to release and fix the knee. The outcome was a 270 degree meniscus tear which had to be sewn and repaired.

How did you and the Husqvarna Racing team come to the decision to ultimately withdraw from competitive racing?

The Husqvarna Racing team and I agreed to give this year our all before I called it a day from competitive racing at the end of this 2022 season. The injury is going to set me out for the next three rounds now and it’s going to take a lot for me to come back to full fitness to be competitive again - all for the one or two rounds that will be left. I’m saddened to call it early, but with work pressures and the constant hustle it’s about time I take a break and catch up on some normal life. I feel like this is the right time that I step back and let this opportunity go to a new up and coming rider that will give their full effort and commitment to racing and Husqvarna.What will your involvement in the sport and with the Husqvarna Racing team look like from here?

I’d love to stay involved with Husqvarna going forward - we have not gotten into discussions yet but they have an amazing motorcycle line up that I’m a very big fan of. I’ll always be a massive fan of the brand. I don’t have any plans for motocross yet, but I’ll always be a serious motocross guy. I’m pretty sure I’ll be at the track riding in a few months and enjoying the sport fully, but using it more as more as a relief than to be competitive.

What have been some of the highlights with the team over the last year? 

The Husqvarna Racing team has been awesome to work and be involved with. The two year deal has unfortunately ended a bit sooner than we had hoped for. I can’t thank them enough for the times we have had together and for giving me every opportunity needed. We had some great results and some very fun days racing, which I’ll always cherish. A massive thank you to Husqvarna and Fred Fensham for all the belief and support, Grant for all the work he always put in to help, Pritchard for keeping the bikes in tip top condition, and of course Franziska for giving me the opportunity.What has your career in racing motocross meant to you?

Racing motocross has been everything to me, I think it’s been 27 years now. I went from a small kid messing around in Zimbabwe to racing all across Europe! I have competed at the top level in South Africa for years I have reached goals I never thought was possible. It’s challenged me to the deepest of the deep over the years, but I take this as school fees and character building to my life. I have built a career in the motorcycling industry away from racing that I am excited to put extra focus into now. How do you hope that your career has inspired the next generation of riders coming through the ranks? 

I’d hope to think I’ve left a good taste in people’s mouths with the way I handled myself with racing. A lot of people have seen me through the highs and lows and I feel like I held it together pretty okay. I was as professional as possible, and I appreciated everything along the way that any person or brand ever gave me. 

A very big thank you goes out to all of my sponsors and people that have supported this amazing journey - it’s been a life time of good times and special memories. I’ll look forward to returning to the gate one day with a bunch of mates to ride in MX3 or perhaps even a few laps of MX1.

The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at the new Mandalika International Street Circuit was wet and steamy but entirely memorable for a dominant performance by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira who sailed to his first win of the season and the sixth vicxtory for KTM in the premier category.

• Oliveira, in his 50th MotoGP start, excels in demanding wet conditions for a first KTM win of the year
• Points for Brad Binder as the South African wins frantic battle for 8th
• Two-from-two podium trophies for KTM this season after ruling the Mandalika circuit inauguration as Binder sits just 2 points from world championship lead and Oliveira is 4th
• KTM lead Constructors’ championship for the first time as Red Bull KTM top Team’s standings

MotoGP rounded the flat, fast, hot and soaking-wet Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, the first Grand Prix on Indonesian soil in a quarter of a century. The teams and riders familiarized themselves with the brand-new facility during a brief pre-season test but had to cope with harsh temperatures and low-grip asphalt that was unpredictable in terms of the size and cleanliness of the main racing line. The MotoGP sprint was delayed by over an hour after a torrential rain shower flooded the venue, and additionally resulted in the overall race distance being reduced to 20 laps.Red Bull KTM started from the second and third rows of the grid thanks to Binder and Oliveira’s efforts through a positive Q2 on Saturday. Oliveira rocketed from 7th to the lead and diced with Jack Miller as the pair edged a slight distance over the rest of the pack.

As the conditions changed, riders remained on edge tackling the varied sections of dampness as the heat helped to clear some of the racing lines. Oliveira embraced the challenge and forged a five second lead by the mid-race stage which he managed all the way to the checkered flag.

Marking Oliveira’s fourth victory in the MotoGP category, KTM are the top manufacturer in the series for the first time in their six-year tenure in the category while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing top the Team’s standings following their best start to a season so far. Launching from 4th, Binder suffered a technical problem before he could establish his race pace and then ploughed a course through the water to win a thrilling battle for 8th. Binder is now just two points from the top of the MotoGP Championship table and Oliveira has lifted to 4th. Since KTM joined the premier class in 2017, the manufacturer has taken 15 podiums including six victories and will be looking to carry this momentum after a positive start to the 2022 season.

Miguel Oliveira: “Emotionally that was a roller coaster. The start was perfect and then it was hard to judge the limit. I followed Jack for a few laps and understood I could go faster, I then focused to do the maximum and built the gap. I was managing the cushion through the race, but it was not easy. It hasn’t been the easiest time for me, so this is emotional, and I promised my daughter a trophy from Indonesia, so this is for her. Let’s go to Argentina now and see what we can do and keep up the level. Right now, I’m happy to be on top of the podium.” 

Brad Binder: “I’m disappointed because I had a good feeling all weekend and especially with rain tires. Despite the rain the grip from the track was insane in some places. Unfortunately, I did the whole race with the ride height device down and to finish 8th is like a win. If it had been a dry race, then I don’t think I would have been able to do anything. So, we got unlucky and lucky with the circumstances. It was difficult to bring the bike home so I’m happy. Argentina is a track I really enjoy. It will be my first time there on the MotoGP track so let’s see.”

Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “I’m really happy and what a result for the team and the company. Everybody who has worked in this project deserves this win. Miguel was so strong since Friday morning and so committed is any condition or circumstance. Two races and two podiums and a victory: we are in a good way. What a great start to 2022.”

The KTM 790 DUKE makes a welcome return to the streets, bringing all-new colorways and a renewed rebellious streak to the world of midweight Naked machinery. From its inception in 2017, the KTM 790 DUKE took the worldwide motorcycle markets by storm selling over 29,000 units. This was later followed by the introduction of the KTM 890 DUKE R, labeled THE SUPER SCALPEL, placing the KTM LC8c parallel-twin engine at the very top of the food chain in the midweight segment. In early 2021, the KTM 790 DUKE was upgraded to the KTM 890 DUKE, with more power and improved electronics. The 2022 KTM 790 DUKE is the continuation of the story which introduced the world to the power and agility of the KTM LC8c parallel-twin platform, with further development offering a true global mid-range motorcycle with READY TO RACE character and performance. 
Providing an unmatched riding experience, and neatly filling the gap between the KTM 390 DUKE and KTM 890 DUKE, the KTM 790 DUKE will be reintroduced into the market, with Europe receiving the 95 Hp version, allowing for A2 configuration. The rest of the world will receive the full 105 Hp version. Pricing will start at 8,999 € in Europe, with motorcycles arriving on dealer floors from June 2022. The latter is powered by the most compact twin-cylinder in its class, generating 105 Hp and 87 Nm. This has been tuned specifically for torque output, providing easy, rideable power. However, an impressive top end ensures the KTM 790 DUKE maintains its excitement throughout the rev-range while meager fuel consumption of only 4,4 l / 100 km means riders can enjoy the twisties long before the low fuel light flashes.  A lot of attention was also paid to ensure the typical DUKE riding feeling of lightness, agility, and sportiness. Handling is not only agile but also very precise thanks to geometry developed specifically for sporty street riding. High-quality WP APEX suspension at each end ensures a perfect connection with the road, and rider confidence at all times. 

Like a middleweight boxer in his prime, the 2022 KTM 790 DUKE is a champion of merging agility and hard-hitting punch. More so, it continues the trend of being a leader in the market when it comes to power to weight ratio and equipment levels. 

In terms of electronic wizardry, the KTM 790 DUKE boasts the most advanced and complete package in the midrange segment, with standard features such as: 

● Cornering sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) 
● Cornering ABS with SUPERMOTO mode 
● 3 standard Ride modes to quickly change the feel of the engine and level of MTC 
● Full-color 5-inch TFT display 
● LED lights all around 

A number of optional features are also available, adding higher spec levels to the KTM 790 DUKE, namely:

● Quickshifter+, allowing for clutchless up and downshifts 
● Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) 
● TRACK mode 
● Cruise Control 
● Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 
● KTM MY RIDE providing hands-free connection to phone and music The usual selection of ride modes, notably RAIN, STREET and SPORT settings provide riders with easy-to-access customization of traction and throttle control, ensuring confident riding in all road and weather conditions. 
In terms of looks, the 2022 KTM 790 DUKE introduces two new colorways to the mix, with a traditional KTM orange scheme and an all-new gray and black motif entering the fray. 

The KTM 790 DUKE needs little introduction, but with its re-entry into the market, and a renewed look to match its already legendary performance and character, the 2022 KTM 790 DUKE is poised to introduce a new generation of riders to the world of DUKE. 

A full range of specially developed KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear is available for riders to personalize their motorcycles and get themselves geared up in READY TO RACE performance. 

KTM made their best start to a MotoGP season – in what is only their sixth year on the grid – as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder rode his RC16 at the Lusail International Circuit to finish runner-up in the Grand Prix of Qatar last weekend.

The South African qualified through Q2 after initially heading Free Practice 1 at the flat, fast and dusty floodlit circuit located just outside the sprawling capital city of Doha. Binder showed snippets of highly competitive race speed throughout the sessions on Friday and Saturday and at a notoriously tricky venue for the entire KTM MotoGP effort. The factory had never broken into the top five of a Qatar Grand Prix, since making their debut in 2017, but Binder showed their continuing surge in performance by lodging his #33 machine into the leading group and charged to the flag. Binder passed both Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro to slide into 2nd position and was hounding the rear wheel of winner Enea Bastianini on the last lap of 22 at Lusail. The trophy represented Binder’s third in the MotoGP category at the beginning of his third term in the class. It was the second time the 26-year-old had finished in the top three at the opening race of the season: the first occasion was back in 2016 (also at Qatar) when he went on to win the Moto3™ world championship. 

In 2017 KTM took a best result of 16th at Lusail and were 33 seconds away from the victor. In just six rapid years the ranking has improved to 2nd and the gap was just three tenths of a second.MotoGP now moves to the new Mandalika Circuit for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia on March 20th. 

Brad Binder: “Incredible. If you told me we’d be 2nd in Qatar after the first test I wouldn’t have believed you. Today was a great day, it was a great weekend. I knew we had a good level but I had so much confidence and belief in the bike from beginning to end. We made such a huge step. For us to be on the podium in Qatar is insane. Now we’re looking for more!” 

Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “An almost perfect start to the season and a deserved result for Brad and the whole team. It was an incredible race pace but he was able to manage the speed. The start was fantastic. Let’s keep going in this direction. The next race will be a challenge but we will look forward to it.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “It was an outstanding weekend. We restructured our whole program over the winter after coming so far, so quick and it was time for a change. This weekend showed we are on the right way and the podium was the ultimate payback. In fact, I still cannot believe it because this track is one of the toughest for us. We turned it around and this result means a lot to us.” 

What we do know, however, is the best way to experience racing at this level is in the metal. KTM invites all race fans and dedicated orange-bleeders to assault their senses with the sights and sounds of full-throttle, action-packed, unscripted, and untamed racing.

Without a doubt, the sight of motorcycles passing at breakneck speed, the sounds of high-revving V-4 engines, and the smell of burnt rubber make it a spectacle for the senses - and arguably, the greatest show on earth.KTM will once again be offering THE ULTIMATE ORANGE MOTOGP™ EXPERIENCE, which includes exclusive entry into KTM grandstands at key racetracks, along with KTM FAN PACKAGES loaded with race-day essentials.

13 – 15 May 2022 Grand Prix de France | Le Mans

03 – 05 June 2022 Gran Premi de Catalunya | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

17 – 19 June 2022 Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland | Sachsenring

24 – 26 June 2022 TT Assen | TT Circuit Assen

05 – 07 August 2022 British Grand Prix | Silverstone Circuit

19 – 21 August 2022 Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich | Red Bull Ring

14 – 16 October 2022 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix | Philip Island

The 2022 MotoGP season gets started in March 2022 with THE ULTIMATE ORANGE MOTOGP™ EXPERIENCE tickets on sale now.

Tickets are available here.

National Cross-Country Championship - Legends MX

Husqvarna Racing kicked off the National Cross-Country Championship with victory. The first round of the series took riders to Gauteng’s Legends MX, where leading rider Brett Swanepoel stormed to the win in the OR2 Class and second place overall.  

Swanepoel was off to a slow start by his own high standards after the time trial. As the first rider to ‘feel out’ the loop, he lost some time as navigated through the different sections of the route. By the time he lined-up for the main race, he had 40 seconds to make up as he chased down leading rider Bradley Cox.  “I knew I had a bit of work to do, so I put my head down and pushed really hard. I made sure to not make careless mistakes and didn’t take any unnecessary risks. One small mistake at the first race of the season can cost you greatly, so I found a good flow and gained more confidence with each passing lap,” said Swanepoel.

The rider describes gaining confidence with each competitor that he passed and feeling surprisingly stronger as the track got rougher. It was a proud moment for the team when Swanepoel crossed the finish line having not only taken the OR2 Class win but made up enough time to finish in second overall. 

The event also marked the rider’s return to his Husqvarna FX 350. He commented: “I can’t describe how good it felt to be back on the FX 350 – everything about that bike works for me. It’s an all-rounder and I love racing when I’m on that bike! The track was also good – we obviously love our KwaZulu-Natal terrain, but this was one of the best Gauteng races that we’ve ever had.”It was a bittersweet race for rising talent Davin Cocker. The event showcased his immense potential in the sport but also presented one of his most challenging days in the saddle yet. 

After a blistering time trial, Cocker lined-up with a second-place start. He battled it out with frontrunners Bradley Cox and Mike Pentecost and grabbed the opportunity to take the overall lead on a rocky climb. 

It was an unforgettable experience for the rider as he held onto the lead right up until the third lap. In an unfortunate turn of events, however, Cocker got stuck in a mud hole and lost both time and positions. He commented, “It was real anti-climax after an incredible start to the race. I struggled to get out of the hole and then to add to it, I had a silly fall when my hands slipped off the grips because of all the mud. I had to take it easy to the finish line after that.”

While the day didn’t end as Cocker had hoped, he certainly proved that he has what it takes to challenge the frontrunners in this sport and will come back swinging in the next round.