Summarize

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing heads to Swaziland for the fourth round of the MSA South African Cross Country Moto Championship at the Mhlibhi Piggs Peak 400, keen to continue the team’s impressive form in the first half of the season. All four riders have delivered strong performances so far this year and they start the second half of the season in the top four of their respective classes as Taki Bogiages leads the OR2 title race, Kenny Gilbert sits second overall and in OR1, Iain Pepper is third in Masters and Travis Gehlig a close fourth in OR2.

Taki Boigages is out to consolidate his OR2 championship lead in Swaziland: “We had a great run at the Desert Race and I have taken a little time to rest before training flat out on and off my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna,” Pretoria rider Taki explained. “Piggs Peak is a very different challenge to the Desert Race and demands its own special approach, but I am ready, I am confident the team will give me the best bike as always and we are ready to fly in Swaziland — bring it on!”

One man really looking forward to the Swazi weekend is Kenny Gilbert, who is keen to tackle territory more suited to his riding style. “Last race was in my main rival’s back yard, so it was more an exercise in championship damage control than an all out attack,” Gilbert, who also hails from Pretoria admitted. “Swaziland is more technical — more my kind of a race and even better suited to my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna, so it should be a good battle up front and I’m keen to close down the small championship deficit and even make that an advantage!”

Old man Iain Pepper is also looking forward to tackling the Swazi hills. “Slowly, slowly catch the monkey,” the multi-talented Pepper, who won a circuit car racing championship in the Volkswagen Challenge last year admitted. “I have enjoyed a consistent year so far and we are a pretty strong third on the Masters championship chase; something I hope to improve on at Piggs Peak next week!”

Young Travis Gehlig heads to Swaziland intent to keep on learning and improving. “I have had a consistent year so far and we are in the chase for second in the OR2 title race,” Boksburg lad Travis confirmed. “Swaziland promises to be a fresh challenge and I will be chasing another strong points haul for Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing, whom I know I can rely on for the best weapon for those hills — can't wait!”

 “Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing heads to Swaziland in a strong overall championship position,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “The lads are ready to deliver — Taki leads the OR2 championship, Kenny Gilbert is right in the OR1 title hunt, Iain is impressing in the Masters and our young man Travis has delivered consistently this year — good luck to all of you this weekend!”