Summarize

Husqvarna trio meets Jolivet objectives

The misty and verdant green hills of KwaZulu Natal greeted Pepson Plastics Husqvarna to the opening round of the South African Cross Country Moto championship at Jolivet on Saturday as the team laid the foundation to its racing year ahead. SA Dakar hero raced to third overall and third in the OR1 class, while the recuperating Taki Bogiages and Iain Pepper were both happy to put points on the board on their comeback rides.

“Jolivet was a pretty technical race and we had to contend with a few extreme riders this weekend, but I am happy with a podium and some good points to start the season on the front foot,” Kenny Gilbert admitted. “Thanks to the team for my perfect Pepson Plastics Husqvarna FX 450 — it ran like a train as always and it was a blast to race in those cool conditions.”

For the rest of the team, it was a case of objectives met. “I came to Jolivet with the sole intention to finish and we did just that so I am pretty chuffed to have some points on the board,” Taki Bogiages admitted after riding his Pepson Plastics Husqvarna home 8th in OR2. “I broke my back in a crash late last year and I still have a way to go to get back where I need to be, so this result is a huge boost — now I’m really looking forward to come back much stronger at the Bokkeveld in May.”

Iain Pepper was Pepson Plastics Husqvarna’s Masters second recuperating rider returning to race at Jolivet after undergoing wrist surgery earlier in the year and he too was happy with a finish on Saturday. “I went well in KZN,” Iain confirmed. “I finished 7th in masters and had good race. “That’s what I set out to do.”

“Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing went to Jolivet looking to start the season as well as possible considering the challenges facing three of our riders and we came back with points across the board,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “So it’s mission accomplished and now our Cross Country crew can concentrate on ramping up to a solid attack on the next round in the Koue Bokkeveld Mountains in the Cape on 4 May.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Husqvarna Off Road

What:South African Cross Country Moto Round 1 Report
Where:Jolivet, KwaZulu Natal
When:Saturday 9 March 2019
Community:South Africa National

For further information please contact fred@husqvarna-motorcycles.co.za

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