Summarize

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Enduro star Brett Swanepoel completed his come-from-behind charge to end up on the 2017 Liquorland MSA Enduro Championship Podium following a double silver weekend at the Lesotho Double Header. Swanepoel ended up second overall and in his E2 class on both Friday and on Saturday’s full points-paying rounds, while Pepson Plastics Husqvarna’s Spanish lady rider Sandra Gomes enjoyed a great SA debut as she tussled with leading SA enduro lass Kirsten Landman through the weekend to come in 7th and 8th in E2.

“Some days you just have to send it,” Brett smiled after jumping to third in the overall title to complete a most impressive comeback after missing the opening round and retiring from the second race in the championship as he chased 2017 E2 champion Travis Teasdale home in both races. “I gave it my all and we were rewarded with a come-from behind third in the championship, so overall it’s been a very good weekend. 

“Congratulations to champion Travis and the other SA enduro champions this year and a huge word of thanks to my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team for a great season. “Now for the Roof of Africa and then to a clean championship year in 2018!”

Sandra Gomez absolutely loved her first experience of racing in Africa as she used the Lesotho races to prepare for the Roof of Africa in November. Gomez not only took it to SA’s best E2 riders to come home a credible 7th and 8th in the two legs, but she also enjoyed a good scrap with SA’s leading enduro lady Kirsten Landman. 

Silver Challenge rider Landman was not racing directly against Gomez, who rode in the national class and completed more stages over the weekend, but over the stages which both completed, Sandra beat Kirsten on Friday before the local lass turned the tables on Saturday.

“What a wonderful weekend giving gas to lions!” Sandra admitted. “I was very happy with my Husqvarna and the Pepson Plastics team and also to be racing in Africa. “Friday went very well, but Saturday was a different extreme test — we rode one lap more, but I loved every minute and now I can’t wait for the Roof!”

“The Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team finished off the 2017 Liquorland MSA South African Enduro Championship in style in Lesotho,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “Brett Swanepoel did us proud with two fine seconds over the weekend to steal third in the championship in spite of a difficult start, while our star lady Sandra Gomes showed the boys how it should be done. 

“Don’t forget our injured E1 star Henco Botha who also rode very well through the season — well done to our entire team. “Now for the Roof of Africa 15-18 November — we have warmed up nicely in Lesotho and we are ready for the Big One up there in the mountains — bring it on!”