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Pepson Plastics trio start season at Jolivet

The Pepson Plastics Husqvarna SA National Cross Country team is primed and loaded for the first round of the SA National Championships at Jolivet in KwaZulu Natal, Saturday 9 March. Headed by South Africa’s 2019 Dakar rookie hero Kenny Gilbert in the OR1 class racing alongside Taki Bogiages in OR2 and Masters man Iain Pepper, the team is anticipating a cracking start to the new season.

Kenny Gilbert cannot wait to get back into action after his Dakar adventure: “I took a break after the Dakar, but now I'm looking forward to a great season of SA Cross Country Moto action aboard my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna FX450,” Kenny admitted. “We came so close to the title last year, so the plan is to take that number one plate at the end of 2019 and that starts this weekend at Jolivet in KZN, where I’m out to open our scorecard with a win as we did last year.”

Taki Bogiages likewise missed out on the OR2 title by a hairsbreadth last year and while the Pretoria rider is not yet fully recovered from an injury sustained after the end of last season, he is keen on a strong result this weekend. “All my bones have mended but I have a lot of work to do to get back to where I need to be,” Taki explained. "Armed with my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna FX350, I am however ready to give it my all to produce the best results I can in the circumstances."

Iain Pepper is likewise heading to Jolivet looking for the best possible outcome in his circumstances. “I have not done much since I underwent surgery on my wrist 7 weeks ago,” Iain pointed out. “So the aim is to finish at Jolivet and I'm going down to KZN with an open book, to have fun and to score some points aboard my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna.”

“Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing heads to Jolivet looking for a strong start to the season,” Husqvarna South Africa Motorcycles brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “Kenny is fresh from his awesome run at the Dakar and while Taki and Iain are still recuperating, both can't wait to get back in the saddle, so we are anticipating a positive weekend in KZN.” 

The KZN Racing Kleboc Jolivet Cross Country National starts with a 7am time trial from the Sutherland farm around the village of Jolivet between Ixopo and Park Rynie Saturday morning, before racing proper starts 10.15am, taking in flowing sugarcane and gum plantation roads and firebreaks — not too technical but not flat out either.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Husqvarna Off Road

What:SA Cross Country Round 1 Preview
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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