Yamaha returned to the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship in spectacular fashion on Saturday, with the Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Blu Cru claiming multiple class victories and podium finishes at the BeefCor Bronkhorstspruit season opener. The challenging terrain through the mielies tested riders’ endurance, but Yamaha’s comeback was nothing short of triumphant.
Yamaha’s Spectacular Comeback
“Wow, that was the perfect start to Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing’s National season and a dream return to the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship for Yamaha! We dominated the Junior classes with wins in the 65cc, 85cc, and 125cc categories, and secured podiums in both National classes as well as in the Seniors and Masters divisions. What a day!”
team boss Harry Grobler expressed enthusiastically
The Junior classes saw Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha’s Ruald Potgieter take victory in the 85cc Seniors, while Ryan Wichman clinched the 65cc Juniors title. In the afternoon’s Senior race, Murray Smith led teammate Tyler Petersen in a Yamaha High School 125cc 1-2 finish.
Maddy Malan delivered a strong performance, riding his Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha YZ 450 FX to third place in the Open Class. Tyron Beverly secured a top-ten finish, claiming ninth overall and third in OR3 aboard his YZ 250 FX. In the Seniors category, Marco Cocci rode his Shimwells Yamaha to second place, with Blu Cru’s Gerhard Vorster securing third. Meanwhile, off-road veteran Warrick van Schalkwyk finished second in the Masters division.
“We were on the podium in every class we entered this weekend. That’s huge considering this was Yamaha’s comeback race. This sets us up well for a competitive season ahead!”
Grobler concluded
Husqvarna Racing Dominates Season Opener
The 2025 National Cross Country Championship’s long-awaited first round saw Husqvarna Racing assert its dominance. Defending champions Davin Cocker and Luke Walker clinched first-place finishes in their respective classes, setting a strong tone for the season.
Fresh from his 2024 championship victory, Cocker controlled the Open Class race from the front despite muddy conditions.
“The track changed a lot throughout the day, but I enjoyed it. It was a strong start,”.
he reflected
Luke Walker, also a reigning champion, maintained composure in the OR3 class to claim victory.
“It was a great way to kick off the season,”.
he said
With both riders in top form, Husqvarna Racing has positioned itself as the team to beat this year.
Brother Leader Tread KTM Battles Through Tough Conditions
Following a rain-delayed start to the 2025 season, the Brother Leader Tread KTM team made an impact at Bronkhorstspruit. Scott Heygate, competing in the Open Class, finished second after an intense battle, securing valuable championship points.
“The track was incredible, and I found a good rhythm, but there’s still work to do,”.
Heygate remarked
Kerim Fitz-Gerald overcame a tough start in the Seniors Class, fighting back from a poor time trial and brake issues to take victory.
“It was a rough start, but the team kept me in the race, and we pulled through,”.
he shared
Matthew Wilson also delivered a strong performance in the OR3 class, recovering from an early crash to finish just a minute behind the winner, securing second place.
“I left everything on the track, and I’m happy with the result,”.
he said
KTM’s efforts were rewarded as they secured the manufacturer award in both Junior and Senior categories.
“Leading the manufacturers’ championship after round one is a great start, and we’re eager to build on this momentum,”.
the team stated
Looking Ahead
With Yamaha’s remarkable return, Husqvarna Racing’s dominance, and KTM’s determined performances, the 2025 South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship promises to be an electrifying season. Stay tuned as the battle continues in the upcoming rounds!
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