The second round of the 2025 National Cross Country Championship roared into Dalton, KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend, where fast-paced and dusty terrain challenged South Africa’s top off-road riders. With championship standings on the line, the country’s leading factory teams—Brother Leader Tread KTM, Husqvarna Racing, and Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha—showed up ready to race and left with key results that intensified the title chase.
Brother Leader Tread KTM Fires on All Cylinders
The Brother Leader Tread KTM squad had a strong outing, securing podium finishes across multiple categories. Matthew Wilson delivered a commanding ride in the OR3 class, clinching the win and fending off determined rivals.
“I’m stoked with today. I knew I had a few seconds on Luke and I could do something with that.”
Wilson said
In the Open class, Scott Heygate brought home second place despite a crash that cost him time.
“Too many mistakes today, but we’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
he admitted
Kerim Fitz-Gerald continued his rise in the Seniors category, claiming top honours with an impressive display of speed and control.
“It was a tough, high-speed track and the guys put in a great effort. Solid points for the championship and good momentum heading into the next round.”
Team Manager Megan Prinsloo praised the squad:
Flawless Ride for Cocker in Husqvarna Racing Domination
Husqvarna Racing’s Davin Cocker was the standout performer of the weekend, dominating the Open class and securing the overall win.
“Not much dust for me luckily but it was a very dusty day out. Managed to bring it home and I’m very happy about that.”
Cocker said
In the OR3 class, Luke Walker stayed hot on Wilson’s heels, settling for second but closing the gap in the standings.
“Still had a great day out and happy to make up some points,”.
said Walker
Team Manager Prinsloo applauded both riders for their consistent form under harsh conditions, highlighting Cocker’s “flawless ride” and Walker’s competitive edge.
Yamaha’s Blu Cru Shines with Podiums Across the Board
The Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha team wrapped up the Dalton round with a series of stellar performances. With multiple podiums and three bikes in the top ten overall, the team showed depth and dominance.
The youngest of the Blu Cru, Ryan Wichman, extended his championship lead in the 65 cc Junior class with another class win. In the High School division, Murray Smith finished second, while in 85 cc Seniors, Ruald Potgieter put in a solid ride for sixth.
The team also had a strong showing in the Open class, where Slade Smith took third, followed closely by Maddy Malan and Hayden Louw, all finishing inside the top ten. Wian Wentzel, a last-minute entry in OR3, rode to an impressive sixth on a brand-new YZ 250 FX.
In the age categories, Gerhard Vorster and Warrick van Schalkwyk secured second in Seniors and third in Masters, respectively, rounding off a proud day for the Blu Cru.
“Another 65 cc Junior victory, third to fifth in the Open class, podiums in Seniors and Masters—this is a job very well done. Congratulations to our entire team!”
Team boss Harry Grobler was upbeat:
Looking Ahead
As the championship gains momentum, all eyes now turn to Round 3, set for early August 2025 at a venue still to be confirmed. With championship points tightening and rivalries heating up, the next round promises more adrenaline-fueled action in South Africa’s premier off-road motorcycle racing series.
#NationalCrossCountry #KTM #Husqvarna #Yamaha #OffRoadRacing #MotocrossSA #DaltonKZN
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