Witvlei promises spectacular racing

WINDHOEK, Mar. 9 – After the inaugural Funduro held at Otjihase Mine on 17 February 2018 was hailed as a huge success, fans are keen to see the Enduro stars duke it out on the fast and flowing tracks of the Witvlei Enduro.

In keeping with tradition, the first real race of the season will again be held on Farm Omakwara owned by Family Hennes. The race, held in the Witvlei Area, is known as ‘The Valley of a 1000 Turns’ due to the twisty but flowing nature of the course laid out for the riders.

Dusty and hot when it’s dry, but muddy and cold when it rains, the track might not be the only obstacle the riders will have to face on this popular event. Regularly attracting close to 100 competitors in all classes, Omakwara is by far the most popular event of the season and offers something for everyone.

The pit area has also been the scene of legendary after parties in the past, so this is one event that is not to be missed. Camping is available at the pits, as are basic ablution facilities. So pack your tent and join us out there.
Last year’s edition of the race saw Marcel Henle(KTM) winning the Open Class, beating Henner Rusch(KTM) by a mere 41 seconds after more than 3 hours of hard racing.

Both riders were visibly exhausted after the tough battle. Will the raw pace of Henle again be enough to beat the experienced Rusch in 2018? Finishing the race in 3rd position was motocross star Ruan Gous(Kawasaki). He was however soundly beaten by the leading pair in 2017, finishing more than 20 minutes of the pace. His entry for 2018 however is in doubt, as he has committed to Motocross for 2018.

Equally tight was the gap between Corne Visser(Sherco) and home town hero Kai Hennes(KTM). The pair were split by 45 seconds in 2017 and it will be up to Hennes to show that he still has the pace to finish on the podium in 2018.

Class 5 (for riders over 38 years)was last year won by Jorn Greiter(KTM) with Derick Clark(KTM) and Werner Wiese(KTM) finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. The trio are set for another good race in 2018, but could have their hands full if racing legend Ingo Waldschmidt(KTM) decides to compete.

The Support Bike Class will see a mix of MX riders and Enduro riders compete in Witvlei. It is impossible to predict a winner for this class, as every year brings new and talented riders. The 2017 Race was won by Motocross racer Liam Glichrist(Husqvarna) with Sigi Pack(KTM) and Jurgen Gladis(KTM) finishing in 2nd and 3rd places. Riders to watch however will be Jaco Husselmann(Husaberg), Teddy Kausch(KTM), Francois Theron and Keanu Weber(KTM).

The Rookie Bike Class is equally an open book when it comes to predictions. With a whole host of riders moving up to the Support Class it leaves the door open for a new face to take the spoils.
The race is set to start at 09h00 on Saturday 17 March 2017. – NDN Staffer