Brother Leader Tread KTM took top honours when leading rider Bradley Cox snatched up the overall National Cross Country Championship on Saturday. Fresh off his National Enduro E1 Championship title, the victory comes especially sweet for the multi-disciplined star.
The nail-biting season finale took riders to Virginia Trails in KwaZulu-Natal, where a confident Cox had the home ground advantage. After a consistent performance in the OR2 Class throughout the season, a third place overall was all it took for Cox to claim the title in his class and overall.
“It’s been a dream year! I’m so thankful for everyone that has been a part of my success because without their support, this wouldn’t even be possible,” said an elated Cox.
The rider’s racing dreams are only just starting to unfold as the ultimate event of them all loomslarge – the Dakar Rally. Cox has been hard at work as he prepares to step onto the international stage and represent his country in his debut Dakar event.
With the help of Dakar legend and father, Alfie Cox, the future looks bright for the rising talent. His recent trip to Morocco to compete in Rallye Du Maroc has put the rider in good stead for the Dakar dunes. With a third place in Rally 2, Cox used the event to showcase his potential to achieve great things in the sport.
While the season didn’t unfold as Brother Leader Tread KTM teammate Charan Moore had hoped, the rider describes feeling grateful to share in the team’s successes. Moore had a tough day in the saddle on Saturday after a crash set him back by almost 50 minutes.
“It’s been tough year for me with a whole bunch of bad luck. The race started off very tentative in the conditions, but I got into a good flow and worked my way back into the top ten. I had a crash in the dust and the bike slid off a steep mountain ridge, I was so stuck that I spent almost 50 minutes getting back up to the track!” commented Moore.
While he was frustrated by the event, he is more determined than ever to come back stronger next year. He said, “It’s been a difficult year for me personally but I’m happy to share in the team’s success and be a part of such a great family. I am so motivated to come back fitter, stronger and ready for 2022. This season taught me resilience and to keep going and push through, even when things don’t go your way!”
Like Cox, Moore will represent South Africa as he makes his debut in the Dakar Rally next year. It’s full steam ahead for the rider as he shakes off his disappointment and prepares to race for the greatest title of them all – a finisher’s medal at the prestigious event.
