With the recent announcement that former FIM World Super Enduro Champion, Cody Webb, will be participating in the Roof of Africa this year, Sherco powered by Motul, has confirmed the rest of the riders who will be competing in the Gold Class and who all have one goal in mind: to ensure that Sherco riders dominate the podium at this iconic event.
“Sherco has an impeccable record at the Roof of Africa, but we thought we’d spice it up a bit more by bringing out some International Sherco athletes to mix it up with the local boys. We’re looking forward to having them here and they’re excited to ride in the beautiful mountain Kingdom of Lesotho” said Ben du Toit, Sherco South Africa.
Leading the charge is the reigning Roof of Africa champion, Wade Young. With an impressive record of seven Roof of Africa wins under his belt, Young is aiming to continue his dominance in the Maluti mountains this year aboard his Sherco SE 300 Factory. Having secured victory in last year’s event over Mani Lettenbichler the 2022 World Hard Enduro Champion, Young is once again the odds-on favourite to win this year’s Mother of Hard Enduro. “I’m coming into this year’s Roof fit and healthy! Last year I fractured 3 ribs leading up to the event and couldn’t train properly, so I’m really looking forward to my home race. I can’t wait to see what the new organisers have in store for us, I think it’s going to be exciting.”
Brett Swanepoel, the 2023 National Enduro Champion on his Trademore Sherco SE 300 Factory, also has his eye firmly on the top Gold spot, as he embarks on his ninth Roof of Africa. A seasoned campaigner, Swanepoel possesses the outright pace and experience of Lesotho’s challenging conditions that could see him clinch his first Roof of Africa win.
The international contingent includes Webb and Anthony Solar. Cody Webb’s illustrious career boasts a podium at Erzberg, three AMA Endurocross Championships, and that prestigious FIM World Super Enduro title. Webb’s versatility across various Off-Road motorcycling disciplines, coupled with his US National Trials titles and distinctive riding style, positions him as a formidable contender in the challenging terrain of the Maluti mountains.
Anthony Solar, the 2022 Australian Hard Enduro Champion, brings a wealth of Hard Enduro experience having already competed at Red Bull Romaniacs and he is now eager to conquer the Roof of Africa as well. This 28-year-old adds an additional layer of competition to the Gold Class.
Making his Gold Class debut at Roof is Daniel Peckham, Swanepoel’s Motul-backed Trademore Sherco teammate. Fresh off his victory in the 2023 National Silver Hard Enduro Championship, Peckham combines youth, speed, and determination making him a promising addition to the Sherco lineup.
“Motul is proud to stand together with the perfect mix of local and international Sherco riders at this year’s Roof of Africa. They all bring their own unique talents and incredible experience which should make for an exciting 3-day event in the Kingdom of Lesotho. This is also a wonderful opportunity for Motul to showcase our global partnership with Sherco, whose values of family-led management, innovation and performance are very much in common with our own values at Motul. And of course, we also share a real passion for racing,” said Mercia Jansen Head of Motul Southern Africa.
With a line-up boasting a blend of experience, youth, and international prowess, Sherco powered by Motul, is poised for an electrifying performance at the 2023 Roof of Africa. The anticipation is high as this powerhouse team sets its sights on victory in one of the most demanding and prestigious hard enduro events on the calendar.
