The Husqvarna Racing team faced a day of mixed fortunes at the fifth round of the season at Thunder Valley in Pietermaritzburg. Despite various challenges, riders Davin Cocker and Barend du Toit demonstrated fighting spirits in their respective classes.
Davin Cocker, competing in the MX1 class, took second place in the first heat. In the second heat, a crash at the start forced him to fight back from the back of the pack, where he managed to secure fourth place, resulting in an overall third for the day.
“It was a tough race, especially after the crash in the second heat,” said Davin Cocker. “I had to dig deep and push hard fighting my way back. I’m happy with a third overall, but I know there’s room for improvement. I’m looking forward to the next race.”
Barend du Toit, racing in the MX2 class, faced a challenging day despite a promising start with good qualifying. In the first heat, an unfortunate incident saw him go over the handlebars after hitting a kicker, resulting in a minor shoulder injury. Nevertheless, he came back strong and ready for the next race. In the second heat, mechanical issues with his seat hampered his performance, and he ultimately finished with a P7 for the day.
“Today didn’t go as planned,” said Barend du Toit. “The crash in the first heat and the seat issue in the second heat made it tough. However, I’m happy to walk away healthy and will focus on coming back stronger in the next round.”
“It was a challenging day for our team, but both Davin and Barend handled the adversity with professionalism,” said Kerim Fitz-Gerald, Husqvarna Racing Team Manager. “Davin’s recovery in the second heat was impressive, and Barend’s ability to push through despite the setbacks is commendable. We’re proud of their efforts and look forward to the next race. Husqvarna Racing remains committed to excellence and will continue to strive for top results as the season progresses.”
