After a delayed start to the 2025 Cross Country season due to heavy rains, the Brother Leader Tread KTM team finally lined up for their season opener in Bronkhorstspruit this past weekend. Despite the worry of yet another postponement, the team made the most of the muddy conditions and delivered an impressive performance on a rewarding track set by Louwrens Mahoney.
Scott Heygate, on a mission for championship glory this season in the Open Class, put in a solid ride. Starting third after the time trial, he fought hard throughout the race, making up significant time to finish second on the day and earn valuable championship points.
Reflecting on his race, Heygate said, “I had a great day out there. I found a good flow, but I still have a few things to work on. The track was amazing, and it changed a lot after lap three with all the rain we’ve had, which made things really interesting and fun.”
In the Seniors Class, Kerim Fitz-Gerald delivered a masterful performance to secure a first-place finish despite facing early setbacks. Starting the main race from seventh after a less-than-ideal time trial, Fitz-Gerald encountered brake issues just a few kilometers into the race, making for a challenging ride. “I wasn’t too happy with my time trial result, and about a couple of km in, my back brakes failed. It was tough riding, and I had a couple of close calls. The team managed to fix my brake problem, and I kept pushing and managed to bring home the win,” he commented.
Matthew Wilson also put in a determined ride in the OR3 class, overcoming an early crash within the first 10km that set him back. Despite the setback, he pushed hard for the remainder of the race, finishing just a minute behind competitor Luke after four hard hours of racing and claiming second. “Even with the crash, I gave it my all and raced my heart out. To finish that close after such a long and tough race feels great,” Wilson shared.
With a strong start to the season, despite the unpredictable conditions, the Brother Leader Tread KTM team has laid a solid foundation for the championship battle ahead. As the season unfolds, they remain focused and ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.
KTM secured the manufacturer award in both the Junior and Senior categories. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our riders, teams, and everyone behind the scenes. Leading the manufacturers’ championship after round one sets a strong foundation, and we’re motivated to carry this momentum forward into the next rounds.
