BRETT SWANEPOEL
“ To win my debut race in the OR2 Class was absolutely amazing . The KTM 350 XC-F is the best bike I ’ ve ever ridden . The track was incredible – the sugar cane roads and forest sections really suited me . It was just a picture-perfect day and all the training I ’ d put in leading up to this really paid off ,” said an elated Cox .
After a slight change in suspension set up on lap three , Swanepoel set off with a blistering pace in an attempt to make up time on the final two laps . With a third place overall and second place in the OR1 Class , Swanepoel couldn ’ t be happier with the way the season started : “ I charged really hard and managed to
close the gap and make up the time I had lost . It was the best race I ’ ve ever had and the whole event was of an international standard ,” he said .
Adding to the excitement around the Husqvarna camp was the debut of the team ’ s newest recruit – the talent-stacked Davin Cocker . Having come painfully close to snatching up the championship last season , a determined Cocker pulled out all the stops in his fight for the seemingly elusive OR3 title . “ Starting with time trial , the bike was feeling great ! The track was a bit slippery , but really well-marked . I had a clean run and came out second fastest in my class ,” said Cocker .
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 28