TRAVERSE Issue 16 - February 2020 | Page 106

many including team leader Poskitt who said, “What a boy, you have shown massive potential and clearly have the pace.” “Now let’s get the full package put together and get you out there and smash some more rallies,” Poskitt continued. “It’s all a learning curve and you are only at the beginning.” Great words considering on some stages Suther- land was a serious threat to Poskitt even surpassing his team leader. Peter Caldwell who now lives in Saudi Arabia struggled overall yet had several great stage results and finished 36th overall. The overall 2020 Africa ECO Race results became something of a cake walk for Italy’s Alessandro Bot- turi who finished every stage, except one, in the top 6. The Yamaha rider led the rally from day one and only drop one position, albeit briefly, on stage two. An incredible achievement. Norway’s Pal Anders Ullevalseter, riding a KTM, did finish just under 4 minutes behind the winner, but never looked really like challenging for the top spot. Sutherland’s team leader, Lyndon Poskitt did finish third yet almost an hour behind. So, what next for the trio of Australian’s? We’ll be watching with great interest as the ‘road to Dakar’ beckons … TRAVERSE 106