With cooler weather and all the South African riders ready to give everything they have for their last chance to get World Numbers on the technical track here in the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre it wasn’t long before the racing got underway.
Our two youngest riders out there in the 12 & Under classes, Bryce Stiebel & Kayla Eggar held there own to some hard motos. Bryce racked up a 5 – 6 – 5 which didn’t see him advance any further but Kayla on the other hand was riding like a champion scoring a straight set of 2nds in her motos allowing her to advance to the semi’s. In her semi Kayla came home safely in a 4th position which guaranteed her position in the final where she finished 6th.
In the 13-14yr boys it was Kyle Dodd & Ryan Stiebel who rode in different heats but new they were in for a tough three motos as there gates were stacked up. Ryan who seemed to get out the gate pretty quickly lacked some steam towards the end and eventually finishing his 3 motos with an 8 – 8 – 8. Kyle on the other hand was hoping to use his experience from racing before Worlds to make the best of his situation and eventually finishing in 6 – 5 – 5 and disappointed to have to pack up.
15-16yr boys saw Kyle’s older brother head up to the start to take is gate and hopefully pedal abit harder to keep up with the boys which are twice his size its almost like the story of David & Goliath. Lloyd put in a good effort and rode his heart out which nobody could’ve expected more from him, an unfortunate crash did not see him advance either. Final positions were 6 – 5 – 7.
17 + Men, this saw a different Jordi out there who came out the gates firing away with some smooth, safe and skilful riding. Racing in Las Vegas and Pre Worlds definitely seemed to help Jordi settle down quickly and bring some fine results home. Positions 3 – 2 - 3 in his motos, a 3rd in the quarters and a 2nd in the Semi had all the South African supporters screaming and shouting for him. Mixed with abit of misfortune in the final Jordi brought his bike over the line in 7th position earning himself a World Number.
Then it was our older guns out there on the circuit, Eugene Eggar, Alan Dodd and Pieter Meyer. Eugene was the only one out of the trio which just missed making the ¼ with 5 – 5 – 5 being his moto results meant he had to pack up early for the day. Alan and Pieter were in separate motos, Alan with consistent safe results 3 – 3 – 3 comfortably moved him into the ¼’s. Pieter on the other hand used the other approach were he was going to go ball to the walls and make sure he got atleast one win in, which he did with moto results 3 – 1 – 2 which saw him meet up with fellow country man Alan in the quarter finals. The gate dropped and Alan pulled down the straight coming out the first turn with the leaders, its not often you see these guys ride aggressively but with a lot on the table it was all elbows knees. Pieter unfortunately got boxed out and was left trying to catch up through the field, Alan on the other hand found the right line in the second turn and emerged in 4th. With his sites set in making the final they all came onto the last straight the “Redline Rhythm Section” pretty even. Alan was looking good to finish 3rd when he gave one too many pedal strokes and came down 20m from the finish line. Pieter finished in a well deserved 6th position and Alan a misfortunate 8th.
The race of the day had to be Sharlene McGilvray who shows that if you have a goal set in your mind it is possible. The whole week we have been told about how she is going home with the World Number 1 plate. With consistent moto’s 2 – 2 – 2 it was straight to the final and Sharlene new a good start was going to be the trick. The gate dropped and Sharlene shot out it like she was tied to a circus katty….1st straight coming out the bottom in first, 2nd straight she has maintained her lead, 3rd straight all the South Africans are standing in their seats cheering……then the unthinkable happens, her foot unclips and she gets passed and with a drag to the line finishes in 2nd position. It wasn’t 1st position but it is the highest World Number that we bringing home.
The Elites where up next, and what a show this was going to be with a lot of the top riders not even making quarters because of the high level of racing. It was time for the Cruisers to be pulled out and bars to be bumped and a new World Champion to be crowned. The juniors were off first and our Gavin Lubbe who was still riding with an injury showed exactly why he was chosen to represent South Africa in the junior category. With three solid consistent motos 3 – 3 – 3 Lubbe advanced to the ¼ no problem. Dean Holdstock was set in a hard gate and although he has got a lot stronger and his pace still being extremely fast. He unfortunately with the lack of international race experience managed to only score a well deserved 5 – 5 – 5 in his motos and disappointedly didn’t advance to the ¼’s. Gavin on the other hand with his American race experience racked in 3 – 3 – 3 which was solid motos and allowed him to advance to the ¼;\’s. With a 5th in the ¼ Gavins racing came to an end.
Sifiso Nhlapo, today was going to be his day if lady luck got locked in her pantry cupboard. In moto 1 getting the outside lane 7 he new he had to power down the main straight to stay out of trouble. With solid results 2 – 1 – 1 Skizo was looking for a podium. In the ¼ we could see why he was crowned a previous World Champion and he finished 1st. In the semi Skizo pulled out the gate and slowed halfway down the start straight with a puncture in the rear wheel……finishing 7 meant that he did not make the final and was also sent packing.
Its been a great Worlds and we would just like to congratulate all the riders/athletes for all the effort they put in to make their countries proud.
Sifiso commented "I would like to thank all my sponsors that have made it possible for me to get this far, Mr Price - MTN - Oakley - Intense/Answer - S&M Bike Parts - National Lotto Board - CSA - NBMXC. I would also like to thank Big A, Greg and my family for believing in me and lastly "Coach" and Marie for making a home away from home for me and getting me to where i am."
