Sherco and Motul both have deep and enduring connections to the Roof of Africa, and they will be renewing their association with the ‘Mother of Hard Enduro’ for the 2024 edition of the world’s oldest Hard Enduro race, which will take place from 28 – 30 November 2024 in Lesotho’s iconic Maloti Mountains.
While the legend of the Roof will be familiar to Hard Enduro fans and riders across southern Africa and beyond, much of the challenging terrain to be covered in this year’s Roof won’t be. That’s because a large portion of the 2024 event will be taking place on ‘virgin territory’ – sections of the Maloti Mountains that have either never been traversed, or not included in the Roof route for many years. The organisers’ aim is to ensure a level playing field for both Roof veterans and first-time riders.
Mindful of the challenge that the Roof of Africa represents and determined to repeat the dominance that they achieved in 2023 (including winning the coveted Manufacturer’s Title), Sherco powered by Motul have assembled a formidable team across the top three Roof classes, with a thrilling combination of experience and raw talent.
In the Gold Class, all three Sherco Powered by Motul riders will be competing on the new 2025 Sherco 300 SE Factory Edition. Sherco Factory Team rider Teodor Kabakchiev (Bulgaria) will be hoping to replicate his podium positions at major international Enduro events as he takes on the Roof for the first time. The 2020 Junior SuperEnduro World Champion achieved a third consecutive podium at Red Bull Romaniacs earlier this year, with a second-placed finish. He will be joined by Roof veteran Brett Swanepoel (Trademore Sherco), who already has nine Roof finishes under his belt. In 2023, he came agonisingly close to an overall victory but was denied the top step by a series of misfortunes, however he still managed an impressive 3rd place overall. This year, he will be aiming to go one better, as he has stated that this year’s Roof will be all about redemption – and winning. Teammate and fellow South African Daniel Peckham (Trademore Sherco) has meanwhile graduated to the Gold Class following a strong Silver Class ride in 2023, when he finished second.
Turning to the Silver Class, Trademore Sherco powered by Motul will be represented by Branden Swanepoel who came twelfth in this class in 2023, and will be competing in the Roof on the back of gaining international exposure at the Sea to Sky Race in the Kemer region of Turkey this October. His fellow Silver Class rider, 16-year-old Damon Garrell, is a Roof rookie from Eswatini who has been making his mark in the High School Class of the National Enduro Championship and National Off-Road Championships, including achieving a second-place finish in the KZN Regional Enduro event. He is the newest member of the Trademore Sherco team and his dad, Craig, is also the Motul distributor in Eswatini.
Rounding out the Trademore Sherco Powered by Motul presence in this year’s Roof, South African Terri-Lyn Hodge will compete in the Bronze Class. The highest-placed female rider last year, her role in the team encompasses more than riding, she is also a professional fitness trainer and keeps the riders and support crew in shape with regular classes and workouts.
“We’re excited by the prospect of adding a new chapter to the epic history of Sherco at the Roof of Africa,” commented Ben du Toit, Sherco South Africa. “We’re confident that we’ve put together a great team of riders to add to the legend, and we can’t wait to see them conquer the new routes at this year’s event,” he added.
In addition to being the Official Lubricant Sponsor for the Roof, Motul’s ongoing 360° global partnership with Sherco continues to go from strength to strength. This unique collaboration involves Motul products being used at every stage of the production of each Sherco motorcycle, including for the ‘first fill’ and initial service. In addition, Motul’s groundbreaking MotulTech industrial lubricants ensure the smooth running of Sherco’s manufacturing facilities.
“Motul is proud to continue our association with the Roof of Africa and with the Sherco Factory Team. We look forward to seeing how the Sherco Powered by Motul riders and motorcycles perform at this year’s event and with Motul products available to all Roof participants, this is a great chance to put them through the ultimate test,” explained Mercia Jansen, General Manager for Motul Southern and Eastern Africa.
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Author: Adilia Joubert from Listen Up on behalf of Motul South Africa.
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