Young’s dominance cements his status as “Mr Roof of Africa”, bringing him one step closer to matching the legendary Alfie Cox’s nine wins. Dive into the challenges, triumphs, and notable performances that marked the 2023 Roof of Africa.
Young showcased his unparalleled skills by securing his eighth Roof victory. Riding his Sherco, Young’s triumph included dominating the Round the Houses, time trial, and conquering the challenging race days.
Young’s performance on Thursday, where he excelled in the Round the Houses and time trial, set the tone for his overall victory. He continued his dominance on Friday ultimately securing the win on Saturday. With this victory, Young is now just one Roof win away from equalling the record set by South African legend Alfie Cox, who boasts nine wins.
Matthew Green, concluding his Junior Hard enduro career on his KTM, secured the second position, followed by Brett Swanepoel on another Sherco. Saturday sensation, James Moore, riding his KTM, claimed the fourth spot. Out of the 38 Gold riders who started the race, only 12 managed to finish the challenging 2023 Roof.
Tristan Tamsen secured the fifth position on his KTM, followed by Cody Webb’s Sherco. The KTM quartet of Kyle Flanagan, Jaco den Heyer, Thomas Scales, and Dylan Jones trailed, with Heinrich Aust’s Husqvarna and Matt Stevens’ KTM completing the list.
The Bronze class, featuring a massive entry, saw father and son team Ryan and Reece Hunt participating alongside the School of Hard Rocks Club. The class included a mix of weekend warriors and serious riders, such as Brad and Darryn Binder.
Louis-Bresler Knipe emerged victorious in the competitive Bronze class on his Sherco, with 138 machines out of 232 starters reaching the finish line. Shabeer Moosa’s KTM secured the second position, followed by Tyron Bird’s Husqvarna and KTM trio Mike Morris, Chris Christodoulou, and Franz Cepek.
Moto GP stars Brad Binder and brother Darryn participated, with Brad becoming the first in his profession to finish a hard enduro, securing the 88th position on his KTM, while Darryn claimed the 105th position on his Husqvarna.
In the Silver class, Tate Ströh claimed the top spot aboard a Yamaha, with 24 out of 81 starters completing the race. Daniel Peckham’s Sherco secured the second position, followed by Grant Burton-Durham on a GasGas, Andrew Houston’s KTM, Liam Elkington on a Husqvarna, and Kevin de Kock’s KTM.
The Iron class witnessed 32 out of 57 finishers, with Jack Brotherton leading Charles Harrison, Frans de Klerk, Petrie Roodt, Nathaniel Do Amaral, and LW Nel to the finish line. De Klerk’s GasGas was the sole non-KTM machine in the top seven.
Despite Team Tork Craft’s Ryan and Reece Hunt showing promise for a top 50 Bronze finish, Reece’s machine suffered a mechanical issue just 20km from the finish line, leading to their retirement. Nevertheless, the Hunts expressed their enjoyment and praised the memorable moments shared with Brad and Darryn Binder and the entire riding community.
The 2023 Roof of Africa delivered thrilling moments, showcasing the riders’ endurance and determination. Congratulations to all participants and finishers, with the 2023 Roof of Africa finisher’s badge standing as a testament to their achievements!
Source: MotorsportMedia
