And many are of the opinion that this young man has the talent to excel in the enduro sport. With aspirations to become a medical doctor and pursue excellence in enduro riding, one would but wish him the best of both these extremely demanding environments.

Stepdad Theo Boezaart is an avid rider. Hanlu says,” Accompanying him to enduro events triggered my interest. Although I am seriously active with school sport also, I love riding enduro. My first bike was a 125cc pit bike. Then followed a 65cc Kawasaki and of late, I am riding a 65cc KTM which, incidentally, is my favorite to ride.”

Late in 2018 Hanlu rode in the Killarney Enduro in the Kickstarter class, riding against kids two to three years older and more experienced than he was. He finished in sixth place. Not too shabby for a first-time-out competitive event? “I felt really good after the race and decided that I want to do more.”

Hanlu participated in a number of fun rides (practice) and his next formal race was the KMIA Enduro. Having done this particular event twice now, it has also become his favourite event. “Both these rides were enjoyable as it offers fast as well as technical sections. I prefer the technical rides because it teaches and improves my riding skills,” says Hanlu.

“This year I missed the first race of the season because of school athletics where I participated in numerous items with long jump being one of my favourites. I did ride the Pilgrim’s Rest Enduro where I finished first in my class. This was a tough race with extreme up- and downhill sections. Being on the podium was very rewarding.”

Then followed training with Travis Teasdale and lockdown and the 2020 KMIA on the KTM where he finished in first place. “Travis’s step-up training was extremely valuable and so too, the importance of the correct seating positions,” says Hanlu. “We did lots of training during lockdown. The KMIA event requires lots of focus over the technical sections of the route.”

“One of the most important things Hanlu learned through this training, was when and where to ride in the standing position. This is quite an important skill in enduro and offroad riding as it extends suspension travel and improves the rider’s centre of gravity,” says Theo.

“My throttle and clutch control and brake use, have also improved,” chirps Hanlu. So despite missing the first race in the series, Hanlu occupies first position on the log and when one analyses the results this far, his lap times at the various races, are significantly better than the nearest competitor.

“I am looking forward to the double-header event at Casterbridge at the end of September and once again, I will ride my favorite KTM.”

‘We will, depending on the yearend results, decide what to do in the 2021 season and in which category Hanlu will compete,” says Theo. “At this stage though, many predict a bright enduro riding career and we will support him as much as we can, and hopefully, in the not too-distant future, he will attract a sponsor.”