Young biker wants more

Thirteen-year-old biker Kyle Barthus has just returned from participating in the South African Super Moto National Championships, where he managed to achieve third position in two classes.

The Grade 6 Radford House Primary School pupil and Northcliff resident has been biking since he was five years old and has defied many odds to carve his name in the biking industry stone.

Currently undergoing physiotherapy exercise after a knee injury during a race, Barthus seems unperturbed by the dangers associated with the sport.

“It’s a dangerous sport for any age and the risk to take is quite substantial but you have to take the bull by the horns,” said Barthus. “Anything in life is dangerous.”

His biggest concern, however, is the lack of funding and investment in motocross, a form of motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits.

“In motocross, it’s either you have a big pocket or you battle unfortunately. There are no competitors anymore because it’s too expensive.”

Barthus’ parents have gone out of their way to ensure that he participates in races.

“My wife and I do our level best to get him to every race and he hasn’t missed a race because we have gone without so that he can go and ride. He has the talent to do it and I don’t want him to suffer because I can’t do something,” said his father Craig Barthus.

The young biker was invited to represent South Africa at the Junior Motocross World Championships but was unable to attend because they couldn’t raise the R350 000 to travel to Europe.

“I would like to see more sponsors and funding because it is hard out there now. Look at our soccer and all the preparation that goes into that, why can’t that go into racing as well,” Barthus questioned.

While pleading for financial assistance in the sport as a whole, Barthus extends his gratitude to his current sponsors – Castrol, Racestar Graffix and Cedar Storage.

Details: kyleracing@me.com