Summarize

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing returned home victorious from Swaziland’s fifth round MSA South African Cross Country Moto Championship Mhlibhi Piggs Peak 400 on Saturday after Kenny Gilbert wrestled his open class machine to the OR1 class win to close the overall championship battle with arch rival Ross Branch down to just one point. 

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna’s OR2 championship leader Taki Bogiages meanwhile consolidated his title advantage there with a come-from-behind fourth in class ahead of teammate Travis Gehlig, while Masters rider Iain Pepper retired after running a strong second overnight.

OR1 star Kenny Gilbert from Pretoria took control of the class on Friday afternoon’s Time Trial before riding his Pepson Plastics Husqvarna to the class win and third overall to close right up on the championship leader, both overall and in class. “I had a solid race in Swaziland — we took the open class win to close Ross’ title advantage down to just three points,” Kenny explained. 

“The tough Piggs Peak terrain was better suited to smaller machines, so I was happy to end up third overall, with another smaller bike between me and Ross in fifth. “That means there is just one point between us in the overall championship with one race left to run — we are all set for a grandstand finish for sure! “I’d also like to extend a massive word of thanks to my family and team for all their support and efforts — now it’s all to do at the finale at Carletonville in September!”

Taki Bogiages overcame a tough Friday time trial before climbing back to fourth in class on Saturday to take an 11-point advantage into the OR2 championship finale in September. “I was relieved to end up fourth in Swaziland,” Pretoria rider Taki admitted. “I had a difficult Time Trial Friday and Piggs Peak was a bit more like a national enduro than a Cross Country race, but I scored more good points and we head to the finale in the OR2 championship lead, so it’s all to fight for. 

“Huge thanks as always to my incredible Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team for the best bike as always — it’s such a privilege to race with the top team behind me!”

Young Travis Gehlig took the positives out of a learning experience en route to fifth in OR2 in Swaziland. “Piggs Peak was tough, but I brought it home fifth and I’m happy to have finished every race with strong points so far this season,” Boksburg lad Travis confirmed. “I sit fourth in the championship and still in the chase for second in the OR2 title race, so I can’t wait for the final race with the Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing.”

Masters class Iain Pepper had a great time trial before a difficult Saturday. “I was super happy with my time trial result,” Iain confessed. “It’s a pity I could not finish it off though, but the team had a great weekend, so all good — now I just need to finish it off in style in Carletonville.”

“We had a good weekend in Swaziland,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “ Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing’s Kenny fought to a fine OR1 class to set up a grandstand finish in the final race in September, Taki takes a handy OR2 championship lead into the finale and Travis has brought home another pile of points, all of which will make Carletonville a pretty nerve wracking weekend!”