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Bronkhorstspruit double-header beckons

It’s been a challenging year for Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing and the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship, but it is all about to come to a head with a sting in the tail at Bronkhorstspruit's 8-9 November season finale. 

The team has endured a tough run with rider injuries across the board through 2019, while the championship had a vital round cancelled, but this weekend's East Gauteng double-header adds a most intriguing twist with two races in two days and double points on the table. And Pepson Plastics Husqvarna trio Taki Bogiages, Iain Pepper and Ryan Ripley are raring to go.

Bogiages is itching to get back on his OR2 class Pepson Plastics Husqvarna following the long hiatus since the previous round in Lesotho in July “This break has given me the opportunity to get back to full strength after I badly hurt my back in my accident a year ago,” Taki explained. “I started this season on the back foot and did improve steadily, but the long break since my best result of the year in Lesotho has been a blessing in disguise and now I'm a hundred percent ready to race again.

“This weekend is also a huge opportunity — Friday and Saturday each count as separate races for full points so there are 50 points available and while the overall title is still mathematically possible, it is unlikely to pull that off, but a podium is there for the taking and that is what we are chasing. “Thanks in advance to my Husqvarna family — I know I will have the best bike under me and incredible support as always — let’s do this!”

Masters rider, iron man Iain Pepper returns to the saddle after recovering from surgery on both wrists following a race crash in the Cape earlier in the season. “I really can’t wait to get back on the bike,” motorsport all-rounder Iain admitted. “It’s been a tough season all-round in Cross Country racing this year, but this double header makes for a most interesting prospect — a solid result on both days can change everything — bring it on!"

It’s also a big weekend for Husqvarna Cross Country stalwart Ryan Ripley, who has been given the opportunity to ride Kenny Gilbert’s factory Pepson Plastics OR1 open class machine, while the former championship leader continues to recuperate following his testing accident earlier in the year. “It is an absolute honour and privilege to be drafted onto the factory team on Kenny's bike,” Ryan owned up. “This is going to be a big weekend, so the plan is to bring it home and score maximum points on both days — I’m counting the sleeps!"

“It’s been a really tough season for Pepson Plastics Husqvarna in Cross Country Racing this year,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “But this weekend offers a unique opportunity to make up for lost ground — not only is it a double points weekend, but those points count for a third of this year’s championship total, so best of luck to Taki, Iain and Ryan - bring those bikes home guys!” 

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Husqvarna Off Road

What:SA Cross Country Moto Rounds 5 & 6 Preview
Where:Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng
When:8-9 November 2019
Community:South Africa National

For further information please contact fred@husqvarna-motorcycles.co.za

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