The momentum is building as Gauteng’s top Enduro racers have confirmed their entries for Round 3 of the Sox Footwear Enduro Series, presented by SHRED, which takes place at Buffelsdrift, Pretoria on Saturday.
Both Sam Bull and Julia Kotze, overall men and women’s winners at Round 2, are on the rider list already, with a number of other top category contenders also entered as they pursue both event and series success.
The four-round series, which is the Gauteng Provincial Series, has already seen fierce competition at Grootfontein and Buffelsdrift, two different types of venues, which have suited riders with different strengths. The Grootfontein lines are shorter and with more predictable terrain, while the Buffelsdrift lines are longer and more rocky.
Round 3 will use the same four Enduro segment lines as Round 2 (Lines 2, 4, 5 and 6), but the fifth line is new – the Rocks to Crocs descent that features as part of the regular trails at Buffelsdrift. It’s more flowy with a number of corners at the top before it begins the main descent. It’s just on 2km long and does also include some rocky bits at the top. So all five lines will feature rocky sections and once again put tyres and rims to the test as well as reward smart line choices.
Willie van Eck, runner-up at Round 2 won’t be competing in Round 3 and Wade Prinsloo, who rounded out the podium last time, hasn’t entered yet, but the various men’s categories are sure to fill up by the entry deadline.
One name on the pre-entry list that’s sure to make an impact is Zandri Strydom. Fresh from winning the Western Cape Enduro Round 1 this past Sunday, the talented Mpumalanga rider is sure to be a contender for the overall women’s title.
With hot day conditions expected, the racing will start an hour earlier (08h00). There are two events – the Full Enduro (5 stages) with a four-hour time limit and the Lite Enduro (3 stages) with a three-hour time limit. Sprogs and Nippers can only enter the Lite event. To up the fun factor, there will be a prize for the best-dressed male and female Halloween-themed competitor! There will also be a tech zone, drinks for sale and music at the main start area.
Entries close at midday on Friday 5 November. No late entries will be taken. To enter, follow this link or call Paola on 083 252 3752.
