Accident claims motorcycle rider

According to a statement released by Gauteng X-Cross Country Club Racing, Michael Pentecost (30) who is from Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, was involved in an accident at the 3,1 km mark on his first lap of the route. The accident occurred on a straight part of the track approximately 300 m after a right turn. No other drivers were involved in the incident. There was another unrelated accident later in the day.

Emergency medical personnel covering the event were immediately dispatched to the scene, but Pentecost succumbed to his injuries. A preliminary investigation was done at the scene, but thus far the cause of the accident could not be determined.

Pentecost was considered one of South Africa’s leading cross-country motorcycle racers and he was also a former national champion. The team manager of UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing team, Harry Grobler stated in a press release:

“We are utterly devastated to confirm the untimely passing of Mike Pentecost. A highly accomplished, popular, and capable rider, our team leader, and also a superhero and mentor to so many young racers, Mike leaves a massive void in the South African cross-country family.”

Pentecost leaves his wife Jamie-Lee and his son, Hunter.

“We extend our deepest and sincere condolences to Jamie-Lee and his family, to Mike’s rivals and friends, to all in our team, cross country racing and motorsport in general and to everyone this huge man touched in his life,” said Grobler in a press release.

Col Annemarie Smith from the Bela-Bela Police confirmed that the accident occurred on the Van Rooyen farm and that an inquest has been opened to determine the cause of the accident. No other details are currently available. At the time of print, Die Pos has received no further information on queries to Pentecost’s team manager, Harry Grobler.