Ice-cool Wade lines up record-tying Roof title
As the Roof of Africa approaches, Wade's form, experience and dedications position him as the rider to watch.
Wade Young (28) of Paddock may be more used to the open landscapes of hard enduro racing, but he thoroughly enjoyed his recent victory on a vastly different terrain.
This took place at the Inner City Enduro (ICE) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, where Wade raced to a thrilling victory.
The enduro brought a welcome change and challenge for the riders.
Gqeberha’s urban layout, coupled with short, high-pressure laps, offered a stark contrast to the rugged, long-distance races Young is accustomed to.
“The inner city was cool, definitely a different style of racing,” he said. “The first corner was everything – if you didn’t get through there first, it was tough to catch up.”
The event had riders navigating tight turns and unexpected terrain with mere seconds separating competitors.
Despite its unpredictability, Wade’s expertise shone through as he outpaced the field, proving his adaptability.
His win highlighted his ability to adjust to any environment, a crucial skill as he heads into the last two events of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
With two of the season’s seven races to go, Wade is in second place, nine points adrift of leader Manuel Lettenbichler.
The Sea to Sky takes place in Turkey from October 10 to 12, with the final event, the 24MX Hixpania, in Spain from October 25-27.
After that, he will turn his focus to arguably his favourite event, the Roof of Africa in Lesotho, which will be raced from November 28 to 30.
It could be a big year, with a chance to match fellow South African Alfie Cox’s record of nine career wins. Wade won it as a 16-year-old and has enjoyed success ever since.
Described as the mother of all hard enduros, it’s the ultimate test of endurance and skill.
Having claimed the prestigious race eight times, Wade is on the brink of making history.
But for him, right now, it’s not just about the record.
“I don’t focus on that. Every race, I just aim to do my best and win,” he said, emphasising his no-nonsense approach to competition.
Racing in Lesotho’s unforgiving mountains is always a challenge, but his local support fuels his determination.
“Racing in front of a home crowd gives me that extra push,” he said.
As the Roof of Africa approaches, Wade’s form, experience and dedication position him as the rider to watch.
Whether or not he ties the record, his legacy is cemented as his hunger for success continues to drive him forward.
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