Toti teen MX rider scales his first Roof of Africa
The young speedster has capped off a brilliant 2019.
Tackling his first Roof of Africa, Amanzimtoti motocross rider Cayden Purchase finished the gruelling two-day event in sixth place in silver. The 2019 Motul Roof of Africa was run in the Kingdom of Lesotho from 4 to 7 December.
With its origins going back as far as 1967, it has become widely recognised as one of the toughest off-road endurance races in the world and, with that reputation, attracts the cream of the crop of extreme enduro riders. Riders get battered with two days in the saddle to cover over 425km of the harshest terrain known to man, with an elevation climb from 1 400m above sea level to close on 3 000m before flying back down the mountains again.
“The Roof was a good experience for my first one. My time trial was good and I qualified third for day one. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a good ride and finished 10th in silver. On day two I rode better with a sixth place and silver overall. The best experience of it was the atmosphere and how the spectators cheer you on, on the track. The worst or hardest thing about it was all the loose rocks.”
Cayden finished in 13 hours and 30 minutes, a credible result considering he swapped his trusty KTM 125cc for a new 150 tpi stead, as it has more bottom end which is easier in the technical sections the Roof throws up.
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As one of the youngest riders this year, Cayden rode his own race. His father George also entered silver. Asked if he will tackle it again, his answer was a resounding yes. “Next year I’m going for gold. What I learn from this first one is don’t try and rush it, it is a long day.”
The young speedster has capped off a brilliant 2019, with a runner-up spot in the KZN Hare-scramble Championship and third in the National Enduro Championship. “I was aiming to win the hare-scramble, but happy to come away with second. I came very close to winning and finished top three in all my races. I was happy with third in the Enduro, as it was a tough competition. Next I will be back and I will train harder to improve.”
Cayden is enjoying a well-earned rest after the Roof, before starting to train for the next season. He thanks Alfie Cox Motul KTM Racing, Metzler Tyres, Halls Retail, Thor Clothing and Accessories, his coach William Slater and his parents Candice and George Purchase.
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