JP to take on Roof of Africa
Jean Pierre Fourie will tackle the world's third toughest enduro race.
LOCAL enduro rider, Jean Pierre (JP) Fourie will take on the biggest challenge of his riding career when he tackles the Roof of Africa from 3-5 December in Lesotho.
This will be the first time the 21-year-old takes on the World’s third toughest enduro event.
Fourie will be competing in the Silver Class on his KTM 300 2-stroke and aims for a podium finish.
‘I started riding bikes after matric in 2012 locally with mates, before starting enduro competitions in 2014. This year is my first full racing season, but my main focus has always been on the Roof of Africa,’ said Fourie.
‘I decided to take up this huge challenge, as I like challenges and enjoy pushing myself to the limits of my capabilities.’
To enter a race like this takes a huge financial and physical commitment.
Fourie has spent R5 250 on the race entry alone and about R200 000 on race preparations, which includes gear, bike maintenance, competitions, fuel etc.
Fourie follows a strict high carbohydrate and protein diet, which is required as fuel to keep him going.
His training leading up to the event is as follows – crossfit training sessions twice a day, four times a week for an hour per session, running 6-8km twice a week, cycling 50km once a week and a short session once a week, underwater hockey twice a week to build lung capacity and 6-8 hour enduro rides over the weekend.
This season, Fourie has won a few enduro events and has landed on the podium a handful of times.
The Silver Class will see a 60km time trial on day one, followed by a 140km ride on days two and three through the Lesotho mountains.
Rides like these can take between 8-12 hours on the bike, which challenges the riders mental and physical abilities.
His motto is ‘Never give up and keep on pushing’.
‘The highlight of my riding this year was claiming a podium finish at the Mzumbi Extreme Enduro, which was a 33km event which saw only 21 riders completing the route out of 130 entrants.’
‘My dad and friends have taught me all I know about bikes, which helps with maintaining my ride.’
His ultimate goal is to compete in the Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania which is classified as the World’s second most hardest enduro event after Hell’s Gates.
