Brett Roberts, 18, of Stellenbosch – and a pupil at Newberry House in Somerset West – finished a very credible fifth overall in the Premier Class: 250cc MX2, at the competition in Kitwe, Northern Zambia, in mid-August. The class was won by Ash Thixton of Zimbabwe. Africa’s Power House MX riders took part in the competition, where seven countries competed in the MX of African Nations, which is held as an individual, as well as at team event. South Africa won the overall team event, and took home most of the trophies on offer. The event was held on a beautifully-prepared track with the local community spurring the Zambian competitors on.
Until the last heat on Sunday August 19, Brett was comfortably placed to finish on the podium, but a bad start and difficult passing situations resulted in a sixth for the heat, which pushed him from third to fifth. When asked what the most important learning experience was that he will take from this event, he replied: “Focus, preparation and don’t hold back, if you get an opportunity seize it with both hands. I really wanted to be on that podium.”
