Teasdale takes the 2017 Alfie Cox Invitational Title
In a thrilling extreme enduro showdown, Pietermaritzburg’s Travis Teasdale showed the sensational form to take the top spot at the second-ever Alfie Cox Invitational which took place on Saturday, 26 August at Henderson’s Farm in Umzumbe.
Red Bull’s Wade Young (Paddock) was leading the final but collided with a tree on a downhill section and injured his chest so was forced to withdraw during the final.
Teasdale of Brother Leader Tread KTM overcame the challenging course with relative ease finishing his final lap in under 40 minutes.
“I started off the last final strong! I had a good start but then in the first gully I hit a steep step and I couldn’t get up and had to throw my bike and I fell back down, so I was quite angry and felt a bit flustered. I took a moment to breathe and get going again and managed to catch up to Wade again at the end just before he pulled out,” commented event champion, Travis Teasdale.
“I am feeling strong and have been training hard so would like to thank all the guys that have been helping me and pushing me. I have been racing a lot overseas this year and it’s helping me a lot and getting me stronger,” added Teasdale.
The 2016 defending champion, Scott Bouverie (Harding) of KTM Factory Racing took second place ahead of Blake Gutzeit (Port Shepstone) with William Slater (Hilton) taking the fourth spot.
The unofficial world number one extreme enduro female rider, Kirsten Landman (Shongweni) of Brother Leader Tread KTM; made it through the first round but withdrew due to having flu.
Piwe Zulu (Port Shepstone) enjoyed the support from south coast locals and completed round one but missed the cut off to compete in the finals.
The brainchild of South African Motorsports’ legend, Alfie Cox – 9-timer Roof of Africa Rally winner – the Alfie Cox Invitational was designed as a way for both riders and spectators to enjoy some real enduro action. Many enduro fans took advantage of this unique event with the route allowing for vehicular access which meant a great view from the sidelines and a phenomenal atmosphere for the riders.
“All in all it’s been an incredible day, the guys have really enjoyed the course and that’s the most important thing, we have given them value and they have had a great day together with the Red Bull team and myself. Make no mistake, it’s a tough course we have got 35 of the best riders here and we have only seen 12 at the finish… well, we are not here for a haircut we are here to fight a little bit and there are a lot of guys fighting out there today!” commented Alfie Cox.
“Travis rode really well and knocked last year’s winner Scott off the podium. Unfortunately, Wade got injured but well done to Travis, Scott, and Blake. Thanks to Red Bull and the team for believing in me,” added Cox.
Following an elimination format, competitors had to tackle three rounds before the winner was announced. Ten of the slowest riders were eliminated after the first two rounds, placing incredible pressure on the remaining riders who had to then complete the final within the allotted time of 75 minutes in order to complete the race.
The riders showed incredible technical skill as they took to the newly-designed course which consisted of a number of obstacles including riverbeds, waterfalls, roots, vines, steep downhills and rocky climbs.
The first heat of the day kicked off at 09h00 with 20 making the cut for the semi-final round. As the field continued to diminish, skill and tactical prowess came to the fore with riders fighting off fatigue while intuitively incorporating what they’d learned about the course on previous rounds. However, as the final approached, it was evident that Teasdale was the clear favorite to take this year’s illustrious title.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS – ALFIE COX INVITATIONAL – HENDERSON’S FARM, UMZUMBE
FINAL
1. Travis Teasdale (Pietermaritzburg) 1:21:04 Brother Leader Tread KTM
2. Scott Bouverie (Harding) 1:24:33 Brother Leader Tread KTM
3. Blake Gutzeit (Port Shepstone) 1:30:29 Proudly Bidvest Yamaha
4. William Slater (Hilton) 1:44:00 BP Quarry Hilton Perry Bikes
5. Matthew Green (Camberg, Midlands) 1:46:00 Liqui Molly Husqvarna
6. Chris Barnes (Westville) 1:46:07 Perry Bikes Husqvarna
7. Chase Orsmand (Margate) 2:02:58 Rhino Trucks Alfie Cox
8. Warwick Neves (Hilton) 2:12:14 Motul Alfie Cox Racing
9. Matt Barnes (Waterfall) 2:15:36 Rocket Racing Powasol
10. Kyle Purchase (Amanzimtoti) 2:24:54 Motul Alfie Cox
Teasdale takes the 2017 Alfie Cox Invitational Title https://t.co/DU1muga6E2 #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/chUNrgAROp
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 28, 2017
