The fourth and fifth round of the National Cross Country Championship took riders to a new venue on the calendar, the small town of Upington in the Northen Cape. The new track provided fresh challenges, but the team rose to the occasion, delivering outstanding results across the board.
The town of Upington was abuzz with excitement as the race brought a vibrant energy to the community, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the thrilling atmosphere.
Davin Cocker stole the spotlight in the Open Class, claiming victory in both rounds 4 and 5, taking the overall win for the weekend. His performance was nothing short of heroic, as he battled through a knee injury at the start of round 4 during the time trial. Despite the injury, Cocker pushed through the pain, securing the win for the day. With the help of physiotherapy and a strapped knee, he returned for round 5 with even greater determination. His resilience was evident as he took the lead in the sandy sections of Upington, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to success.
“It was a tough weekend, especially after injuring my knee, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I had to push through the pain but the support from the team and the adrenaline from the race kept me going, and I’m thrilled to have brought home both wins,” said Cocker.
He continued to say, “I started off second in the Time Trial, just behind Scott Heygate. Unfortunately for him, he had a crash early in the race. I managed to pass him, put the hammer down, and tried to build as much of a lead as I could. I was really happy with my riding for the weekend, even though the track got quite rough on the second day. I managed to keep pushing and finish first.”
Not to be outdone, young dynamo Luke Walker delivered an equally impressive performance in the OR3 Class. Walker raced with incredible heart, also taking the class win in both rounds 4 and 5. His drive for championship glory was clear as he tackled the challenging terrain with passion and tenacity, proving himself as a force to be reckoned with in the championship race.
“I had a real great weekend. The track was challenging, but I just focused on doing my best and giving it my all. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m really proud of how I performed this weekend. Super happy to get two wins in two days and extend my points lead for the final round,” Walker shared.
Team manager Kerim Fitz Gerald expressed his pride in the team’s performance, saying, “Husqvarna Racing had a great weekend! The double-header served them really well. Davin is the double-header master, as he did the same last year at the double-header in Vryburg. Both Davin and Luke faced tough conditions but still put their Husqvarnas on top. The championships are very close, but it was a great end to a tough weekend for the team.”
The Husqvarna Racing Team left everything on the track this weekend, their energy and devotion shining through in every race. With these fantastic results, the team continues to make strides toward championship success, and their performances in Upington will be remembered as a highlight of the season.
Published by: Megan Prinsloo
Photography by: Sage Lee Voges – ZCMC Media
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