Kabakchiev tames the Roof of Africa

Kabakchiev tames the Roof of Africa…as Chabeli flies Lesotho’s flag with top-10 finish

Leemisa Thuseho

LESS than three minutes separated glory from heartbreak when the dust finally settled on the Roof of Africa yesterday, and when it did, Bulgaria’s Teodor Kabakchiev stood alone on the summit of one of the most feared races in hard enduro.

Kabakchiev was the only rider to break the 10-hour barrier in the Gold category, the event’s most prestigious and punishing class. He stopped the clock at 9:59:46 after three days of brutal racing at Roma and Ha Lebamang, which began on Thursday.

Hot on his heels was Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler, who crossed the line in 10:02:33, just two minutes and 47 seconds adrift, to finish runner-up for the second successive year.

Kabakchiev’s triumph came at the expense of defending champion James Moore. The South African, who conquered the mountains last year, could manage only fifth this time, a full 38 minutes and 11 seconds off the pace in 10:37:57.

For the new champion, the victory was built on a blistering start and the discipline to protect his lead on the final day.

“I am super happy. I am still locked in from the race, but basically, I had a good first lap and, from the beginning, I had a good lead today (yesterday),” Kabakchiev said moments after crossing the finish line.

“I told myself to just keep it easy and bring it home all the laps… so I am happy for my team, supporters and family.”

The podium had a compelling story of its own. Wade Young, the fan favourite and nine-time Roof of Africa champion, marked his return to the event, after burn injuries forced him to miss last year’s edition, by claiming third place.

There were world championship points on the line too. The Roof of Africa was drafted into the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) calendar last year, which is why this year’s race was staged earlier than its traditional late-November to early-December slot. It served as Round Six of the nine-round 2026 series.

While the international stars battled for the crown, Sechaba Chabeli once again carried the hopes of the home crowd. He finished 10th in the Silver category in 11:59:04, retaining his status as Lesotho’s best rider.

It was, however, a result of mixed fortunes. Chabeli was 17 minutes and five seconds faster than last year, when he finished ninth in 12:16:09, yet he slipped a place in the standings and fell well short of the target he had set himself. He had aimed for at least second place, a result he said would have convinced him to step up to the Gold category next year.

In the Bronze category, Moosa Shabeer also flew the national flag with distinction, finishing seventh overall in 7:28:04.

But for the man at the helm of the sport locally, the numbers still do not add up. Lesotho fielded 11 riders this year. Only two of them, Chabeli and Katleho Tlhaole, raced in Silver, and not a single local rider lined up in Gold.

Lesotho Off Road Association (LoRA) chairperson Mopeli Ntabe acknowledged the grit and determination of the local contingent but made it clear he had expected more.

“I am not satisfied for the sole reason that I am expecting more from our riders,” Ntabe told the Sunday Express.

“We had 11 riders in all. Obviously, we have come a long way from the days when we used to have one rider.

“I am not satisfied because, when you look at the way we have performed in the last couple of years, I would probably expect, at the very least, to be talking about 20 to 30 local riders.”

Ntabe believes Lesotho’s two Silver riders already have what it takes to mix it with the world’s best, and he threw down the gauntlet for next year.

“We have two Silver riders who are very good… they’re good enough to be Gold riders. I am urging them on because they’re good enough to go for Gold.”