Moorosi Tsiane
EVENTS management company, Live Lesotho, who have just taken over the hosting of the annual Roof of Africa race have promised fireworks at this year’s edition of the race.
The organisers said they would introduce some new exciting twists to the race scheduled for 4 to 7 December in Thaba-Bosiu.
In a recent statement, Live Lesotho both riders and spectators can expect an event that honours the Mother of Hard Enduro.
“For extreme Enduro riders, 19 August 2019 marked a red-letter day in the calendar: the opening of entries for this year’s Motul Roof of Africa,” the statement reads.
“With events management company Live Lesotho having taken over the organising of the Roof, riders and spectators alike can look forward to an event that honours the best traditions of the ‘Mother of Hard Enduro’ whilst introducing some exciting new twists.
“As in previous years, the event will be run under the auspices of the Lesotho Off-Road Association (LORA) and sees Motul return for the fourth year as title sponsor. The Roof, which is so closely associated with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, will retain its authentically local flavour.”
Motul Roof of Africa Route Director and Manager of Live Lesotho, Charan Moore, said Lesotho has so much to offer. He said participants were “in for a real treat”.
“Lesotho has so much to offer and this year we want to open the original extreme Enduro event up to more riders than ever before. We’re going to put the Roof back on the map when it comes to Extreme Enduro events.
“They’re in for a real treat. The Gold Class will see elite riders up against some of Africa’s toughest terrain, and only the very best will prevail,” Moore said.
Motul Area Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa, Mercia Jansen said: “We are delighted to be returning to Lesotho in December to support the 2019 Roof of Africa”.
“This event embodies so much of what we identify with at Motul: passion, perseverance, testing boundaries and pushing technological limits in challenging conditions.”
The organisers said the race would also accommodate amateur riders in the Silver Class.
“Of course, the Roof is not just for professional riders. The Silver Class will offer experienced amateur riders the chance to push themselves that little bit harder, while the Bronze Class is intended to be more inclusive. It’s an entry-level option that guarantees a good test for any rider willing to pit their skills against the formidable Maluti mountains. With more than 250 Bronze riders having already qualified for this year’s race, this class promises to be well supported once again.
“As part of Live Lesotho’s fresh approach to the Motul Roof of Africa, there will be no qualification criteria imposed for the Gold and Silver Classes. The routes for all classes will be run and re-run prior to the event to make sure that each one represents an appropriate challenge across exciting new terrain,” the statement reads.
With the promise of a new level of extreme Enduro, the 2019 Roof of Africa is certain to be popular with off-road motorcyclists and spectators alike. The combination of warm hospitality, dramatic mountain scenery and non-stop action makes for an irresistible combination.
“Live Lesotho has already successfully delivered a Bronze Qualifier in May 2019 and a round of the National Off-Road Championships, meaning that expectations are high for a superb Roof event this year.
“This year’s event will also see the return of the ever popular Round the Houses through the streets of Maseru for all classes, with Gold riders competing in an Endurocross stage at Maseru Mall while Silver and Bronze riders take on a more traditional time trial out at Thaba-Bosiu,” the statement reads.