The 2015 Roof of Africa (2 – 5 December) is just under a month away and things are shaping up for an epic battle between Graham Jarvis and Wade Young for a 3rd Roof title.
The two have already done battle this year at the Red Bull Sea to Sky, where Jarvis came out on top after Young had clenched the first stage from current World number 1 Johnny Walker. Unfortunately clashing dates of the World Super Enduro calendar and the Roof means that Walker will not be in the mix this year, but it gives the two all the more reason to get their 3rd title in the record books before he is able to compete in the Mountain Kingdom.
The country is currently experiencing a severe drought and the organizers expect the heat to make the treacherous mountain route even more challenging for the riders. The hot dry conditions usually favour the local South African, Wade Young, but don’t rule out some surprise thunder storms or floods that could swing favour to Jarvis, who last won the Roof in 2013 in wet conditions.
There is a handful other top South African’s, who have been gaining experience on the world stage this season that will be hoping to claim their first Roof of Africa titles. Blake Gudzeit, has spent most of the season abroad racing and lies 12th in the KoEE rankings, while Young’s teammates Scott Bouverie and Travis Teasdale have both gain valuable experience at the Erzberg Rodeo, Red Bull Romaniacs and the Sea to Sky this season! Altus De Wet is always a threat and last years surprise 2nd place finisher Brett Swanepoel have also been campaigning in Europe this season.
The Roof is not just about the guys racing at the front though, with three different classes, Gold, Silver and Bronze, there is a whole range of skill levels been pushed to the very limit to compete and finish in their classes. Regardt van Nieuwenhuizen, was the winner of the Bronze qualifier and has stepped up and entered the Gold class, all eyes will be on him to see how he fares!
Rumours are abound that this year’s route is shorter than in previous years, which can only mean one thing, it will is going to be harder! Once again the start and finish for the 3-day event, will be based around Ha Patrick, outside Roma, on the outskirts of the capital city of Maseru. The traditional Round the Houses will run laps through Maseru On Thursday and always provides a huge spectacle for local residents.
As the Southern Hemisphere heads deeper into the Summer and with less than a month to go before the riders line up things are on the bring of boiling point for the 2015 Roof of Africa.
Words: Greg Miller
Pictures: Nick Muzik