Mike Nederlof, Chairman of the AMU Moto Cross Working Group, was on an official assignment last weekend to inspect the racetrack in Lusake for the up-coming AMU-Moto Cross Africa Championships to take place on August 13th this year in our neighbouring country. It was the occassion of the 6th round of the Zambian National Championship

A good chance to take two riders with, namely Matthew Nederlof to represent Namibia in the 50cc category as well as Tommi Gous who took part in the Open-Class.

From the outset it was clear, that the Zambians do not really cater for 50cc riders, as the kids have to race on the same track as the senior-classes. There lay a tough task ahead of Matthew and the muddy conditions didn’t help eather. Six year old Matthew’s bike is so low, that his foot pegs would get stuck in the ruts and he had to get pushed out to be able to continue. There were obstacles that little Mathhew had never tackled before, therefore his 10th overall place is very, very commendable.

Tommi had an excellent day! In practise Tommi already looked comfortable and seemed to find some good lines. In his first Heat Tommi took the holeshot on his 450 Zenner-Yamaha and immediately started to open up a gap on the Zambian competitors. However arm-pump started to catch up with him and he had to reduce his speed, now the locals closed in and Tommi dropped to 5th spot. In his 2nd outing Tommi again won the holeshot, but the locals caught after few laps and relegated him in 3rd position which he was able to defend to the very end. By now the track became rock-hard which didn’t help at all his arm-problems. In his third Heat Tommi could not produce his perferct start, was with the trailing-group and only in mid-race he started to bulldoze his way to the front. Again he finished in 5th position, which was enough for an overall 2nd in the Open-Class! Well done Tommi!