DO IT NOW Magazine article 29-05-12

inACTION:

Words & Photos by Zygmund Brodalka

Kerim Fritz-Gerald

m a e t m a e r d SA s r a t s g n i s i r -

tocross stars o m f o er b m u n s produced a international e th n o s South Africa ha ve el s a name for them e that have made ently, a few of th c re re o M . rs ea the y t Langston, n ra G , y a tr a circuit through R la e to mind are Ty Swanepoel. th re a G names that com d n a t n a rd, Caleb Tenn Anthony Rayna

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Kerim Fritz-Gerald leading in Bloemfontein

Today there are three new young guns that are establishing a reputation for themselves both locally and abroad, and they are Justin Sangster (KTM 50cc), Calvin Vlaanderen (KTM 125cc) and Kerim Fritz-Gerald (on his KTM in MX 1 and MX 2).

Justin Sangster is the youngest at just nine years old. He hails from Cape Town's CTMX Motocross Club and has only been racing motocross for four years. His introduction to the sport was through friends of his parents, who were looking for something for their sons to do recreationally.

There's no doubt that Justin is a star in the making and the proof is in his performances and ranking. He is currently leading the point standings in the South African Full Throttle National Championship in the 50cc Class on his #4 KTM. Furthermore, Justin has been invited to race at the Junior World Championship in Holland at Bokol this year. Being invited means that he automatically qualifies and will race in the main event. This is a great honour and an opportunity not afforded to many. He will be racing in the 65cc B Class because he is new comer. The A Class is for the pro riders, but I’m sure it won't be long before Justin is chomping at the heels of the pros. What makes Justin stand out is that he is a solid, calculated rider with good gate pickings. His climb to the number-one spot has not been an easy one and he has had to battle it out against strong competition throughout the season.

Also in the spotlight is Calvin Vlaanderen, and it’s been a while since we've seen a rider from the Western Cape take on the big, wide world. The last champion from Cape Town was Paul Cooper, a five-time British Motocross Champion.

Calvin, a 15 year old from CTMX, has been flying the SA flag high and we can all be very proud of his achievements.

Calvin left our shores after the first round of the Full Throttle Nationals at Sun City to race in Holland, under the auspices of Bobo Schmidt. The esteemed Schmidt noticed him last year at the Junior World Championship in Italy, where he had an awesome ride and came 10th overall.

When you consider that he didn't have much international experience, nor of the European tracks, this was a fantastic achievement. Calvin is currently racing in the ONK Dutch Championships and has competed in two of the four races to date. In the first race in Halle, he surprised everybody

2 • DO IT NOW Magazine June | July 2012

with a win in Moto 1 and Moto 2. He missed the next race and had to sit out the third race due to back problems. In the fourth race Calvin clocked the fourth fastest qualifying time on his 125cc KTM. As the only South African, he was just 0.6 seconds slower than the pole position holder, with two riders in between. What a race that must have been! Claiming two second place finishes, Calvin came in second overall on the day. With two races under his belt thus far, he has done incredibly well to hoist himself into ninth position on the championship standings. The future is bright for this reserved but pleasant young man, and in time I am certain that Calvin has the potential to bring us home a title.

Last but not least is 25-year-old Kerim Fritz-Gerald from Johannesburg, one of our most talented riders in MX1 and MX2. Having raced in Canada for a year, he has put his international experience to good use upon returning to South Africa and is leading the MX2 Class and the reigning champion. Kerim is also currently racing in the States, in the AMA outdoor season, but came back for the Full Throttle Nationals held in Cape Town in April, before jetting back to the USA. Says Kerim, "Racing in the AMA Motocross Outdoor Championship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'll give it my best. It will be a different ball game racing against those yanks." Kerim will be racing in the MX2 and MX Lites Class (in SA we call this MX1) and is going into this with an open mind. He would love to learn more from his local heroes, Tyla and Swani, who are also racing in the States. Giz or Kermie, as he is otherwise known, has got what it takes to go all the way.

Justin, Calvin and Kerim, your time has come! With your unmistakable style, stamina and determination I am confident that you will follow in the footsteps of our other South African greats and make us all proud. •

Calvin over the tunnel jump

Justin Sangsteron his 65cc

Justin Sangster up the step up

Mr Brodalka

Calvin Vlaanderen

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