In what will mark the final event of this year's hard enduro season, the Roof of Africa in Lesotho is set to end 2012 in style. With almost 450 riders entered from over twelve different nations, the 45th edition of one of the toughest hard enduro races on the planet is expected to be the best yet.
This year’s event will be staged over three days of competition that begins on Thursday, 15 November. Competitors will face the legendary Round the Houses street race in Maseru on Thursday morning, followed by a 60km-long time trial that will determine the starting order for the two main days of competition on Friday and Saturday.
As a two-time winner of the race and one of the most experienced riders entered in this year’s event, Brother Broadlink KTM’s Darryl Curtis knows only too well what riders will face in the coming days.
“The Roof of Africa is a very special race for me,” says the South African. “I’ve raced the event over 20 times and was fortunate enough to have won it twice. For me there is no terrain in the world quite like what competitors will face in Lesotho. The Round the Houses street race is so unique and a whole lot of fun, but it’s on Friday when everyone gets down to the serious business of racing.
“This year’s race will be both long and physical as we face a route of over 245km on Friday and then another 200km on Saturday. The terrain is always tough, especially when crossing the mountaintop. Depending on the weather, that section can be a real sting in the tail, as Lesotho has been known to experience four seasons in one day!
"Of course the Pro riders will face the most difficult rocky ground but for the Hobby riders, they’ll get to enjoy riding through some of the most beautiful places around. For all abilities, this really is an enduro rider’s paradise.”
But with some of the world’s best hard enduro riders, including Great Britain’s Graham Jarvis (Husaberg), New Zealand’s Chris Birch (KTM) and Germany’s Andreas Lettenbichler (Husqvarna) ready to do battle in the coming days, who does Darryl see as the favourite for this year’s honours?
“Honestly, it’s hard to say. With so many world class riders entered, it’s going to be a tough race,” remarked Darryl. “Obviously Graham is the favourite. He won the event in 2011 and is on top form at the moment, but don’t count out Chris Birch. He’s won this race three times and is hungry for another win. Add in Lettenbichler, Paul Bolton and the Hemingway brothers, Ben and Dan, along with some emerging South African talent and it’s easy to see why the competition is fierce.
“Personally, I’m just hoping for a smooth race. Although I’ve probably ridden this event more than anyone, I have come into it a little underprepared. Right now I’m focused on my preparation for the Dakar Rally so I’m not quite up to pace with some of the best hard enduro riders in the world. But I am feeling physically fit and hope both my fitness and experience can steer me towards a top five result.”