MTN-Qhubeka’s Sifiso Nhlapo (aka Skizo 105) was in Harare, Zimbabwe over the weekend of 15 and 16 October, competing in the Africa Challenge 2011. The BMX rider knew that competition would be stiff, with all his rivals from the previous weekend’s SA Grand Nationals also taking part. Nevertheless, he came away with the win – a fantastic result that cements his return to the sport after knee surgery earlier this year. “I was very excited to get back on the track and not only enjoy this race, but also use it as training to get some full laps in with race conditions,” said
Skizo.
“The track in Zimbabwe is always good – by far one of the best tracks in Southern Africa. It always makes for good racing. The competition was pretty much the same as the previous weekend, which I knew would make for some good racing. Weather conditions were hot, so staying hydrated was very important. The race program for the weekend was going to be a long one. We had three qualifying motos in the first leg and another three qualifying motos and a main in the second leg, making it a 7-lap race day.”
He noted that he felt good and has been enjoying getting back into form through racing. “The racing was good all weekend and I don't think I dropped a lap,” he said. “The final was raced at night, which put a little twist on things, but I managed to finish with the win. This weekend was a small step to get to where I need to be in a few months time.”
Skizo’s manager Mark Squire says that Skizo’s next goal is to get through the motos at the Disney Cup taking place in Orlando, Florida this coming weekend and hopefully to make it into the main event. “If we manage to make the main, we’re getting back on track more quickly than expected,” he says.
Results for the African Challenge 2011:
1st: SIFISO NHLAPO RSA
2nd: DEAN HOLDSTOCK RSA
3rd: GAVIN LUBBE USA Based
For more information, visit skizo105.com.