Share

Ruan Roberts: Eyeing Dakar 2015

SPRINGS, Gauteng - Ruan Roberts has his eyes on the 2015 Dakar Rally. The 22-year-old off-road motorcycle competitor won the Botswana Kalahari 1000 Desert Race.

That victory gave him automatic entry into the 2015 Dakar Rally in South America.

He was also second in the 2013 National Off-road Motorcycle championship and will be race in in various motorcycle championships through 2014 on a new Yamaha YZ450F, among them the South African National Off-Road, National Enduro Motorcycle and National Motocross championship

'MAIN FOCUS'

Although the 2015 Dakar Rally is his main focus, Roberts is also aiming for the No.1 plate in the National Off-Road championship.

In 2013 he won two of the season's seven events, including the 500km Desert Race, Round 3 of the championship. He finished on the podium three more times during the season and was in a tight battle for the title with Kenneth Gilbert.
                                           
Roberts fell ill during the race so settled for second overall and second in the Open Class championship.

Competing in the Dakar Rally has been a dream since childhood  for Roberts though he still has to acquire sponsorships for this gruelling race. He would like to achieve his racing goals before taking on the Dakar, though. He received Protea colours in 2008 and is looking to add another title to his 2007 Junior National championship title.

Roberts competed in the World Enduro championship in 2008 and 2012 and the Spanish National Enduro chmpionship in 2012. He was also in the opening round of the National Motocross championship at the Terra Topia track in Johannesburg (Feb 8/9 2014) and although he admits he still has to learn a lot, he uses such races to gain more experience.It was his first motocross attempt.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE