The second round of the National Motocross Championships put on the best enthralling, action packed races of the season so far as riders in different classes went neck to neck throughout the three heats.
In the MX1 category, Uganda MX team captain Maxim Van Pee was again untouchable as he managed to keep veteran Asaf Natan at bay and restricted him to second through all heats while Jucture Sserugunda emerged third.
In MX2, Mukiibi Ismail dominated the class followed by Olivier Rodrigo and Michael Ntairo.
But the most thrilling battle was served by the MX 125 class as Aviv Orland and the returning Fortune Ssentamu went head to head for the first time this season. Aviv managed to win both of the opening heats before Ssentamu won the third heat to cement his second place.
Female rider Sharifah Kateete and Wazir Omar finished fourth and third respectively.
A visibly excited Ssentamu said after the race that it was a good way to get back on the bike after the injury lay off but said he still needs to keep working if he is to get back to the top of the class given that riders like Ali Omar ‘Bobo’, Paddy and Alistair Blick are all yet to return to the category..
“Second place is a good way to get my season going, but I still have a lot of training to do if I am to retake my top spot because the competition has also improved,” said Ssentamu.
Stav Orland yet again set the pace in the MX85 class to consolidate his position on the standings. He now holds a lead of 35 points ahead of Waleed Omar who finished second. Jonathan Muhindo finished third.
In the MX 65 class, the youngest of the Orland brothers Alon Orland, swept all three heats to claim the overall win and go top of the class in the overall standings six points ahead of Gift Ssebuguzi who finished second on the day. Kreidah Nsubuga and Daryl Muhindo came in third and fourth.
Miguel Katende was untouchable in the MX 50 class, as he beat rival William Blick winning two out of the three heats to take the overall lead in the category three points ahead of Blick. Miguel’s brother Jonathan Katende however settled for second behind Pee wee class winner Ashiraf Mbabazi while Liam Ntale finished third.
The top riders from each category will be selected to represent Uganda in the African Motocross Championship round that will be hosted in Zimbabwe.
