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inGEAR: Words: Morne Labuschagne | Photos: Ocker Odendaal

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Husqvarna Factory team announced

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as the 2012 racing season came to a close, there was great excitement and much speculation as to who was going to be selected as the 2013 Husqvarna Factory riders. In fact, if I had to write down all the discussions I had about who was going to ride for the Husqvarna sa team, you would be reading a book and not an article.

Despite all the rumour mongering, those in the know didn't breathe a word and the suspense was becoming almost unbearable. I remember sitting with owner Fred Fensham, from CMH, on a number of occasions last year and trying to pry some information out of him about who he was considering contracting and received this reply more than once, “Sorry, it would be unfair to say who as I respect the riders and don’t want to influence their positions in their current teams.” There was no breaking this truly inspiring man who has such a vast knowledge of sports marketing and off-road motorcycle racing! With that, I knew that whoever he was going to sign up would be worthy competitors.

the launch The big day arrived and it was cold and overcast as we arrived at the Rhino Park in Pretoria, the setting for the launch of the 2013 Husqvarna racing team. Everything was branded in red, including the new bikes, and the atmosphere was alive with excitement, enthusiasm and more speculation as everyone waited for the long-awaited announcement. After a coffee, the fun began and I was not wrong when Fred announced his more-than-worthy team of Altus de Wet, the OR2 National Champion, and Michael Creevy, the OR3 National Champion. This was a team with a whole lot of depth and more than ample speed, believe me! The two junior riders selected are Ivan Bezhuidenhout and Robin Hudson, and they are the luckiest lads around as they are going to have some of South Africa’s finest riders mentoring them and taking them through the ranks.

Once the congratulatory high-fives and excited hubbub had died down, I had the opportunity to chat to Altus, a true gentlemen and an excellent ambassador for the sport. On his shoulders hang Husqvarna’s hopes of clinching this year's E1 Enduro Motorcycle Championship and the OR1 Off-road Motorcycle Championship titles. We were then joined by Michael Creevy, one of South Africa’s fastest off-road motorcycle athletes. After spending some time speaking to these very talented riders, I was under no illusions that this is a team not to be taken lightly as they will both be defending their national titles this season.

As the morning progressed, the elements turned and it started to rain. We were all a bit bummed about this because we thought that we wouldn't get to see the 'war machines' in action. But, and to our great relief, these riders still put on a show for us. And what a show it was! The TE449 that Altus will be riding in the off-road nationals sounded like a roll of thunder as he pulled off, handling it like it was a BMX bicycle. Next, Creevy came blitzing past me like a lightning bolt on his WR250 two stroke, said to be one of the faster bikes around this year!

After their great performance, we then sat down with the guys and got a bit more insight into their goals, highs and lows and achievements as off-road motorcyclists.

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q&a with altus de Wet Q: What would your advice be to young fans and upcoming riders? A: My advice is to follow your heart and dreams. If you don't try, you will never know. Remember, always to enjoy it because at the end of the day, it is only a sport. And lastly, always be humble and remember where you are coming from.

Q: What kind of exercise do you do to get fit?A: In general, I am fanatical about exercise and do everything that's fun. I try to ride my bicycle as often as possible, as well as go to the gym and swim. I love mountain biking, trail running, hiking, kloofing and CrossFit training, and I recently bought myself a Stand Up Paddle.

Q: How can your fans contact you?A: On Twitter - @AltusdeWet

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NUDA 900REVEN BIKERS BELIEVEIN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

Beauty, style and agility all in one bike.Design meets power and reliability, for a motorcycle

that is made to be lived and to be shown as well.

Husqvarna wins again.2011 E1 and E2 class Enduro World Champion. Thanks to Juha Salminen

and Antoine Meo and their TE250 and TE310. Husqvarna, 82 World Titles.

POWERED BY

for your South African Husqvarna family go towww.husqvarna-motorcycles.co.za

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q&a with michael creevyQ: Your highs and lows of 2012?A: There were many highs in 2012, but the most memorable was winning my first-ever national championship. It felt really awesome and just shows how hard work pays off. There were no memorable lows for 2012, as I believe from every low in your life it helps to mould you into a better and stronger person.

Q: Your greatest accomplishment in this sport?A: It's between winning the 2012 National Off-road OR3 Championship title and winning the Ermelo National Off-road Time Trial overall when I was 17 and beating all my childhood heroes.

Q: Your focus for 2013?A: This year is going to be a busy one for me. I started studying this year and I'll be racing in two full national/regional championships. My main focus is to do the best I can on the race track this year. I've never been so comfortable and passionate about a team and my Husqvarna WR250. Another big focus is going to have to be on my studying.

Q: Your goals for the future i.e. which races would you like to compete in/win locally and internationally?A: My goal in this country is to win at least one overall national championship. Internationally, my goal is to try and get involved in the Rally Raid Championship, which is very much along the lines of our off-road races. Hopefully, if I play my cards right, I could represent South Africa onboard a Husqvarna at the Dakar or some other rally one day. Holding thumbs!

Q: How can your fans contact you?A: Please feel free to ask me for any advice relating to riding and I will always try help as best as I can. You can contact me on Facebook: Michael Creevy and Twitter: @Mcreevy230 - you can also get all the info, pics and videos from our races.

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q&a with Ivan Bezhuidenhout Q: Tell us a bit about yourself?A: I was born in the Wilgers Hospital, in Pretoria, and live in Sabie Hills Waterfront Estate at Roodeplaat Dam, also in Pretoria. I'm 16 and attend High School Pretoria Noord. I first started riding as a weekend warrior with my Dad when I was 14, and I haven't looked back.

Q: Highs and lows in 2012?A: The highlight of 2012 was winning my first race at the Dirt Bronco Raceway. My low was during a national motocross race held at Zeemans MX Track. I was in third place when I fell hard and cracked my helmet and broke my goggles in half, as well as broke my chest protector in three parts.

Q: Your focus for 2013?A: My focus this year is to attend and complete all the off-road JNR Nationals and make my sponsors proud.

Q: Your goals for the future i.e. which races would you like to compete/win in nationally and internationally?A: My goal is to do the Erzberg and Romaniacs. I have all the DVDs and watch them while I'm spinning. My vision is to be the world's best in 10 years time.

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DOWNLOADDO IT NOWMAGAZINE APP

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q&a with robin HudsonQ: Tell us a bit about yourself?A: I started racing in 2009 with Full Throttle 85 cc and finished 2nd in the series. In 2010, I won the Regional Off-road Championship in the 125 cc and 200 cc Junior class and came 11th overall in the SA National Junior Open Motorcycle Class. I came 1st in the GOC Series for the Junior Class. In 2011, I came 4th in the Junior Open Class. In 2012, I won the GOC Club overall and came 1st in my class (under 21).

Q: Highs in 2012? A: My high was passing my matric exams and winning the GOC Club race overall.

Q: Your focus for 2013? A: My goal for 2013 is to make uncle Fred Husqvarna and all my sponsors (Airoh, TCX, 32 GI, Leahtt, Hide, Liquor Molly, Spy and CTI) proud of their choice to sponsor me and to win the OR3 Class.

Q: What is your bike of choice?A: My bike of choice is the Husqvarna TXC 250cc.

What a pleasure it had been to chat to these incredible riders, and it became very clear to me that they not only want to win for personal gain but for the team! With the 2013 Liquorland Creighton KZN National Enduro Championship – Round 1 kicking off this weekend, I can't wait to see how the new Husqvarna team performs.

èRelated articles: • Rough, Tough but Awesome (Digital article, Feb '13) • Survival of the Mud (Digital article, Feb '13) • Husqvarna Returns to South Africa (Issue 18, p. 134)

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Husqvarna wins again.2011 E1 and E2 class Enduro World Champion. Thanks to Juha Salminen

and Antoine Meo and their TE250 and TE310. Husqvarna, 82 World Titles.

THERE IS NO COMPETITION.2011 WORLD CHAMPIONS.

POWERED BY

for your South African Husqvarna family go towww.husqvarna-motorcycles.co.za