Motocross: Waldschmidt learns a thing or two in Australia

Namibian motocross rider Zoe Waldschmidt recently competed in the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross event in Australia, gaining valuable experience against top international competitors.

It was the experience of a lifetime, she says.

Racing against the best of the best from host Australia, New Zealand and the United States takes serious nerves when coming from Namibia.

The event took place in Wonthaggi in the Victoria province.

The Africa team, consisting of riders from Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Namibia (represented by Waldschmidt) left earlier this month to South Africa for preparations before departing to Australia for the competition.

Speaking to Top Revs from Australia, Waldschmidt said the race was a learning curve.

“. . . especially for me,” she said.

She said the tracks are very different to those in Namibia. One must keep in mind that tracks like the Galinna MX track north of Windhoek are maintained with limited resources and mostly makes use of volunteers during events.

Taking part in a group of 38 riders was an experience, Waldschmidt said.

But she has a message for the local men MX competitors: “When I’m back I’m going to race against the boys to get faster. As they say, you cannot ride faster if you do not ride with someone faster than you.”

Waldschmidt is the 2024 woman’s MX champion after being awarded this accolade during the Namibia Motorsport Federation (NMSF) prize-giving ceremony earlier this month.

She was invited by FIM Oceania MX alongside riders from Kenya (Atete Benzinge, aged 15), South Africa, (Zoe Botha, aged 17), Kateete Sharifah (Uganda, aged 21), and Zambia (Leah Haygate, the captain).

Haygate updated the media almost hourly on the progress and developments of the team in Australia.

She thanked every member of the team for their participation and commitment towards the sport.

“It was great knowing we had friends and family at home rooting for us,” she said on the way home after the event.

“Heat 1 was nice. There were many crashes in the beginning, which was scary, but it was an amazing experience riding with so many ladies,” Benzinge said afterwards.

Though there were no podium finishes for team Africa, it was evident they gained valuable experience.

Sharifah had a minor incident and was taken to hospital for observation, Haygate said.

Although they are still awaiting an update on her status, she is all good, the captain told the media.

Meanwhile, Waldschmidt’s father, Ingo, who accompanied the team and served as technical supporter, said the racing was tough and the tracks deteriorated after every race, increasing the challenges after every round.

“The track was bad yesterday, but today broke up worse than yesterday. The ruts were deep and breaking bumps very high,” Ingo said on the Galinna MX Park WhatsApp group.

He commended the girls’ team and said they rode well in unfamiliar conditions, and that the team’s management members are all proud of them.

Ingo also praised host Australia and said the African riders were warmly welcomed.

The motocross facilities and organisation were “next level”, he said.

Plans are already underway to participate again next year, with countries like Asia and Europe possibly being included.

“Time will tell as America has shown interest to host the next event,” Ingo said.

Waldschmidt will take part in the first leg of the national MX championships at the Galinna MX Park on Saturday.

BORN TO RIDE .. Zoe Waldschmidt standing next to her MX motorcycle. Photo: Contributed