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INTERVIEW: SACHA NAUDE
8 July 2013
by Michelle Smith
"Sometimes an athlete wakes up on the rite side
of bed & is unbeatable in his specific discipline or sport.
Yesterday, the 6th of July was one of those days for Sacha, as he
successfully took the overall wins in both the MX1 & MX2 classes
at the Syringa National... The second MX 1 heat was an epic display
of speed & determination . Having suffered from a very weak
start, Sacha was relegated to the back field & had a mammoth
task in catching the very fast Ktm upfront whom in the interim had
built a massive lead. Sacha worked his way through the field, posted
a new lap record, narrowed the gap, made the final pass & took
the win like an "adult would take candy from a baby."
What can I say, when it's your day, it's your day."
- Shane Naude (Sacha's dad) on Sacha's great weekend at the
MSA National.
Sacha has been racing motocross for 20 years, since he was 4 years
old. He raced in South Africa up until the age of 16 where he left
for Europe and competed there in various nationals until he was
19. He has been racing back in SA for the last five years. His notable
achievements include competing in the World Mini's in Las Vegas
on a 65cc where he came second in the standard and modified classes.
Sacha looks up to the likes of Stefan Everts, Ryan Villopoto and
Tiger Woods.
MX SA: For the last three years at
the National Championships for MX1 you have found yourself so close
to the top step of the podium. What do you have planned to get you
there?
SN: I plan to be more consistent and maybe get a little
faster.
MX SA: This year at the Teza National
in the second MX1 heat everyone was watching the big battle between
Richie and Kerim and I think it took people a while to realize what
had happened when you passed all the way to first in what seemed
like only a few corners. Is this the Sacha Naude we can expect to
see more often?
SN: I definitely hope so as I strive for continuous improvement.
MX SA: You always seem to be the guy
sitting quietly in the corner but on track you’re aggressive
and confident. What is your mental process before a race?
SN: I just try to stay relaxed and focused on my riding.
MX SA: What does an average week of
training look like for you ahead of a National?
SN: I try to ride 2-3 times a week and do a bit of strengthen
training.
MX SA: What are your goals for the
next few years?
SN: I would like to keep improving and help Jason Visser
to get to a very high level of racing.
MX SA: You are a big fan of Honda,
tell us what you like about the bikes so much?
SN: I find the Honda to be a very reliable bike and I
really enjoy the suspension and how well it handles.
MX SA: You clearly prefer the power
of the 450 but can we expect to see you make a more serious push
in MX2 as well?
SN: If I can get my fitness allot better, I will race
Mx2 more often.
MX SA: Tell us more about your sponsors?
SN: My main sponsors are CIT motorcycles, Alpinestars,
Pirtek and Game Services .
MX SA: Tell us about the young rider
Jason Visser that you have taken under your wing?
SN: Jason is a talented rider who started his racing
career in 2010. He is extremely relaxed and humble individual, yet
on the track he is aggressive and really fast.
MX SA: He has secured his first National
championship under Womza, do you think this is just the start for
him?
SN: Yes, he is very talented, puts in a lot of effort
into his riding and has a very good riding technique. I believe
if he keeps doing what he is doing he will go very far in MX.
MX SA: With a renewed sense of excitement
around Motocross in 2013, what would you like to see for the future
of MX in SA?
SN: I would like to see more races and a lot more coverage
for our great sport. Most of all, it would be awesome to see Honda
South Africa putting their weight behind motocross and sponsor top
riders in all classes.
For pictures from the event contact:
SLN-PHOTOGRAPHY - 082 560 0519
[email protected]
. www.sln-photography.com
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