Kirsten Landman, South Africa’s top female rider, has just won her first title in the United States while competing at the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout.
South Africa (31 August 2023) – In her first foray into racing Hard Enduro on the North American continent, South African Kirsten Landman was victorious, winning Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO) in the rocky and hilly Trials Training Center terrain in Sequatchie, Tennessee. By winning the event Landman also walked away with an AMA National Championship and $1000 prize money.
After having to pull out of the second day of action at Red Bull Romaniacs in July due to an injured shoulder, Landman went into the race, managing her expectations.
“There were a lot of variables – different country, format, style of racing. This was all made worse by the fact that I wasn’t even racing my own bike,” said Landman.
“I would say that was the most difficult part of preparing for this race, I had to find a bike to rent and do my best to ensure that the bike was set up with the right parts, tyres and mousses to be comfortable with what I was riding. This meant travelling with tyres and mousses and praying that US customs didn’t give me any hassles.”
After getting to Tennessee earlier in the week (albeit without her luggage, which arrived four days later), Landman got her first taste of action on Friday during the Hot Lap. This round established the start order amongst the amateurs and the Women’s Pro field for Saturday.
The Women’s Pro class competed along with the top amateurs on the more difficult Saturday race two and Landman took the win riding a KTM over American Rachel Gutish with Nikki Russell rounding out the podium. Landman finished fortieth overall among all the amateur riders.
“I knew the Women’s Pro class wasn’t going to be easy. I researched a bit but all I could do was go out there and ride my best. I was pretty nervous – I mainly race against the guys, and after my injury at Red Bull Romaniacs I didn’t want to let anyone down,” said Landman.
“The vibe at Red Bull TKO was incredible as the spectators have a front-row seat to the action on the loop around the course. The USA is motorsport-mad. I think hard enduro is still growing but the event was a blast. I can’t wait to come back!”
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