2017 African MX champion Jayden Ashwell has complimented Uganda motocross for the rapid strides it has taken.
The Zimbabwean was a guest rider during the national motocross finale last Sunday.
“Motocross in Uganda has really grown from the last time I was here in 2012 for FIM Africa.
“The numbers have grown in all classes, especially the juniors’ class. That shows better future for the sport. The track is so good with jumps, which is pretty good for riders as well,” he told Kawowo Sports.
Ashwell believes the country’s riders are on the right track.
“The competition too has greatly improved. I watched some classes like MX125. It was so exciting seeing them battle. The riders here only need more extensive trainings as well as racing in very competitive events to improve.
“Like Maxime. He is really fast but he needs tight competition against him in MX1. If you keep winning all the time, obviously your not going to get better,” he stated.
Ashwell came on invitation to train the Obote brothers; Milton Akaki Obote and Milton Akena Obote.
The riders too picked more than just skills from the African champion.
“We have been training with Ashwell since he came. We have learnt a lot from him and we shall still go to South Africa to train more with him.
“I have lost the MX65 title but next year I will have to fight for it. I will be on a new 2018 bike. I also plan to do more practice before the season starts,” said Akena.
The 21-year-old Ashwell won all the Sundays three heats with ease edging Asaf Natan and Arthur Blick Jr in the class.
Jayden Ashwell has both the Zimbabwe and South Africa MX titles. This year, he claimed the FIM Motocross of African nations MX1 title in Botswana.