After tearing up the tarmac at some of the most iconic race circuits across Europe, one of Gqeberha’s most talented teens on two wheels returned home on Wednesday.
The excitement was palpable at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport as the family of Ruche Moodley awaited his arrival with banners, SA flags and hugs after a season of competing in three of Europe’s elite junior motorcycle championships.
The 16-year-old recently completed a season in the top-tier junior racing series Red Bull MotoGP Rookie Cup, where he was invited to compete again in 2024, as well as the highly competitive European Talent Cup.
He earned a third-place finish in Le Mans during the Rookie Cup season and took to the podium again after claiming third position in Barcelona at the European Talent Cup.
Africa’s only competitor in the Rookie Cup, which serves as the MotoGP curtain-raiser event, added another feather to his “helmet” after he scooped a wild-card entry to the final race of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in Valencia in November.
Ruche said despite only having two days to practise for the JuniorGP event, it had been a great experience lining up alongside some of the best youth riders in the world.
“My team is really good and we are improving a lot,” he said.
“I didn’t have much time to learn the bike. It is also a 250cc, but slightly faster.
“It was difficult because [competitors] have a lot of experience and I had only the two days.
“But it was a good experience.
“The team believes in me and particularly [that I can] excel next year.
“Next year is going to be very important because if I do well there [Rookie Cup] I could secure a spot in the [junior] world championships.”
According to the MotoGP website, more than 80% of Grand Prix riders have passed through the series on their road to the MotoGP.
The Lovemore Heights resident, who has also been remade as a character in the MotoGP 2022 video game, said he was happy to be home before boarding a plane to start competing overseas again in April 2024.
“I am looking forward to time with my family and friends, but I will continue training.” he said.
Ruche’s father and former SA as well as UAE Superbike champion, Arushen, said it was good to see that all the hard work and dedication his son had invested in racing were reaping rewards.
“The level is so high,” he said.
“In the JuniorGP races, I think seven of those riders are going to the world champs next year.
“So for Ruche to basically rock up on the weekend of the race [in Valencia] having no practise and then qualify and still finish 13th and get points is an accomplishment.
“There are areas where he can still improve, but next year will be a good indication of where he stands for the world championship in 2025.”
According to the Red Bull Rookies website, almost 50% of rookies — aged between 13 and 18 — have graduated to the World Championship.
All the championship hopefuls compete on 250cc KTM bikes — weighted according to the rider — to keep the field level.
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