Things didn’t go according to plan for Tristan Purdon at the last round of the British Championship at Landrake. After a crash, the injuries are a broken tib, fib and collarbone which means his season is over – a real shame.
It means South Africa have had to change their rider line up after initially selecting Purdon. Slade Smith has been elected as his replacement who has experience racing in USA as well as having two South African titles to his name.
Smith joins Camden McLellan and Cameron Durow as the South African team that’ll head to Ironman in October.
South Africa broke the news on social media:
Meet the new team that will be representing South Africa at the 2025 Edition of the Motocross of Nations at Ironman Raceway in USA!
Welcome to Slade Smith who takes Tristan Purdon’s place in the MXGP class. Smith brings a wealth of international experience to the team, having been back and forth from the USA as early as 2016. As well as x2 MSA National titles to his name, we can’t wait to see him wave the South African flag.
MX2: Camden Mclellan
MXGP: Slade Smith
MXOpen: Cameron Durow