There are just a few weeks to go before the start of the 42nd annual Roof of Africa event and the BMW Motorrad riders are gearing up for what promises to be a successful performance.  Based in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the Roof of Africa is known for being one of the world’s toughest enduro events. With this in mind, BMW Motorrad has assembled a group of world-beating riders, each capable of returning from the Roof a champion. BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s Gerhard Forster on the G 450 X at last year’s Roof of Africa enduroFounded in 1967, the Roof of Africa is a three-day enduro battle based in the awesome mountain surroundings of Lesotho, Southern Africa. The 2009 event gets underway on 26 November when more than 120 competitors will do battle for the coveted title. The desolate surroundings which lie in wait for the hardy riders will test their enduro skills to the limit. The Roof of Africa will challenge competitors and their motorcycles across gravel tracks, mountain passes and flat grasslands over three frenetic days of racing. If that isn’t enough to instil fear into competitors, the organisers have opted to switch courses for 2009. This year, the action will take place in the Maluti mountains and will be tougher than ever before! Never afraid of a challenge, BMW Motorrad is sending a team of talented riders and four G 450 X motorcycles to Lesotho in a bid to take glory. German ace Andreas ‘Letti’ Lettenbichler, Austrian champion Rudi Pöschl, and South African duo Jade Gutzeit and fellow countryman Gray Dick will all take their place on the starting line. One BMW Motorrad rider who unfortunately won’t be in attendance is Gerhard Forster. Halfway through the last day of the 2008 event, Forster was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. A recurrence of the same injury has forced the 41-year-old German to pull out of the competition. Nevertheless, BMW Motorrad will enjoy a strong representation from its quartet of competitors.  While Letti and Rudi both face long-distance journeys from Europe, Jade and Gray will make the short trip from their native South Africa. After winning the event in 2003 and finishing second overall in 2008, Jade is all too aware of the unique challenge that the Roof of Africa poses – one that demands competitors to arrive prepared for a battle. “I’ve been training really hard because I know it’s such a physical event,” he says.“At the Erzberg Rodeo earlier in the year, I was really sick so couldn’t perform to the best of my ability. I’ve made sure that I’m in the best shape possible for the Roof so I can go into the mountains and cause an upset!”    The desolate  surroundings which lie in wait for the hardy riders will test their enduro  skills to the limit If Jade’s recent form is anything to go by, he’ll be in contention when the event reaches its climax on 28 November. The BMW man recently took the South African national Open Class championship this year on the BMW G 450 X and will arrive in Lesotho full of confidence, despite an improved level of competition on the starting line. “It’s going to be tough, particularly as this year there are going to be some really talented international riders and trials specialists, but I’m hopeful as my record in the event is strong,” he continues. “I know that the bike is capable and that I can have a good result, so I can’t wait to get started.” Letti, one of the most high-profile names on the start list, is also eagerly anticipating the start of the 2009 event – his first taste of the Roof of Africa. “I’m really looking forward to it. From what I’ve heard it’s a really challenging race and I’m sure it’s going to be hard work but fun!” he says. “People have told me that the riding is faster than at the Red Bull Romaniacs, but until I get there and get on the bike, I won’t know much about the conditions. I’ve been on the website and seen videos, but you don’t get a sense of an event until you’re there.” Despite his lack of experience in Lesotho, his international pedigree will ensure that Letti is one of the most feared riders in the Maluti mountains. “I expect to be riding in the top five and, as always, will just do my best,” he modestly concludes. “Of course, my favourite feeling is winning, so I’ll do as much as I can to succeed.” For more information on the 2009 Roof of Africa visit http://www.roof-of-africa.com