Its so funny to read how people think now that now the organizers have been changed the international riders will come running back. The Roof must have really been in bad hands all these years that they managed to attract virtually every single top rider in the world. From Malcolm Smith, Cyril Despres, Heinz Kinigardner, Joachim Sauer, Mario Roman, Billy Bolt, Cyprian, Chris Birch, Jarvis, Gomez, Lars , Letti snr and the list goes on and on. Oh not to mention getting the ROA screened on REDBULL TV
The only time the top guys will come back is if the Roof becomes part of WESS and the Factory tells their riders to go Ride in Lesotho, they cant just make up their own minds to come race.. Every single top rider nowadays has a manager and a contract to abide by. WESS takes preference over everything at the moment. the rumor going is that the organizers paid for Birch and Jarvis's flights and entries to get them to the Roof. There will be no TOP riders until the ROA becomes part of WESS.
With regards the date change, I am sure there was a vote a few years back with like a 90% agreement for December , now in true SA style that is simply ignored. say goodbye to spectators and the youngsters.