Aviv on verge of becoming first Ugandan pro rider

MOTOCROSS

The coronavirus pandemic has registered devastating social and economic effects around the world.

Virtually all sporting events across the globe have been suspended - and this includes the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, where Ugandan rider Aviv Orland had been set to launch his professional career this year.

"He had flown to the USA for training and to race as a professional rider in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship this year," said his father, Barack Orland.

"Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has stopped this for some months. I hope he can race this year. If not, then it will have to be next year."

Aviv powering his machine in the US

For now, 17-year-old Aviv will have to wait for this landmark achievement, and not just for his family but for Uganda, considering that he is destined to become the first Ugandan motocross rider to become professional.

"This is historic. This is huge for the country!" said his dad.

Aviv is currently based in California, on USA's west coast, tucked away under an ubiquitous lockdown, thousands of miles away from his family in Uganda.

Aviv is on the cusp of becoming the first Ugandan pro rider. For now, it's all about training

However, rather than complain about the pandemic that has seen all major motocross championships suspended, Aviv's mother Evas Orland feels the break will allow him develop his physical and mental attributes before the season resumes at a later date.

"It is a shame that this (COVID-19 crisis) happened and all races have been stopped. We do not look at it as a setback, but an opportunity to work harder on fitness, which was wanting in the last race," Evas told New Vision.

Aviv, 17, has a good taste for victory and is well on course to making Ugandan history

In his last race in the Texas USA Championship last month before the cancellation of all races, Aviv finished 14th overall in the 250cx pro class race.

The MX125cc FIM Central Africa Motocross champion finished five positions behind teammate Joshua Mulimi from South Africa.

His mother said Aviv would do a lot of physical fitness training besides taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Here, Aviv hits the skies at an event in Uganda

The Orland brothers, Alon, Aviv and Stav showcasing the items of their racing success

Meanwhile, Aviv's siblings Stav and Alon will only compete against their top challengers in the MX125cc and M85cc classes, respectively, when the Motocross Association of Uganda-organised Motocross Challenge races resume later this year.

In his category, Stav will be up against a tough cast featuring defending champion Wazir Omar, Fortune Sentamu, Ali Omar Yasser, Arnold Nyanzi, Swansi Sambo, Hamidah Sambo and Malcolm Lubega.