[imagesource: Alberto Saiz / AP Photo]
Brad Binder has been doing remarkable things on two wheels for years now, but this past weekend, he really cracked the big time.
On Sunday, he claimed his first MotoGP premier class win, becoming the first South African to ever do so, after starting the Czech Grand Prix in seventh place on the grid.
Binder, who was born in Carletonville, near Krugersdorp, turns 25 today, and I’m sure this ranks up there with the greatest early birthday presents he’s ever received.
It’s all the more remarkable when you consider that the Czech Grand Prix is only the third premier class race he’s competed in.
If you haven’t yet seen the moment he crosses the finish line, watch this with a smile on your face:
It seemed like @BradBinder_41 has been racing in the premier class for ages…🤯
Enjoy how the rookie went seventh place to first 👏#MotoGP | #CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/ZBChhBGkNk
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 10, 2020
Brad, along with his team, was rather chuffed with the win:
If @BradBinder_41 knows one thing, it’s how to take his first victory in spectacular style! 🔥
Follow his rise with KTM through #Moto3 and #Moto2, all the way to his extraordinary Brno win! 🏆#Bradical | #CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/Pes31IAf4O
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 10, 2020
It also appears as though Brad’s quite popular with his fellow competitors:
Sing along to the Brad Binder Song! 🎵@JohannZarco1 serenades @BradBinder_41 in the post-race press conference 🎤#CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/Vt0Xtk5HQe
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 9, 2020
It’s the thought that counts, Johann Zarco, but I wouldn’t give up the day job just yet.
The Daily Maverick with some of the reaction post-race:
“This is a day I have dreamed about since I was a little boy,” an emotional Binder said after the race. “Today, it came true. I really wish my parents were here because they were the ones that backed me from the beginning.
“I can’t thank my team enough. They put an absolutely insane motorbike underneath me this weekend. Thank you to everyone at home for always supporting me. I hope that this is the start of many more.”
President Ramaphosa was quick to publicly commend Binder’s achievement, saying it “lifts our spirits at a time we need this”.
Thanks, Cyril – I can think of a few other things we need to lift our spirits, too.
Anyway, congrats to Brad on a remarkable win, and here’s hoping we see many more in the years to come.
[source:dailymav]
