adminHe has overcome broken bones, racial discrimination and lack of funding to make a big leap on the world stage.
Zimbabwean motorcross rider, Sean Mitchell, who races in the MX2 World and the British championships, has appealed to the corporate world for support after terminating his contract with Belgian firm HM Plant. The 21-year old was based in Belgium and raced for the HM Plant KYM UK team, which is a satellite factory team, but has returned home after getting a raw deal from the sponsors. The former St John’s College student has fought stiff competition from hardened professionals to become the only African competing in the MX2 world championships.
Mitchell represented the country in the MX1 Class (450cc) where he put up a world-class performance, winning all the three heats by incredible leads.
He is now looking for local partners and sponsors to help him in his quest to become one of the best riders in the world.
“I am appealing to local companies to partner me so that I can go and participate in the World Championships in England, Czech Republic, Holland, Italy and Germany to be held later this year,” said Mitchell.
“I have worked hard this year and it will be a big letdown for me to miss those races because if I go there and score points it will help me on the world championship rankings.
“And also, l will be the only African in those championships thus I want to use the opportunity to put my country on the world map.”
Mitchell is currently ranked 23rd in the world championships and believes his dream of conquering the world is still alive.
“When l was outside people realised the potential in me and took advantage of where I come from — using me for nuts to market their brands and everything,” said Mitchell.
“If I can get the opportunity to participate at these world championships I am sure in the next three to five years I can be a world champion in the sport or I will be in the top three which l think will be very incredible.
“If I manage to get the proper equipment for training I will definitely be at the top there because all along I have been working on limited resources.” Such is Mitchell’s talent that he has been offered British citizenship for him to get improved deals, but he turned it down and opted to return to his motherland.
“In Britain I was told to change my citizenship to get improved deals but I said no because I belong here, my family and friends are all here,” said Mitchell.
“I just want to keep working hard and hopefully become a world champion in the next few years to come,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell defied all odds in his bid to become a world champion-ranked Africa’s top motorcross rider, following a resounding success in the FIM Africa Motorcross Championship in the MX1450 classes.
Online Reporter