How did you first get into mountain biking?
My dad got me into mountain biking, he always used to ride on weekends and I found a passion for it when i first joined him.
What has been your most memorable experience on a mountain bike?
SA Champs 2024, it was an enjoyable race, and some extra spice was added with some unexpected rain.
What keeps you motivated to continue riding, whether for fun or professionally?
I know if I keep training and stay motivated, I will be able to win one day.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your mountain biking journey, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was stating out at the SA Cups and realizing how much competition there is compared to the racing in KZN, I overcame this by upping my training and being more focused on recovery and being a better cyclist.
Can you walk us through your typical training routine?
I generally start my training off with a roller session in the morning or gym. In the afternoon I do intervals or endurance.
What do you focus on the most in your preparation for a big race or event?
Getting in valuable training sessions and focusing on recovery is key to being prepared for an event.
How do you mentally prepare for challenging courses or races?
I just go through everything on the course in my head and think of possible scenarios that could happen, this helps me calm down and allows me to go into the race with a positive mindset
What do you think is most important when choosing a mountain bike?
When choosing bikes you have to go with one that you love, this will inspire you to enjoy riding more, it also depends on the type of riding you do and your style of riding. If you ride really hard on the bike don't get a light one that could break easily.
How do you feel about mountain biking and what it allows you to do?
Mountain biking plays a huge role in the outdoor adventure because it takes you places you wouldn't normally go and you get to see some amazing places.
Who are your biggest influences in the mountain biking world?
Nino Schurter for his consistent winning over the years and being one of the nicest pros I've ever met and Bjorn Riley for his amazing style of riding.
What do you think is the most important skill a rider should develop to be successful?
To be able to find the flow when riding, it helps save energy when racing and putting in less effort in a race then your competitors because your flow on the downhills can result in you beating them.
What do you think is the most important equipment when it comes to riding MTB?
Go for equipment that you know will work for you, if you do xco don't go for a full-face helmet or something that is not used for xco, also make sure that you like what you are getting. Having equipment that you liked will help you stay motivated and want to keep riding.
What type of races do you prefer, and why? (e.g. cross-country, downhill, enduro)
I prefer cross country because it gives a taste of everything with the steep rough downhills, brutal up hills and intense close racing
Can you describe your strategy when preparing for a race?
When preparing for a race I make sure i am using as little energy as possible leading up to the race, this involves staying out the sun, sleeping as much as possible and not spending too much time on the course. I also eat well and make sure that I am not eating any food that can slow me down, the last thing is staying focused so I am ready when the race starts.
What’s the most challenging race you’ve ever participated in, and what made it tough?
SA XCO #2 at Cascades this year, the race was really challenging because I had someone close behind me that I really wanted to beat. I started to get really tired and make mistakes on the last lap, this made it really challenging and I had to push past my limit to do it.
How do you handle nerves when racing ?
I handle the nerves by focusing on the race and thinking of different ways the race can go, i also tell myself that there is nothing i can do to make the race go well except for ride as hard as i can.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in mountain biking?
I would advise someone who is starting mountain biking to not take it too seriously and just enjoy riding.
What is the biggest challenge facing a new rider?
Having the wrong setup on your bike, many people do this, and it can be avoided by going to a setup at a bike shop. This will give you the perfect riding position which gives the most effective power output and extra comfort.
When you’re not mountain biking, what else do you enjoy doing?
When I'm not mountain biking I am mostly doing school, gym and washing my bike so its ready and clean for my next ride.
What’s something people don’t often realize about the life of a mountain biker?
How much work it takes to be a cyclist, most people think it's one of the easier sports to do. Also the sacrifices that you make for cycling.