McGregor Young Warriors Mountain Biking Academy (MYW) boasts three junior mountain bikers who were pushed out of their comfort zone to complete in one of the toughest cycling tours; the Absa Cape Epic.
With approximately only four months of training, the three cyclists Mandall Matjan, Juane-Lee Valtyn and Johleen de Vries completed the race under the flagship of the academy.
The ABSA Cape Epic is the most televised eight-day-race in SA. It is roughly 700 km and has an ascent of 17 250 m.
This year’s route started at Lourensford Estate in Somerset West, explored the picturesque Hottentots Holland mountains before heading to Elandskloof.
After two stages of rugged riding on the trails of Greyton, the race heads towards the mountain biking centre of Stellenbosch.
The cyclists told Gazette they had joined the academy about four years ago because their friends had been part of the mountain biking club.
According to Juane-Lee, the trio had approximately four months to prepare for the Epic.
“In those four months we participated in other races just for that extra fitness boost,” he said. “It was an incredible experience. The race also taught me discipline.”
What kept them going Juane-Lee ascribed to “the motivation we received from everybody who was supporting us through the race. We wanted not only to make our town proud, but also ourselves.”
The lesson learnt from the Cape Epic is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and there are no short cuts.
Said Juane-Lee: “I can also say that the lessons learnt at the Cape Epic can be applied to life; no matter hard life may seem, there is always a silver lining.”
Mandall added it was a fantastic experience for him.
“What kept me going for the eight days was the support we received.”
He further added the lesson he took away from the race was that no matter how tough things are he is always going to come through on the other side.
Johleen also said what kept him motivated was the support from his town.
“The lesson I learnt was always to be prepared and take everything on with a positive mindset.”
The three cyclists said they would be happy to do the race again.
V If anyone would like to know any more about MYW they were welcome to contact the founder and fellow mountain bike rider Max Menzies at max@breede.co.za.
