Young riders impress at Nedbank XC event

The rise in popularity of mountain biking has become increasingly evident during the last few years, given its suitability for families to enjoy the outdoors and the countryside on a bicycle whenever the need arises to shake off the hum-drum of city life.

Nedbank Namibia has been the country's foremost supporter of cycling development for over three decades. Over the years the bank's support has only increased and cycling is now the bank's largest sponsorship property.

The Nedbank Rock & Rut cross-country (XC) series is built upon the premise that there is a need to consistently offer quality races to allow mountain bikers and young people especially, the opportunity to hone their skills and competitive edge as cyclists.

Gernot de Klerk, Nedbank's head for marketing and communications, firmly believes local cyclists are of a high calibre.

“Namibia does not have to stand back for anyone as far as sheer talent is concerned. With the enthusiasm and commitment shown by Rock & Rut Mountain Biking Club and the Namibia Cycling Federation, we remain exceptionally proud of our association with the Rock & Rut cross-country series.

“Our young cycling winners and their motivation is undoubtedly the reason why Namibian cycling will continue to show its true mettle.”

Mountain biking at the IJG Trails were dominated by a new generation of young thrill seekers who pedalled their hearts out to achieve their goals.

Marie Thier won the girls under 10 race at last weekend's XC3 race. She started cycling at age 6 and enjoys cross-country cycling the most.

“I enjoy everything about it. It's an adventure!” says young Marie after skillfully manoeuvring the IJG trails and taking top spot.

“For today I was hoping to win the race, which I did. I would also like to get better and get faster in order to win a championship,” Marie says.

With her own dad for a cycling role model and mentor, this diligent young cyclist is aware that young people are the future of cycling in Namibia. She dreams big and hopes to see even more local competitions to compete more often and eventually become the world champion. She understands the value and importance of cycling. “Cycling is good for your health, it's a good outdoor activity that you can do with your friends,” says Marie.

She believes that for someone to start cycling they only need to train really hard and aim to get better.

Thirteen-year-old Kevin Lowe also participated in the cross-country series. His participation in the race was fuelled by the UCI points on offer, but mostly for the love of the sport.

Cycling since age 7, he too finds the outdoors and nature as the most endearing traits of mountain biking.

Kevin's goal is to participate in international races and his participation in the XC series is helping him work toward that goal.

“Being active and involved in these races helps a lot as I am getting better with every race,” Kevin adds.

As a young cyclist in the starting blocks of his cycling career, Kevin would like to see the sport grow.

“I would like to see more competitions for us youngsters. This will make us more competitive as I would like to participate in international events,” he says.

For anyone his age who would also like to start cycling, Kevin advises to start small by cycling in the neighbourhood, then get into racing and the passion for the sport will develop from there.

Roger Suren, who won the race for under 12 boys, loves downhill riding and mountain biking mostly because he does it with friends. His dad taught him how to ride a bike, something he has been doing since the age of 6.

The young Roger motivates more youngsters to get on a bicycle. “My goal today was to challenge my friend Justus. He won our previous race in Swakop, so I wanted to win today, and I did,” says the motivated 11-year-old.

Roger, like most of his peers, love competing and envision a great future for cycling in Namibia. “Cycling is the best sport in the world. Learn how to ride and I am sure you will be motivated to get better.”

His XC3 series win also allowed him to gain UCI points.

Bianca Lowe, mother to Kevin (13) and Sean (10), believes that cycling provides children the opportunity to learn important life skills.

“The most important part is that cycling keeps them away from being in front of the screens all day,” Bianca says. She supports her boys by attending cycling events to encourage them. “It's very important for a child to see you on the side-line rooting for them; it gives them that extra boost of confidence,” she added.

The Rock & Rut Nedbank XC3 event was attractive to a lot of pre-teens, Bianca says. “This year among the kiddies there is so much competition, anyone could win and that keeps it exciting. The series is nearing the end and they would all like to gain UCI points, so everyone brought their A game.”



PHYSICALLY AND SOCIALLY

Bianca believes that cycling firstly allows children to achieve results physically, as it is beneficial for health and development. Also emotionally, as it teaches good sportsmanship as they learn to handle defeat with a positive attitude, and get to celebrate their wins, which boosts self-confidence. And lastly, socially, children meet new people and build healthy friendships with other children who share the same passion.

“Cycling in Namibia is huge! Seeing as more youth is getting involved, there is an increase in passion for the sport among youngsters, as they have become more competitive and are more excited about championship races. There are wonderful facilities offered by clubs like Rock & Rut, or camps facilitating training by a highly skilled trainer for children from a very young age.”

For parents who are not cyclists but would love for their children to become involved, Bianca advises to start off by walking their dogs while your child cycles. They could also enrol their child into a club where trainers are available, or they could get their children involved in the schools league.

The next race in the series takes place on 7 July at the IJG Trails in Windhoek. For more information visit www.rockandrut.org