De Lange calls time on remarkable career

Tristan de Lange’s announcement that he is taking a break from professional cycling and mountain biking at the age of 25 has taken the Namibian sporting fraternity by surprise.

Without sharing details on his immediate future plans, De Lange declared on his social media just before the weekend: "Peace at heart and dreams fulfilled. It’s time to end this chapter of pro-racing. Eight years of representing Namibia on the world stage and pushing limits. I loved every second of it.

"Six times national champion. Two times continental champion. Two times Africa Games gold medalist. Two Commonwealth Games. One Olympic Games. A Desert Dash solo win and have seen every corner of the world. Mission accomplished.

"To everyone there, for the support, I am forever grateful.

"A new chapter is waiting for me in the line of professional sport. The coming years will be truly beautiful," he wrote.

Farewell

Namibia national cycling coach Hans du Toit said in reply: "Even as a little boy on a bike, you were a champion and a shining star. It’s a sad day, yes, but also a happy day when life moves on. I know cycling is in your blood, and you will always love the bike. Good luck on the new ventures."

De Lange finished in 12th position at the Commonwealth Games mountain bike race at Gold Coast in Australia.

Last year, De Lange was a late replacement for Dan Craven in the men’s road race at the Tokyo Olympic Games, after Craven’s untimely positive test for Covid-19.

Having recently completed a lengthy recovery from a leg injury sustained during his 2021 Nedbank Desert Dash triumph, De Lange was recently beaten in a sprint finish by fierce rival Alex Miller at the Nedbank national marathon championship.