Local cyclist shines, bags several accolades

After returning from the African Championships in Egypt, Alberton High School alumni Matthew Lester headed straight into the SA National Championships.

The 18-year-old from Mulbarton was uncertain what his form would be like after returning from Egypt and falling sick with a sinus infection.

He then took a few days off, hoping he would fully recover and be able to perform at the national champs from April 1 to 5 in Cape Town.

“I was going in blind, hoping I’d be able to race properly after doing minimal training between the two events. The first day of racing was the 1 500m and the elimination race. To my surprise, I won the 1 500m and got fifth in the elimination. After that, I knew my form was good, and I could end up on the podium in most of my events,” said Matthew.

He recalled walking onto the podium and telling himself that he would be back for more medals, and that was the case.

Matthew said this year’s nationals experience was different from last year.

“In the previous year, I was under so much self-applied pressure to perform and ended up underperforming. This year, after gaining more racing experience and not learning more about the conditions I can better race in, I put less pressure on myself and just raced the bike,” he explained.

He ended up racing seven events and getting on the podium with five medals – two golds for the 1500m and the team sprint and three silvers for the kieran, team pursuit and maddison.

He said he was not fully satisfied because he wanted to win more.

“I will use this to feed my hunger for victory later this year in competitions overseas in Trexler Town, America, and, hopefully, the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. These events will be prepared for one goal, the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. I don’t just wish to go and race. I plan to podium and show it can be done,” Matthew said.