Passionate mountain biker receives full colours

Jeppe High School for Boys learner and mountain biker Aaron Heyneke recently received his full colours for mountain biking.

Aaron is the first boy to be awarded full colours in mountain biking as the sport only became an official extra-curricular activity at the school this year.

The passionate mountain biker said he is humbled and happy that the school has officially made the sport part of the school’s activities.

“I was not expecting this, but I am happy to be the first boy to receive full colours in the sport. I hope this will inspire other juniors who are interested in the sport. To be acknowledged in something you love is humbling. I’m proud to wear the white blazer,” said Aaron.

The EXPRESS had a chat with the young athlete about his love for the sport, future plans and how he got into the sport.

Aaron said his love for bikes start at a young age.

“My dad bought me my first bike at the age of two. By the age of 11 I was already interested in mountain biking. My dad also inspired me to take part because he was also biking,” said Aaron.

He did his first race with his father in 2015 and said from there he has been on the bike and continues to compete in races.

“My first race was in the 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge in 2015. I got stuck in the race because I had a flat tyre. From there I just pushed until I finished and I really enjoyed the feeling of racing. Since then I started taking the sport seriously and started training,” said Aaron.

The Jeppe boy has been making his mark in the cycling discipline with a string of successes including winning the Emperors Classic MTB event in the u-16 category in 2017 and 2018.

He said balancing school and the sport has it challenges but his father always reminds him school comes first.

“I make sacrifices. I have to put school first because I must have a backup and education is that backup. I don’t want to rush in doing the sport professionally, but if an opportunity presents itself I will grab it with both hands,” said Aaron.

He said dedication, focus and love makes a good mountain biker.

“If you don’t love what you do there will be no commitment. Focus on what you are doing and be confident,” said Aaron.

The school opened a 3km mountain bike track this year.

“The track has it’s difficulties as it has rocks and some challenges that offers good training. Even though it’s short it’s intense, which really offers good practise,” said Aaron.

He said the year has been busy, but now he is winding down with training and concentrating on the upcoming exams.

“I have competed in over 30 races and will doing the 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge in November. I will be doing that race with a friend and I think that will be my last race for this year,” said Aaron.

His future plan in the sport is to compete in Europe.

Teacher and coach Fabio Matteucci said he is happy that the school has officially made mountain biking an activity at the school.

“Not every boy can play soccer or rugby, but adding such sports to the school opens opportunities for other boys who want to try something new. It also goes with the school’s philosophy of a holistic approach. The boys can come to school and find something they love doing or have interest in trying,” said Matteucci.

He said since the track opened the response from the boys and the parents has been amazing.

“Parents have been very involved in the sport and that has been amazing. Everyone is committed in supporting the boys and making sure they reach they full potential,” said Matteucci.

He said he is proud of the progress the boys have made in the sport.

“The boys have been committed and there is interest in the sport and with dedication and support they can only grow,” said Matteucci.

Others who received colours in mountain biking were Connor Coaklin, Aaron Horn, Justin Marshall, Bradley Moore who each received scrolls and Kian Victor who was awarded half colours.