Young rider amped for Riviera Water Bike Challenge in Monaco
Kayden was chosen as the youth ambassador for the Princes Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa (PCMFSA) in October last year.
BMX rider Kayden Keyser participated in the 2022 edition of the Riviera Water Bike Challenge (RWBC) in Monaco on June 5.
The Parkrand resident joined a staggered line-up consisting of global icons at the event organised by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
The participants raced for 21km from the Port of Nice to the Port of Monaco to raise funds for the ‘Swim for Safety’ project run by the Foundation in Sri Lanka, to teach swimming and water safety to underprivileged children.
The competition saw 18 teams of five vie to topple the reigning champions, Team Serenity.
The Boksburg High learner teamed up with former England rugby player Dan Luger for Team Mareterra.
“It is difficult to pedal on water than on land as the current pushes the water bike and creates a lot of resistance. But I’m ready for the challenge. I can’t wait to participate and take my team to victory.
“This is a relay event. It will take team effort to win. The team to beat is the current champions Team Serenity and I believe we will give them a run for their money,” he said.
Kayden was chosen as the youth ambassador for the Princes Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa (PCMFSA) in October last year. He stated that racing on the track at the lion and rhino park created his love for the conservation of endangered animals and philanthropy.
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“I am honoured and thrilled to be part of the PCMFSA and to see the fantastic work it does.
“Since I assumed my role, we’ve created awareness about rhino conservation and anti-poaching.
“We also support soup kitchens feeding over 400 people and started many environmental initiatives including clean-ups at parks and rivers with the Fresh NGO.
“Swim safety and drowning prevention is the most important part of what we stand for and it brings the most joy to kids.”
The 16-year-old started racing bicycles at the age of five. He rode a bike that was bigger than him and that propelled him to the top.
“I started riding with my best friend who built a mini BMX track around the corner from where I stayed. I was there every day on my oversized bike until I raced my very first race in Germiston where I won. That day I knew that BMX racing was the career for me.”
His obsession with the sport only drove him to greatness. He has won the national championship eight years in a row while also scooping the continental title three times
In 2013, he represented South Africa at the UCI BMX world championships in New Zealand.
“BMX racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a passion. Every rider out there knows feeling. When I smell the dust on the track and look at all those happy faces and families laughing and smiling, I slip my helmet on, get into the gate and start racing. It’s something I would never trade for anything in this world.”
South African sporting legends Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery and Greg Minaar will also take part in the competition.
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