Krugersdorp mountain bikers make Gauteng proud

Two local mountain bike riders contributed to a convincing win for Gauteng at this year’s Spur School Mountain Bike League Finals.

As members of the provincial team Hoërskool Noordheuwel’s Rohan Kirsten and Krugersdorp High School’s Vincent Leygonie pulled out all the stops to win the coveted floating trophy for the province.

Eight provinces as well as Namibia and Zimbabwe selected their top riders across six age categories to battle it out for a position as the top 10 scores across the different categories counted for the final log.

Although a team competition, Rohan and Vincent gave it their all to secure individual podium positions.

Rohan placed sixth in the junior men’s division and Vincent placed third in the youth men’s division.

In an interview with the NEWS the bikers explained their training schedules and their love of mountain biking.

“To prepare for the event I spend most of my time on the rocks. I prefer rough-terrain training as it helps me to build up stamina and body strength. Krugersdorp with all it rocky areas is the ideal place to train,” says Vincent.

Rohan gave up rugby for mountain biking because he finds it “more adventurous”. He enjoys spending time on the road and says that he sticks to a strict diet and eating plan.

Despite the various challenges the sport holds, both riders aim at making a career out of mountain biking.

“Entry fees for any series or race can be very expensive and riders have to rely on being noticed by a sponsor,” explains Rohan, adding that prospective riders should not be discouraged.

“Ride as much as you can. It’s the best way to make new friends and to get noticed by sponsors,” says Vincent. He encourages local riders new to the sport to take part in Krugersdorp events such as the Nic Diederichs Night Race.

Although the larger part of the mountain biking season is already over both riders are training for various competitions next year.