Cycling queen Chloe, back from the Netherlands

Curro Mount Richmore’s cycling queen, Chloe Bateson returned home last week after competing with the KZN team in the Jeugdtour Assen – a week-long cycling road tour in the Netherlands.

The tour is said to be the biggest international youth cycle racing event held in Europe and Chloe said the trip was a massive learning curve for her and the team.

“The type of cycling, prepping beforehand and the atmosphere in the bunch was all new to me, which meant I had to adjust very quickly,” said Chloe, who has won many a medal in mountain biking.

“Each day was a surprise, sometimes I would feel super strong and finish around tenth, other days were not as great and I crossed the line just under 30th place. The entire week was an emotional roller coaster!”

The results were as follows: day one (1,7 km prologue) ninth; day two (27 km criterium) 27th; day three (67,6 km road race) 23rd; day four (13 km time trial) tenth; day five (37 km Omloop) 22nd and day six (22,8 km criterium 2) 24th.

Overall the team came tenth out of 72 girls in the under 17 category.

“This experience and opportunity would not have been possible without the KZN Road Commission and everyone who donated and supported the fundraisers, and my fellow teammates who put in the hard work to raise money.”

She said they have come back with amazing memories of an unforgettable trip and they hope to go back stronger and better next year.

“I really hope I get the opportunity to go back again next year, fight for more and try aim for one of the jerseys which are awarded to the sprinters and the leaders.”

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