Ballito’s rising cycling star, Errin Mackridge, left for Rwanda last Thursday to represent South Africa at the 2025 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships.

The event, which runs from September 21 to 28 in Kigali, marks a historic milestone – the first time in 104 years that the championships will be held on African soil.

Errin (18) will compete in the junior women’s time trial on Tuesday, an 18,3km race with 225m elevation and the road race on Saturday, September 27.

The road race spans five laps of a 74.6km course, featuring a challenging 1 500m climb through Rwanda’s capital city, renowned for its rolling hills, valleys, ridges and steep slopes.

The Reddam House Ballito rider already boasts three junior national titles in road, cross-country Olympic (XCO) and cross-country short track (XCC) racing.

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Despite her impressive track record, Errin admitted to feeling a mix of emotions ahead of her world championship debut.

“I am super-psyched!” said Errin.

“The world champs is a big deal for me. I am really nervous and excited at the same time.”

Speaking to the Courier at her final training session at Holla Trails, Errin said her preparation for the event has been far from ideal, having only received confirmation of her selection a month ago.

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“The route looks hard, but it is going to be fun to compete against the best riders in the world. No matter the outcome, it is going to be a really good experience,” added Errin.

ALSO READ: Ballito’s Errin Mackridge wins national road cycling title | North Coast Courier

Joining Errin in Team South Africa’s junior line-up is fellow Ballito cyclist Joshua Johnson (17), who is also making his road world championship debut.

Joshua rides for Austrian-based Grenke Auto Eder, the junior development team to the Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe World Tour Team.

He is based in Andorra and has been racing in Europe this year at several major UCI junior events.

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Originally selected to race only in the junior men’s time trial on Tuesday, Joshua (17) – who is the current junior national time trial champion – has now also been added to the junior road race roster for Saturday.

“I’m feeling good, and my preparation has been good. I’ve done some course recce and like the route – the steep and punchy climbs will play to my strengths,” he said.

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