Ballito’s Joshua Paul claimed a thrilling gold medal at the CycleLab National School Series finale in Mpumalanga last weekend.

Hosted at Hoërskool Piet Retief on Saturday and Sunday, the event marked the culmination of provincial series from across South Africa, bringing together the nation’s top school riders for a shot at national glory.

Competitors raced for their province on Saturday and for their schools on Sunday, tackling a 4.3km Olympic cross-country course in pursuit of individual medals and team honours.

Three North Coast riders earned silverware on day one, helping KZN secure second place overall in the provincial standings behind Gauteng.

Madison Bateson (Vyovo High School) and Natalie Kluza (Curro Salt Rock) finished second and third in the Youth 16 Women division, while Paul (Ashton International College Ballito) claimed bronze in the Junior 17 Men category, despite suffering a fall on the first lap.

Kluza was thrilled with her result.

“What an experience to race at the national championship finals!” she said.

“The experience was great, the course was fun, and my teammates were awesome.”

After a well-earned rest, riders returned for the schools race on Sunday morning.

Bateson earned another silver medal, while Paul stormed to victory, securing the North Coast’s only gold of the weekend.

“I was tussling with two other riders for most of the race until the last lap,” said Paul.

“I thought I had a little bit left in the tank, so I went all out halfway up and nearly blew out on the bridge, but I just held on to the line. It was some really hard racing on an exciting course.”

ALSO READ: North Coast riders power to KZN CycleLab School Series victories

Beyond the podium, several local riders also placed in the top 10 of their divisions.

Sophia Lombaard (Ashton, Girls U14) finished fifth and fourth, Cody Maidman (Curro, Boys U16) claimed sixth and fifth, and Cameron Mackridge (Northwood High School) placed fourth in the provincial race.

Maidman enjoyed the chance to race against the country’s best junior riders.

“The course had many cool features and unpredictable weather shifted from cold and muddy on Saturday, to hot and dry on Sunday,” he said.

“The racing was incredibly tight, which made me thrilled with my result because one small mistake can cost you multiple positions in such a competitive field.”

Ashton finished 22nd and Curro 36th out of 114 schools that competed nationally.

For more information, visit cyclelabmtbseries.co.za.

• Note: This story differs from that which appeared in the physical copy of the Courier. Photos and quotes have been added that were not available at time of print.

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