Five of Ballito’s top young mountain bikers raced against the world’s best cross-country (XCO) riders in Namibia this month, competing for UCI ranking points ahead of the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy

Errin (19) and Cameron (16) Mackridge, Madison Bateson (16), Cody Maidman (16) and Joshua Paul (17) competed in two international events – the Towerbos XC Dirt Festival at over 1 600m above sea level on April 12, and the Nedbank Namibia XC on the IJG Trails south of Windhoek on April 19.

Both events form part of the qualification pathway to the World Championships in Val di Sole from August 26 to 30.

Madison Bateson, who is home-schooled through TES College, impressed in the junior women’s race, winning at Towerbos and finishing second at IJG Trails despite the altitude.

“Racing in Namibia was an exciting experience, especially with the unfamiliar terrain, new courses and altitude,” she said.

“I’m happy with my performance on both weekends, gaining valuable points despite not feeling 100% before the second race.”

Former Reddam House Ballito pupil Errin Mackridge competed in the U23 women’s elite field, finishing second at Towerbos and fourth at IJG Trails after recovering from a fall.

In the junior men’s division, Cody Maidman of Curro Salt Rock placed fourth in both races in his first international event.

Joshua Paul of Ashton International College Ballito endured punctures and crashes, finishing sixth and eighth, while Cameron Mackridge also suffered a puncture, placing 15th and 11th.

“The punctures and falls tested me, but each race is a clean slate, and I’ll be ready to fight again this weekend,” said Joshua.