IT would be fair to say that Durban North resident, Tyla-May Smale has ridden her socks off this year.

The Grade 6 learner at Northlands Primary School was recently crowned this year’s KZN and South African Enduro Champion in the U12 age group.

Her tenacity and dedication has also led to success in other sports, including mountain biking and BMX.

Smale also finished third in the KZN Cross Country (XCO) champs and sixth overall in XCO nationally.

She finished second in the BMX standings in the province and third overall nationally in BMX.

Northglen News recently chatted to the uber-talented 12-year-old to find out about her watershed year.

“Since I started riding competitively in 2019, this has definitely been my best year in terms of results. My dad, Andrew, who is a former SA champion, is my coach and he has definitely helped me improve in all the three riding sports. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but I’m now gearing up for the challenges ahead of next season,” Smale said.

“Even though Enduro, Cross Country and BMX are distinctly different in terms of skill levels and courses, I couldn’t choose between them at this moment. I love riding in them all across different terrain. I feel you need lots of power in your legs for cross country because the courses are a bit longer, whereas Enduro tests your technical skills, going downhill.”

Smale added one of the riders she looks up to is the World Champion mountain bike racer, Greg Minnaar.

“I’ve met him once before and he is just an incredible rider. He competes in the elite downhill events and he is definitely someone I look up to in the sport. I hope to make my own name in the sport so that one day other young girls can say they look up to me. I hope to break the mould and show girls that they can do anything. It is all about hard work, dedication and belief,” she said.

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