Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom’s Kristen “Nooi” Louw (Kargo Pro MTB Team) has once again proved her credentials with her crowning as the SA Junior XCO champion.

The best age group rider in the country put in a solid performance in the Junior Women’s race over four laps, finishing in 01:16:06.

“It was a hard race for me today; I had to push hard because the last time I raced here I fell very hard on my face. This time, I was very positive, thinking, ‘I can do this’, and I had to take revenge. The most challenging part of the course were the climbs because that was my strong point and I nailed it today.”

Louw also expressed her joy on Facebook after the race.

“So stoked to win the SA XCO Champs after 3 hard years of training! “A winner never quits.”

“A huge thank you to my coach, Frans van der Berg, my sponsors Kargo Pro MTB Shaun Peschl and, last but definitely not least, my parents, Arno and Liesl Louw, family and friends for all your love and support. All the praise to our amazing Jesus,” she exclaimed.

Junior Women (4 laps)

1.Kristen Louw 01:16:06

2.Allison Morton 01:23:15

3.Sabrina van Wyk 01:26:33