Hoërskool Secunda learner Lu-Mari du Plessis (18) has earned the chance of a lifetime after being selected to represent Team South Africa at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy, where she will compete in the junior women’s U17 and U18 Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) event on August 27.

Now the talented young cyclist is appealing to the community for help in getting to the international competition.

The estimated cost of competing at the world championships is about R80 000, which includes visa expenses, flights, accommodation and daily living costs while in Italy.

Lu-Mari has been cycling since the age of 10, but her competitive career gained momentum over the past two years.

She won the South African Junior Women’s Championship in Gauteng, Thaba Trails 2025, as well as Bloemfontein, Happy Valley 2026, and in 2025 she also claimed silver at the African Championships.

She is expected to fly to Italy on August 22 to allow time to familiarise herself with the demanding Val di Sole terrain and sharpen her technical skills on the challenging jumps and climbs before the main event.

Balancing top-level sport with her matric year has not been easy, she admitted.

“I practice at least once a day, while on most days I have two training sessions. It has been difficult juggling school and training, but it takes discipline,” said Lu-Mari.

Despite her impressive achievements, the upcoming world championships will be a completely new experience for the young rider.

“This is my first time competing in the World Championships. I have no idea what to expect,” she said.

While her ultimate dream is to bring home a world championship title, Lu-Mari remains realistic about the level of international competition.

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“For me it is about the experience and enjoying every moment. I think it would be cool to meet top athletes like Evie Richards and Jolanda Neff, among others,” she added.

Lu-Mari draws much of her inspiration from her father, Brand, who is also her coach and a former accomplished cyclist.

She will be taking her trusted 2022 Cannondale Scalpel to Italy, a bicycle that has become far more than just racing equipment.

“It is a very nice bike. I have competed in all my top races with this bike. Most kids want a new bicycle, but I am attached to mine. I have been riding this bike for around four years,” she said.

To help raise the money needed for the tour, a BackaBuddy page has been created:

• https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lu-mari-du-plessis-xco-world-champs-2026.

Donations can also be made directly into the following account:

• FNB – savings account, account holder – L du Plessis, account number – 62816313887

Locals can further support Lu-Mari by attending a fundraising evening at Panarottis on August 21 from 17:00 to 20:00, where a percentage of the evening’s takings will go towards her world championship tour.

Her mother, Wilmarie, expressed gratitude for the support already received from the community.

“We want to say thank you to those who have shown their support and have already made donations. Every bit helps,” said Wilmarie.