Rivonia cross country rider claims 2025 Cross Country 424 Championship title after ICU battle
Just three months after a horrific crash that left him unconscious and fighting in ICU, Curro Rivonia’s Triston Spencer, returned to racing, winning both his class and the 2025 Cross Country 424 High School Championship.
A 15-year-old cross country rider, Triston Spencer, lined up for his first race since a horrific crash that left him unconscious, seizing, and fighting for a week in ICU.
On November 8, at the rugged and unforgiving terrain of Lekoa Lodge in Villiers, Free State, the young athlete from Curro Rivonia made his emotional and courageous return during the final round of the Cross Country 424 Series, a race that would become one of the proudest moments of his career.
Read more: Parkmore’s Halloween Festival raises funds for children’s bike track
Back on August 16, Triston suffered a severe concussion and head trauma during a crash during practice. His parents described a terrifying scene. One that saw Triston lying unconscious and seizing, before being rushed to hospital.
After a week in ICU, and two more days in a general ward, he faced the long, painful process of regaining his strength, mobility, and confidence. “It was scary not knowing where I was, and not being able to walk on my own at first,” Triston said. “I had to become my own motivation, and remind myself why I love this sport.”
Despite being medically benched for up to eight weeks, Triston tackled his recovery with patience and determination, supported every step of the way by his family, especially his mom and dad. “My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. Without them, I would not have made it back this quickly, or even won.”As he stood at the starting maze at Lekoa Lodge, Triston admitted that the emotions hit hard. “I was nervous, with lots going through my mind. All the thoughts of what had happened came back.”
Also read: From peewee to big bikes, this racer is on his way to the big time
The moment the race began, however, instinct and training took over. He launched into a powerful start, pulling a massive lead through the opening maze. Even when his gear lever broke on the first lap, he refused to let the setback dictate the day. After limping the bike to the pits and making a quick repair, he re-joined the race with renewed focus.
The course consisted of a 30km loop, completed six times, and the rocky, physical terrain suited him perfectly. “The terrain was extremely tough, but it was an advantage because it’s what we train on. Once I saw I was pulling a gap on the others in my class, I was extremely happy. It was exhausting though, tough on my hands and arms with all the rocks.”
By the final lap, Triston had secured a full lap lead over the rest of his class.
Entering the race, Triston was ranked second in the 2025 championship standings. His extraordinary performance didn’t just earn him the day’s win, it pushed him into 1st place overall, crowning him the 2025 Cross Country 424 High School Champion. “Just finishing the race meant a lot to me. To win my class, and the overall championship, it made all the pain and frustration worth it. It felt like the perfect ending to a very difficult chapter this year.”
Through months of recovery, reflection, and rebuilding, Triston learned lessons that extend beyond racing. “I learned that your mindset is just as important as physical strength. Setbacks don’t define you, how you respond to them does.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
