Curro Rivonia racer claims 2025 Cross Country 424 Championship months after tragic crash
Three months after a life-threatening crash left him fighting in ICU, Triston Spencer, returned to racing, and not only won his class but took home the overall 2025 Cross Country 424 High School Championship.
For most, a week in ICU is a life-altering event. For 15-year-old Curro Rivonia cross-country rider Triston Spencer, it was just the beginning of a story that would end on the podium.
Read more: Rivonia cross country rider claims 2025 Cross Country 424 Championship title after ICU battle
On November 8, at the rugged Lekoa Lodge in Villiers, Free State, Triston made a comeback few could have imagined. After a crash on August 16 left him unconscious, seizing, and fighting for his life, he returned to racing and dominated.
Six laps of a punishing 30km loop, a broken gear lever, and the rocky terrain couldn’t stop him. By the final lap, he had a full-lap lead over his rivals and secured not only the day’s win, but the 2025 Cross Country 424 High School Championship.
“It felt unreal,” Triston said. “Just finishing the race meant so much, but to win my class and the overall championship, it made all the pain and frustration worth it.”
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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 terrain was tough, but it suited me 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, but I enjoyed every moment.”
The road to this victory was anything but smooth. After his accident, Triston spent a week in ICU and two more days in a general ward, barely able to walk. The recovery was gruelling, testing his body, mind, and spirit. “It was scary, not knowing where I was and not being able to walk on my own at first. I had to become my own motivation. My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. Without them, I would not have made it back this quickly, or even won.”
He added that this win is more than a trophy, its proof that setbacks don’t define you, your response does. “I learnt that your mindset is just as important as physical strength. I also learnt to appreciate the small things, being able to walk properly, move without pain, or sit on a bike again. Finally, I learnt that setbacks don’t define you, how you respond to them does.”
Looking ahead, Triston is already dreaming bigger. “My goal now is to keep improving and stay consistent. I want to compete in more cross-country events and hopefully bigger races. Right now, it’s about staying healthy and enjoying the sport.”
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