‘When the racing bug bites’

Marius Mostert is fairly new to the sport of competitive MTB racing.

He’s also fairly new to the South Coast, having moved from the farming community of Limpopo two years ago when his wife Rethe, a doctor, took up a transfer opportunity.

The MTB bug has undeniably bitten – deeper than a starving mosquito on a muggy summer evening.

“The first time I started MTB cycling was on the coast and it quickly became a passion,” he said.

In some ways, Marius has surprised himself at how quickly he has improved.

He gives the credit to coach Andrew Hill – and DuraCycles – who he says have helped him significantly in the past year, particularly.

Now Marius is doing his utmost to catch up on lost time.

While his work is in the maintenance field, his focus is going to be on cycling for the next two years, at least.

“I believe that if I give it a chance I can hopefully achieve something special. I’m only 28 years old. Now is the time to try and see what’s possible,” he said.

He recently gained a spot on the podium at the Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Classic and is looking to use this kind of result to propel himself to further success.

Marius explained that the race had been ‘great’ with the muddy and technical track making it all the more challenging.

“The climbs were brutal and super technical but I enjoyed that.”

Rethe is also competitive and takes part in cycling and triathlons.

However, she’s had to take a break with a baby due shortly (December 16 is the due date), but no doubt will be back on the bike next year, so Marius cannot afford to slack off.

On the contrary, he will begin base training soon to get ready for next year’s season, which will start with the Drak Descent at the end of January.

In the meantime, he may also need to brush up on his nappy changing skills!

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