The XCO cycling bike race hosted by Laerskool Selection Park on October 18 brought together young cyclists who showcased amazing determination and skill on the track.

The event featured over 60 learners from various schools, including the hosts, Arbor Primary, Ashton International College, Laerskool Elardus Park, Jantjies sonder Tandjies Kleuterskool, Laer Volkskool Heidelberg, Laerskool Impala, Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck, and Laerskool Morewag, with eight categories in total.

Among the participants were James Lötter from Morning Star Montessori in Pretoria and Natalia Gordon from Ashton International College in Benoni, who amazed everyone with their strong performances and passion for the sport.

Both reflected on their experiences after the race, recalling the hardships they faced, the excitement of competing, and what drives them to keep pushing their limits in cycling.

Lötter told the Springs Advertiser that he was nervous before the race, especially during the 15-second callout. He said he trained hard and gave it his all, which resulted in his victory in the Sprog Boys category.

When asked about his favourite part of the race, Lötter shared, “For me, it was the hump because it made the race more fun.” Despite feeling like there was no moment to give up, he said having his parents in the crowd cheering him on motivated him to keep going.

The young cyclist is part of the top Gauteng riders and looks up to Alan Hatherly, the XCO mountain bike world champion.

“Through him, I learned that even if the worst happens, you can still do well and still win if you keep going,” said Lötter.

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Gordon described the race as having a very fast track but with many corners, which she did not like because they slowed her down. The track included boy bikers who led the route for the cyclists, and she said her proudest moment was catching up to the lead bikers.

Every sport comes with challenges, and Gordon said that being the only girl on the team means she has to push harder to keep up with the boys. The young cyclist won in the Sprog Girls category and is also a top Gauteng rider.

She said, “Before the races, I control my breathing and think about what I would do if something happens.”

Gordon offered advice for girls considering the sport: “Be brave, don’t give up. Don’t worry about others’ opinions and focus on your goals; it is not as much of a boys’ sport as it seems.”

The principal of Laerskool Selection, Johnny Oosthuizen, told the publication that the school is proud to support initiatives that promote fitness, perseverance, and teamwork.

He said the event was an excellent way to bring families together while making use of the school’s beautiful facilities.

He added that events like this strengthen the sense of community and school pride and show learners that the school is a space where new ideas and initiatives can grow. Oosthuizen expressed pride in all the cyclists:

“Whether you finished first or simply crossed the line, you showed determination and courage. Keep that same spirit in all you do – on the bike, in class, and in life. Remember, growth happens every time you challenge yourself to try something new.”

Prizes were sponsored by:

• All Medals: Stylish Plants & Milrand
• First place: Casey’s Ford Springs
• Second place: Prosafe Security
• Third place: Stylish Plants & Cyclelab Boksburg
• Sub Sub Nipper Fun Prizes: Stylish Plants
• Water: Blackrock Water