Cahill is world champ
Richards Bay harbour pilot wins at UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
Durbanite Nédene Cahill (32) recently won gold at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in the Sub-Vet A category after posting the fastest time of the day. The race was tight between Cahill and Hungarian Eszter Erdelyi for the first two laps, with both athletes taking turns to lead. But it was on the last lap that Cahill dropped a gear and ‘kicked down’ to break away after a drop-off section and pushed really hard to increase her lead and claim the gold.
‘It was the best feeling in the world crossing that finish line knowing that all the sacrifices, hard training and preparation, had paid off,’ said Cahill. ‘There are so many people I’d like to thank, as none of this would’ve been possible without them; my coach David Low, Tim Keep from Pure Adventure Wear and Johann Wykerd from Velo Life.
‘I am also very grateful for Acher Aviation, who allowed me to take leave from work for my races, and of course for my family for their love and support.’
Nédene is very passionate about being a helicopter pilot and riding her mountain bike. She has been flying for Acher Aviation for over five years, where they provide a marine pilot transfer service to both the Durban and Richards Bay harbours.
Despite this very demanding job where 12 hour shifts (day/night) are run all year round, she still finds time, thanks to the roster system to train hard and ride her bike.
Hitting training sessions straight after a 12 hour shift is all in a day’s work for this talented rider.
Cahill started the sport two and a half years ago after winning the MiWay Big 5 Series in 2011.
She decided to take the sport more seriously and focus her cycling career on Cross-Country racing. These races require the riders to do several laps around a short course which is generally between 4-6km’s long.
The course consists of mostly single-track with steep climbs and descents as well as many technical obstacles like rock gardens, logs, drop-offs etc, which makes it challenging for the riders.
‘I enjoy this type of racing because it is both physically and mentally challenging,’ said Cahill.
Coming from a family of five, with dad Chris Molyneaux (60), mom Trish Molyneaux (57), sister Janita Bold (33) and brother Sean Molyneaux (29), has certainly aided her support structures.
Cahill likes to cycle, run, gym, go to movies and take her dogs to the beach in her spare time; she rides for an all-female mountain bike team called Pure Adventure Wear, which is founded by Tim Keep and supported by Velo Life bike store. But it is her short impressive resumé that catches the eye, which includes: (2012) KZN Cross-Country (Elite) Champion, South African Marathon (Sub-Vet) Champion and ROAG Series (Sub-Vet) Winner, (2013) African Cross-Country (Sub-Vet) Champion, South African Single Speed Champion, South African Cross-Country Series (Sub-Vet) Winner, South African Cross-Country (Sub-Vet) Champion and World Cross-Country (Sub-Vet) Champion.
This dedicated hard working individual trains six times a week under coach David Low, who pushes through her paces. Her role model is the legendary Burry Stander, who regrets not starting the sport when she was younger and fears not being able to do things she needs to do. But her biggest asset of perfectionism, strength of dedication, weakness of chocolate and motto of ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’, is what helps with her success.
Her secret to success is simply believing you can do it. If you believe it then you are already half way there, and then you need to add the hard work and dedication. The most important thing learnt is that the mind is an incredible thing and we are all capable of more than we think.
Wanting to be the best she can be is what motivates her. Her goals are to defend her World Cross-Country (Sub-Vet) Champion Title in Norway next year and to achieve a podium position in the World Marathon Champs next year.
Her achievements came as a result of a lot of hard work and dedication, by balancing work, training and her personal life.
The advice she gives to other cyclists is, have a goal to train for, commit yourself to it and do everything you can to achieve your goal.
‘If you are serious about racing, then look into getting a coach. They know how to structure your training properly, and most importantly they know when you should rest’, said Cahill.
