Val de Vie Estate Residents Makes Cycling History

Growing up with a cycling legend as a father, did you feel any pressure to take up the sport, or was it always your passion?
Growing up in a home where cycling was a huge part of life exposed me to the sport, but I never felt pressured to follow in my dad’s footsteps. In fact, it was the opposite, as he encouraged me to try different sports and find my own passion. From as early as I can remember, I was drawn to cycling. I loved the speed, the challenge and the feeling of freedom on two wheels.

Can you describe your earliest memory of being on a bike—was it a smooth ride or did you take a few tumbles along the way?
I started riding when I was about two years old. Back then, we lived in Johannesburg and I would spend hours cycling up and down the driveway. My dad travelled a lot for races, so my mom had to chase after me when I got bored of just riding in circles! Luckily, I’ve had only minor crashes over the years.

If you had to describe your racing style in three words, what would they be?
Tactical, smooth, calculated.

What’s the toughest part of cycling that people don’t see?
Cycling is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. What people don’t always realise is the sheer amount of sacrifice it takes. The long hours of training, the early mornings, the strict routines, missing out on time with friends and family. While others are on holiday, I’m training. It’s a sport that requires absolute commitment and 90% of the time people don’t see how much dedication goes into it. There are highs and lows and staying motivated through it all is one of the biggest challenges.

You just won one of the biggest cycling races in South Africa. Does this victory feel like the beginning of something bigger?
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is one of the most prestigious races in South Africa and winning it means a lot to any professional rider. This victory has given people more insight into my capabilities, but for me, it’s just the beginning. My goal is to return to international racing and continue developing at the highest level.

Did your dad give you any specific advice before the race on Sunday? Did you follow it?
Definitely, with his experience, having won this race three times, he gave me invaluable advice. No two races are ever the same, so he helped me visualise different scenarios and be prepared for anything. He’s always been my biggest supporter and allows me to make my own decisions. We’re very different riders and he respects that.

Every rider experiences a moment when they hit the wall in a race—did you have that moment on Sunday? How did you push through it?
Fortunately, I felt really strong on Sunday and had a good race. I’ve definitely had moments in other races where I’ve hit the wall. That’s part of cycling; you learn to push through, reset your focus and keep going. Giving up is never an option.

What was the defining moment in the race when you knew you had a real shot at winning?
With about 300 metres to go, we caught a small group. That’s when I knew I had a real chance.

The final sprint is where legends are made—take us inside your mind during those last few hundred metres. What did you see, feel and think?
There’s no time to think; it all happens in split seconds. In a sprint finish, you focus on staying on the right wheels, making the right moves and navigating through the chaos of riders fighting for position. Your opponents are right next to you, almost touching shoulders, and you have to be completely locked in. It’s fast, it’s risky, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. But it’s the kind of moment I live for.

After you crossed the finish line and realised you had won, what was the first thing you did or said?
I was completely overwhelmed with emotion—it took a while to sink in. My first thought was, “Where is my family? Where is my dad? “ I saw my sister and then my mom, but my dad was still out on the road racing. I had no way to tell him. Luckily, people recognised him on Suikerbossie and shared the news, making it even more special.

You’ve spent years watching your dad’s races—did winning this race make you feel even more connected to his legacy?
Absolutely. After the race, I learned that we made history as the only father and son ever to win this event – the biggest timed cycle race in the world. That’s something truly special and I hope we can continue this legacy for years.

What’s the next big goal in your cycling career? Do you have your eyes set on any specific races or milestones?
Now, I am focused on local races like the Amashova Classic in Durban. My priority is to get back to Europe and continue my journey as a professional cyclist.

What’s one thing your dad taught you about cycling that has stuck with you the most?
Don’t rush the process. Success in cycling and life takes time, patience and consistent hard work.

If you could choose any dream race in the world to compete in, where would it be and why?
The Milan-San Remo in Italy. This 289km classic race suits my riding style and has similar characteristics to the Cape Town Cycle Tour. It would be a dream to race there one day.

What first drew you to cycling? Was it the thrill of speed, the endurance challenge or something else entirely?
I loved the freedom of riding a bicycle as a young boy. We cycled everywhere; it was pure joy. Then, as my friends became more competitive, I had to convince my dad to help me assemble a bike so I could race. That’s when it all truly began for me.

Do you remember when you knew you wanted to be a professional cyclist?
Yes, it was in 1986 when I watched one of the greatest Tour de France battles in history between the legendary Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond. That race was electrifying, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to the sport.

You’ve won countless races, but was there ever a moment in your career when you considered walking away from the sport? What kept you going?
Absolutely. Just as there were countless wins, there were numerous moments of doubt. Professional cycling is physically and mentally demanding, and there were times when I felt utterly drained. The key to success is how you handle those moments. Giving up was never an option; I loved the sport too much. That passion is what kept me going.

When you look back at your racing days, what’s one race or moment that still gives you goosebumps?
Representing South Africa at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. I was young and the entire experience was overwhelming, but it remains one of my career’s most extraordinary and defining moments.

How did fatherhood change how you saw cycling—both as a professional athlete and later as a mentor to Tyler?
Cycling is a dangerous sport and becoming a father made me more cautious. At the same time, it also pushed me to work even harder to provide for my family and make them proud.

When Tyler started showing an interest in cycling, did you consciously decide to guide him or did you let him find his own way into the sport?
I never pushed Tyler towards cycling. I knew how demanding the sport was and how many sacrifices it required, so I was actually hoping he’d choose another path. Ultimately, he chose cycling and the sport chose him in many ways.

Cycling is as much a mental battle as a physical one. What’s the best piece of mental advice you’ve given Tyler for handling the pressure of competition?
Believe in yourself and trust the process. Rest and recovery are as important as training because mental stress can wear you down. You can never fully predict how a race will unfold, so while it’s good to have a plan, the key is to stay adaptable and respond to the race as it happens.

Do you ever see glimpses of your younger self when Tyler races? If so, in what ways?
Tyler’s racing style is very different from mine. He’s incredibly calm and calculated, which makes him a pleasure to watch.

What’s one cycling tradition or lesson from your era that you hope Tyler carries forward into his career?
Stay humble and always remember why you ride. You won’t last in this sport if you don’t love it. The moment you lose that passion, it’s time to reassess your career.

What do you think has changed the most in competitive cycling since your time as a pro?
The biggest changes have been in equipment, aerodynamics, technology and sports science. Compared to my era, there’s much more precision in how athletes train and prepare for races.

Beyond winning, what’s the most important thing you want Tyler to take away from the sport?
That hard work leads to reward. This lesson applies to all areas of life. Enjoy the victories, but don’t let losing discourage you. Instead, analyse what went wrong, learn from it and keep improving. Patience is key.

When did you hear Tyler had won and what went through your mind?
I was riding my 21^st Cape Town Cycle Tour when I reached the top of Suikerbossie and a spectator shouted that my “boy” had won. I asked him three times to make sure I had heard correctly! It was an incredibly emotional moment because I know how talented Tyler is and how much effort he has put into his training. It was a moment of immense pride—one I will cherish forever.