Africa's top juniors gear up for world champs
Mountain biking
Observers have been excited about their potential for a while already.
Africa’s highest-ranked junior women and junior men’s mountain bikers, the Namibian pair of Delsia Janse van Vuuren (16) and Roger Surén (16), have been selected to compete at the UCI cross-country world championship in Andorra next week.Having both won gold medals at their first African championship at U18 level in Morocco during May this year, despite being relatively younger and new in the age category, the pair underlined why observers have been excited about their potential as the next Namibian riders to rise up to the top levels.
Janse van Vuuren and Surén, currently placed 12th and 14th on the UCI juniors world rankings, respectively, will leave for Europe on Saturday, accompanied by the national cycling coach Hans du Toit.
Having been the national under-16 champions until last year, this is their first year riding in the UCI under-18 junior category.
Both will be racing the best upcoming riders in the world on Friday 30 August, with Janse Van Vuuren taking off at 10:00 and Surén at 12:00.
With part of their preparations for the World Championships done in Switzerland during the European summer competition season, the young bikers said they are looking forward to the competition.
Janse van Vuuren said: “Building up my season with various races has gone very well so far, and after this weekend, I feel really great about how my preparations have paid off.
“I am really honoured to be representing Namibia. I have been dreaming about it since I was very young. To witness it finally materialising, is very exciting!
Surén said: “Being in Switzerland earlier this year has given me valuable insights ahead of the world championship. This has been my dream as a child. All I ever wanted to do was go to the world champs.
“I am very prepared and ready for this competition. I can’t wait!”
The young bikers and their families are seeking financial support to help cover the significant costs of their trip to Europe, which includes travel and accommodation.
Contributions to support Delsia and Roger's journey to the World Championships can be made to the following account: Bank Windhoek, savings account 2000646459; branch Capricorn Private Wealth; branch code 484-172; Account name: Delsia & Roger World MTB Champs.