African Continental Championships - Stellenbocsh, South Africa

Although early in the season, the Continental championships were a big goal for our new rider, Rourke Croeser. He had made it clear early on in his winter training that all focus would be on this special race that included Africa’s finest riders including former World Champion, Burry Stander.

The race set off on the technical dusty course just outside Cape Town at a blistering speed and it was Rourke who set the early pace in the Under 23 category. As lap two came around Rourke was leading out the field including the much reported James Reid. Then disaster struck. A bad crash left Rourke winded and battered with a bad cut to the knee. After picking himself back up he climbed back to 4th place to finish the race hugely disappointed but safe In the knowledge that his early season form puts him in good shape for the coming national Championships and World cup races that are now just around the corner!

Reflecting afterwards, Rourke acknowledged that the pressure he felt had impacted his performance and led to the crash, which resulted in 4 stitches to his knee. He will now look to the upcoming National Championships in a week’s time before preparing for the South African World Cup.