TWO YOUNG CYCLISTS FROM Piketberg are preparing for the toughest ride of their lives at the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn.
Jean Lethin Faro and Tarquin Smith, both 20, spend their training hours grinding up the steep switchbacks of the Versfeld Pass. It is an 8km climb that has become their proving ground. Their goal? To line up in Knysna and take on the seven-day stage race that will carry them through the forests of the Southern Cape, across the vast Karoo, and all the way to the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
The two best friends ride in matching electric green Nedbank kit. Their sponsorship covers race entries, bikes, kits and nutrition, but it is their commitment that carries them.“ When we ride, we feel free and focused,” they explain.“ Cycling has taught us resilience, discipline and belief in ourselves. That is what we will be taking into this race.”
Their journey began at Steynville High School in Piketberg, one of eight under resourced schools in the Western Cape that form part of the Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme. Established in 2005, the programme gives learners from communities on the Cape Flats, Boland and West Coast access to bikes, equipment and coaching. More than 100 young cyclists benefit every year, using the sport as a pathway away from social challenges like gangsterism, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
“ Jean Lethin and Tarquin have grown into strong riders with impressive results at major road and mountain-bike events,” says Brent Williams, the programme’ s coordinator.“ They have put in the work, shown consistent discipline, and are ready for the challenge of Nedbank Gravel Burn.”
Their participation is about more than just racing. Alongside the two
riders, 20 learners and four teachers from four schools will travel to Knysna to experience the build-up to the race: Steynville High School in Piketberg, Hexvallei Secondary School in De Doorns, Cloetesville High School in Stellenbosch and Diazville High School in Saldanha. All four schools have developed a strong mountain-biking culture and now form part of the backbone of the programme.
For Jean Lethin and Tarquin, the event is a dream and a test rolled into one. Supported by their families, coaches and nutritional partner 32Gi, they see it as the next step to becoming among the country’ s top cyclists.“ We are expecting to learn, to push ourselves to new limits, and to meet people who share our passion,” they say.
As they clip in at the start line, their story carries the weight of all those who have ridden before them in the Sports Trust colours, and the promise of those still to come.
Loving the ride: Jean Lethin Faro and Tarquin Smith in their Nedbank colours.
79 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN