Absolute Cycling

In this podcast episode we are chatting all things indoor racing with Guy Krige 🏁Guy is quite the indoor racing specialist and he shares his tips and tricks with us here. Tune in and hear all about it!

Cape Epic is known as the hardest mountain bike stage race in the world.Egbert Robertson took this massive challenge on for the 2nd time, and after not managing to complete it the first time around in 2024, this year he overcame all the challenges thrown at him and conquered this massive race! In Egbert’s words, the Cape Epic is NEXT LEVEL and it tests you on every level. Join us in this podcast episode and hear all about Egbert’s experience.

Guy Krige tells us about his race and experience at the recent The Ceder. Guy decided to take on this race after being bullied into doing it by coach Johann Wykerd! The Ceder is a 150 km gravel race with about 2500m of climbing in the rugged Cederberg, known for pushing riders to their limits with it's rough terrain.

From laughing at gravel bike riders and all their quirks… to buying his own gravel bike… to taking on the inaugural Gravel Burn and conquering this tough race. Join us in this episode as Wesley Littleton breaks down his Gravel Burn journey, the surprises along the way, and all the insights that reveal just how extreme and special this race really was

In this podcast we sit down for a chat with our athlete Gilles Ruffato, a multi-disciplined cyclist from Luxembourg who recently took on the UCI Gravel World Championships. Join us in the podcast to hear all about Gilles's experience in this crazy race! 

We had a very interesting conversation with Etienne Joubert from GRITC ( https://gritc.co.za/ ) about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)Have a listen and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out!#lovetheride

A farmer from Prince Alfret Hamlet and a software developer from the Netherlands, both somewhere in their 40s, takes on the 4 Islands mtb stage race together… Sounds like an adventure, right? Chris and Danie tells us all about their time racing around Croatia in this podcast episode.

In this episode we chat to Cheryl Robinson, and she tells us about racing The Rift, a 200km gravel race in Iceland. From breathtaking scenery to icy cold wind and snowy sections making for an incredibly tough challenge, this race had it all! Listen to Cheryl's story and share in her experience in this episode. Well done on this incredible achievement Cheryl!!!

Introducing the newest addition to our coaching team - Tim KockTim is a seasoned cyclist in his own right, having completed 3 Cape Epics and also having a passion for going fast on his track bike. Get to know more about him in this podcastWelcome to our team Tim, we look forward to having to you board!

In this podcast episode we are chatting to Bianca Haw. Bianca raced her 2nd ever XCO at SA Champs in Mankele as a youth girl, she won her first SA title that day and no one knew who she was when she crossed the line. Fast forward to today, she won the African jersey and came 3rd overall at this years Cape Epic, and now the world knows who she is!Get to know Bianca and her inspiring journey through the sport in this podcast!

" The mind gives up long before the body is done " In the second episode of the Hero podcast series, we chat to Henry Liebenberg. Henry is someone who have always pushed his limits, no matter what he sets his mind to, and he lives his life in an inspiring way. In this episode he shares his journey with us and the "why" behind it all. 

This is our very first conversation in the Hero Podcast series! We are very happy to chat to Frances Swanepoel about her story of overcoming the challenges she faced in life and how she made it to the highest level in our sport in quite a short space of time. At 24, she is by no means done yet and still has more dreams and goals to chase, all while juggling a new and very exciting chapter in her life! Have a listen to this podcast to get to know more about Frances.

🚨 New Podcast Episode 🚨Introducing the Hero podcast seriesGuy Krige is one of our good friends who we’ve had the privilege to be on a journey with for the past couple of years. Guy came up with the idea to start the Hero podcast series, where he talks to people who have turned their challenges into triumph and give them an opportunity to share their stories of overcoming, with the hope to inspire others who might be going through tough and challenging times. Johann had a chat with Guy recently where he tells us more about the goal behind this series and what there is to look forward to. 

The Munga is not called the toughest race on earth for no reason… 1000km through some of the most rugged parts of South Africa - a true challenge of grit and endurance, that takes every participant to their limits and beyond. In this podcast, we chat to our athletes who took on this incredible challenge recently. One thing is for sure, these people are legends! Listen to their war stories with us in this podcast. 

Holiday eating is always a tricky one. We had a chat with our nutritionist, Hanlie Botha. She shares her tips to get through the holiday season while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet without losing focus on your goals. Join us in this episode and get ready to stay on track this December!

We finally sat down for a chat with coach Marike Vreken. She is a busy lady, being a mom, coach, businesswoman and also involved in all things cycling! Marike have been apart of Absolute Motion for years, making a difference and investing in the lives of her athletes! Her advice to young athletes: “Comparison is the thief of Joy” - your journey is unique and you should only compare yourself to yourself, no one else 😌Get to know more about Marike in this podcast!

Cramping - probably any cyclists biggest fear 😰Training, lifestyle and diet habits all play a role in why you are struggling with cramps during racing and training. We had a discussion with our nutritionist Hanlie Botha about cramping, what causes it and how to prevent it. Tune in to this podcast to get expert advice on how to beat those dreaded cramps 🦾

Coach Cindy Nel have been a part of Absolute Motion for a long time, coaching runners, cyclists and multi-sport athletes all over the world. Passionate about God and her faith, Cindy uses coaching as a platform to spread the gospel. An incredible athlete in her own right, Cindy has a medal collection that most people can only dream of. She has won multiple medals at Biathle and Duathlon world champs including a gold in Biathle!Join us in this podcast and get to know more about Cindy! 

For long endurance events and stage racing, Carb Loading is very important to ensure optimal performance. But it is not about eating as many pastries and chocolates as you can! Our nutritionist Hanlie Botha breaks down everything you need to know about Carb Loading. Learn the do's and don'ts, how to time it perfectly and what common mistakes might be holding you back! Join us in this episode and get ready for your next endurance event.

Coach Jannie Schoeman has been a part of our family for a few years now. Coming from a background where sport runs in the family, Jannie played cricket before being introduced to cycling. 🏏Jannie had always been more interested in individual sports, but when one of his friends invited him to join a 40km cycle race at church, he borrowed a bike. Despite suffering like never before, that’s when the cycling bug bit, and his life changed forever!Get to know more about Jannie in this podcast 🎙️🤩

We are very excited to introduce the newest member of our coaching team to you. After making a turn studying Accounting, Sunique came back to her 1st love which is human performance and people. She is busy completing her BSc Sport Science degree at the University of Stellenbosch. 👩‍💻Sunique joined Absolute Motion as an athlete in 2016. “Soon after, I took part in an Absolute Motion training camp, and my life has been changed ever since.”  Sunique comes from a mountain biking background but has since found a passion for road and track cycling as well. If it has 2 wheels and requires you to pedal it to go forward, Sunique is in her element! 🚴‍♀️  

The BC bike race is a 7 day mountain bike stage race that takes place on the coast of British Columbia, the mecca of mountain biking. Riders get to experience some of the oldest and most mature trail networks in the world, riding through the magical old forests that British Columbia is renowned for. 🌲⛰This race contains the highest overall singletrack content globally!Noah Perrin tells us about his experience at this incredible race in this podcast! 🤩

Andorra is a hidden gem in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains and hosts the Andorra Epic, a 4 day mountain bike stage race that forms part of the global MTB Epic Series. 🚵 Most of this event takes place at high altitude, add in technical trails and tough climbs and you have yourself quite the challenge 🏔Aidar Turmukhambetov took on this bucket list event as his first major stage race - tune in to this podcast with us as we hear all about his experience! 🤩🎧

With cold weather approaching in South Africa, it's common to face challenges with a compromised immune system. For athletes, this risk is even higher due to the constant strain on the body. Developing a well-rounded nutrition plan can significantly reduce this risk, strengthening and supporting your immune system.Join us as we sit down with our Nutritionist, Hanlie Botha, for an insightful discussion on how to supplement your immune system with good nutrition practices. Tune in to our podcast and learn how to build a strong and healthy barrier for your immune system.

There is nothing easy about riding a 160km gravel race and there is certainly nothing easy about riding a 160km gravel race that ends up one of the most monstrous climbs South Africa has to offer for cyclists. Swartberg 100 hails as a calendar favourite for many South African gravel enthusiasts for its beautiful route and breathtaking view once you crest Swartberg Pass, and for the challenging descent that faces cyclists in the final kilometers to reach the finish line! Join us as we chat with two athletes of the Absolute Motion family, Victor Olckers(who finished 16th overall) and Carnie Van der Linde (who finished a bit further back) to hear about how they tackled the challenge! From tyre-pressures, pacing through a headwind, and nutrition strategy, it is all covered in this convo! ⛰️⛰️⛰️

Sit down, grab a cuppa and listen to our Epic chat with Christian Metzger, 2024 Cape Epic finisher!The Cape Epic is dubbed one of the hardest MTB Stage races on the global calendar, held here in the unforgiving Cape in South Africa...getting to the finish line is no small feat! We chatted to Christian about his race, the ups and downs and everything in between that goes into the 8 day gruelling stage race!#LoveTheRide

1 130km.6 435m ascent.Self Navigated and supported.In the heat of Summer.Hopefully, that paints a pretty good picture of what The Munga MTB might be like...but don't trust our word...hear it straight from the horse's mouth in our episode with Vera, Werner, and Bernard...our 3 Absolute Motion 2023 Munga finishers!Listen now!

Join us in discussion with Absolute Motion head-coach, Johann Wykerd and cyclocross athlete, Chris Horter as they chat about the highs, lows, and challenges of European cyclocross racing! Between chatting about the steep climbs, torque training, technical obstacles, and the freezing weather conditions often faced...Chris and Johann cover it all.Listen now!

Conquering the Appenninica Challenge with Anton Tieleman...faster than before ;)Join us in this episode for our chat between head coach, Johann Wykerd and cyclist, Anton Tieleman. Anton has just returned from Italy after completing the grueling Appenninica MTB Stage Race, a 3-day mountain biking event that takes riders along the Apennine divide between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany.In this conversation, we delve into the unique challenges posed by the Appenninica race...a solo stage race. Anton shares his firsthand experiences of tackling the rugged terrain, conquering steep ascents, and navigating treacherous descents as he pedaled through the stunning landscapes of the Italian Appennines.Whether you're a cyclist seeking inspiration or simply curious about the world of extreme stage racing, this podcast episode offers a glimpse into the heart-pounding world of mountain biking and the resilience of one of our athletes who dares to take on nature's toughest challenges....repeatedly!

In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Anton Tieleman, an inspiring athlete who recently conquered the awe-inspiring Swiss Epic mountain bike race.Anton Tieleman takes us on a riveting journey through his experience at the prestigious Swiss Epic, one of the most challenging mountain bike stage races on the planet. As he shares his story, we uncover the sheer determination and mental strength it takes to tackle the rugged Swiss terrain, navigating treacherous ascents and thrilling descents while pushing both body and mind to their extremes.Tune in to hear Anton Tieleman's incredible Swiss Epic adventure!

Join us for a chat with Courteney Webb and Guy Krige as they discuss their unique experiences at some of South Africa's popular gravel races: Around The Pot, Race to the Sea, Swartberg100 and the most recent, Ronde van Riebeek. Tyre pressures, gear choices, nutrition strat...these two have a few things to share, their opinions, lessons learnt and big "DON'T DO'S" when it comes to racing gravel.  If you are considering partaking in any of the 100 miler circuit, this episode is one you don't want to miss.

Join us in this Q&A style episode with coach Johann Wykerd and two cycling champions, Namibian road champion Skye Davidson and South African elite road and gravel cyclist Courteney Webb. Together, they delve into the intricacies of pacing oneself during endurance cycling events.Endurance cycling is a true test of physical and mental strength, and pacing plays a crucial role in achieving optimal performance. Davidson, a national champion known for her disciplined approach to cycling, shares her personal journey and the techniques she employs to maintain a steady rhythm throughout demanding races and breakaways. Webb, an accomplished cyclist, brings a unique perspective as she discusses her transition from road to gravel racing and the adjustments needed in pacing strategies.

The purpose of the AMCA? Using the bike to change the trajectory of lives. In this episode, we take a look inside our cycling development academy (AMCA) and explore how the bike is used to assist young talented cyclists, with sometimes challenging backgrounds, to fulfil their dream of greatness. In conversation, we talk between our head coach, Johann Wykerd and long-time Absolute Motion friend, Willie Pelser about the challenges we face in guiding these young athletes on their journey from talented junior to potentially professional cyclists. From celebrating our successes to what is needed support-wise to achieve these, we delve into the world of cycling development and get an inside look at what it takes to become a champion cyclist. Tune in to hear the inspiring journey of these young athletes and what you can do to play a part in their stories.

Join us for a quick check in with Dawie Roodt after his recent summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa! Ups, downs and all in between, listen to Dawie and Johann discuss some of the mental and physical strains and highlights of an adventure like this. 

Chat with Ariane Lüthi & Unathi Nxumalo about all things (Cape) EPIC as we head towards one of the gnarliest MTB stage races on the calendar! Racing and Mentoring for Team  @pumpforpeace, 5x Cape Epic Winner and 5x Swiss XCM Champion, Ariane has a lot to share about how to get through your Cape Epic as smoothly as possible!  She shares here with a rider close to our heart, Unathi as he heads towards his first Cape Epic.Listen in here!

We chatted with our in-house nutrionalist, Hanlie Botha on all things nutrition.How to fuel for, during and after your sessions and the importance of a structured nutrition plan to get the most out of your day-to-day!Hear it here!

Every journey starts with a single step.Arthur Duncan’s journey started a bit later than most people’s…but that hasn’t seemed to stop him one bit 😉Join us here in this podcast episode to discuss Arthur’s journey to becoming a World Champ 🌈

When you and your family plan an adventure, there are few that will compare with visiting the highest point in Africa and then riding your bike through wildlife to the ocean.We caught up with the Harel's to talk about their recent adventure in Tanzania.Listen to their stories here!

Surrounded by mountains and never-ending trails, Chris and Danie conquered their first Swiss Epic! Listen here to the full conversation here...ups, downs and everything in between!

Commonwealth Games held in Warwick, Birmingham 2022 was an exciting event for all who took part! One of these lucky athletes was our own Raphaelle Lamusse, representing Mauritius!"Commonwealth Games was just magic - Competing against some women I’ve watched on TV, representing my country 🇲🇺 What a feeling! The cheering, the route, the bunch, everything was impressive and unreal! This is why I love so much road cycling!" Hear it from her here!

Unsupported.Rocky Mountains from Canada to the Mexican border.4417kms.27 days, 12 hours, 7mins.Chat all things Tour Devide with Kevin Meier.

Friends chat Gravel...what better type of conversation can you have? Enjoy listening to some insight, opinions and fun conversation about GRAVEL riding and racing, the new cycling discipline taking the world by storm! 

And he has done it! Jason Wesson completes the Freedom Challenge, un unmarked, self supported race that requires riders to navigate themselves by bike across South Africa by means of maps, compass and narrative directions (NO GPS).Jason gave us the privilege of chatting to him before the dust settles on this monstrous adventure, giving us his immediate insights and feelings after his race! Listen here to hear what some of his takeaways are.

Chat with Johann Wykerd and Frances Janse Van Rensburg about her experience racing the recent CIC Mont Ventoux DC Classic and the Tour de Suisse.Enjoy listening to the post race reflections as well as the excitement as Frances builds towards some really big goals!