South African cycling superstar Greg Minnaar became the most decorated downhiller of all time this season.
South African cycling legend Greg Minnaar has completed yet another incredible season where the three-time World Champion claimed his 18th World Cup career victory making him the most successful downhiller of all time. Photo: Kathy Sessler / Santa Cruz Syndicate
The three-time world champion notched up his 18th world cup win as well as his 10th world championship medal when he took silver in the season-ending competition in Andorra.
The season got off to a rocky start when he sustained an injury to his left hand a fortnight before the world cup opener but still managed to score points in that race.
The 34-year-old said it had been a great season but not perfect because of the injuries.
Minnaar said breaking records had not been one of his career goals.
“While I am stoked to have achieved that many victories, it wasn’t something that I set out to do when I started racing. It’s just one of the things that happened along the way.”
He will start the 2016 season as he began this one – this time recovering from surgery to his right hand. Last week doctors took a tendon from his forearm and reattached it to his thumb, allowing him to grip again.
“It is going to be a fresh season for me coming up. The plus side is that being able to hold the handlebar next year is definitely going to make me more confident on the bike.
“If I can start the 2016 season healthy, I think I’ve got a good shot at winning the overall world cup series. I can definitely mix it up with the guys.”
