Young Port Elizabeth-based cyclist Anja Gerber has been selected for the junior national women’s road team that will be competing in races across Europe from the end of June.
Port Elizabeth cyclist Anja Gerber has been chosen for the junior national road team. Photo: Supplied
The 17-year-old, who is doing her BComm at NMMU, received the news from Cycling South Africa last week.
Gerber was earlier this year also included in the team for the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships that takes place in Switzerland in July.
Her father Frans, who is also her coach, said that the family were relieved when they heard the announcement.
“Anja was sick and not in top form for the initial selection races.
“Luckily for us they held additional selection events, including one in Pietermaritzburg where Anja took the first and third places.”
He said he considered his daughter to currently be the strongest junior in the country.
The two top girls from the European races will be selected for the UCI Road World Championships in Qatar in October.
“After the tour, I will stay on for the world track championships,” said Gerber, who competes in the colours of the Bestmed-Shukuma Madibaz Cycling Club.
Gerber said she started cycling at the age of 10 under the guidance of her parents and sister, who is also a competitive cyclist.
While it was difficult to balance her sport and studies, she said she managed to do sufficient training every day.
Besides hoping to do well in top races across South Africa upon her return from Europe, Gerber said she also has her sights set on next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour.
“I have many goals to work towards,” she said.
