Mitchell Eliot is part of a SupportSATalent Federation Team that will spend the duration of June and July in Belgium for training and racing purposes.
The trip is the pilot for the European Conduit Programme that creates opportunities for South African athletes to gain experience and exposure through racing internationally.
“It means a lot to be part of the first team sent to Europe. I think it’s a really good thing they’ve got going,” said Eliot.
Mitchell Eliot, seen here during this year’s Bestmed Tour of Good Hope, forms part of the SupportSATalent Federation Team that will spend two months in Belgium. Photo: Robert Ward
“Once it gets into full swing it will allow all riders the opportunity to make the jump to European racing a lot easier.”
Although a self-funded trip, a number of the riders – such as Eliot – have been able to secure private sponsors to assist with their expenses.
“I was selected as I’m a SupportSATalent ambassador, so it’s really good to be part of the team to see what we can achieve in the first few events.”
The team, which currently consists of Myles van Musschenbroek, Jaydé Julius, Henry Neethling, Andrew Edwards and Siphumeze Mhlana, will be hosted and managed by Belgium team Mysenlan-SPIE-Douterloigne CT as part of a partnership with this local initiative.
“We will be based in the C4-Cycling House in Ronse and have a good racing calendar with races three to four times a week,” said Eliot.
“That’s good, with lots of race days to keep the legs ticking over and a few tours in between.”
Eliot added that he thought they could definitely achieve something special in Belgium as they had a really good set-up and support staff. “I think the results will come, it’s just a matter of time.”
He also felt it was a benefit to ride at the top level.
“With Belgian racing you’re always on the limit so it will help a lot, as well as with moving more smoothly in the bunch without using unnecessary energy.”
The ProTouch rider, who recently formed part of the SA team that competed at the Grand Prix Priessnitz Spa in the Czech Republic, said it was an easy flight to jump across to Belgium and leave the quietened-down local racing scene.
“I didn’t choose Belgium to be quite frank. It doesn’t really suit me. One thing I will tell you is that Belgian racing makes you a really hard rider and improves your bunch skills.
“So we can only take the positives out of it,” said the 21-year-old.
After returning to his home country, Eliot will spend a few days relaxing before departing for the Tour du Rwanda in August, which will be his team’s main focus.
