Teenager Travis Stedman got his season off to a perfect start when he won both the road race and individual time-trial at the KZN Road Championships in Wartburg at the weekend.
In the 120km road race Stedman, who rides in the U19 category, beat U23 rider Henry Liebenberg by three seconds. Elite cyclist Luke Chambers crossed the line a second later.
Stedman completed the 30km ITT in 45:24.22, nearly a minute faster than vet rider Donovan van Gelder. Fellow vet Deno van Heerden finished just under 20 seconds further back.
“I’m really happy about my results. It was a good start to the season and I’m thankful for how it went in the two races,” said Stedman.
Travis Stedman won both the road race and individual time-trial at the KZN Road Championships in Wartburg at the weekend. Photo: Supplied
“I hoped for the results that I got but didn’t know how well I would do as I had just come back from injury, so I’m grateful for it.”
For the 17-year-old, the road race was the hardest.
“It was longer than the normal distance, which made for some hard racing. It also got up to 40 degrees Celsius, but overall it was a great race.
“It was also a good indicator for me to see how my form is and how I need to approach the season. I was hoping to start the year well so I can build for some local races and then to go overseas later this year, if possible.”
The Steel & Pipes/Universal Networks rider will now focus on the SA National Road Championships, which start next week.
“For nationals I want to try to focus equally on the two disciplines [road and time-trial].
“I really enjoy both, so I hope I can do well in them.”
Stedman will also work towards going overseas after he finishes matric.
“My goal is to try and get more experience racing overseas.
“I’ve looked at a few options, but I’m going to have to see as the year goes on while I juggle my cycling and finishing off school.”
