South African Morne van Niekerk has signed to extend his contract with French-based UCI continental team Michel-Auber93 by another year.
Morne van Niekerk has extended his contract with French-based team Michel-Auber93 by another year. Photo: Supplied
“For my second professional season my goal is to continue progressing and hopefully cross the line first,” Van Niekerk said.
The 24-year-old added that the start to his season had been good.
“I got the timing better this year. I had good legs at the Grand Prix Cycliste la Marseillaise, but bad luck,” said Van Niekerk, who placed 48th in the one-day race, which took place in France at the beginning of the month.
“And two weeks ago at Etoile de Besseges I felt good. I put in some strong rides and I’m happy with the week and the legs.” Van Niekerk came 49th overall in this five-stage race in France.
He says he cannot even start to compare where his form and confidence are currently to last year.
“Last year I was completely out of my comfort zone. New team. New level.
“The stress and self-pressure was immense and I was not able to cope with it until August. But this year I’m calmer. I know what I’ve done and need to do. I feel I’ve grown a lot in the space of 12 months.
“My team does go all out in helping me with visa papers and making sure I’m happy and well on and off the bike. My teammates are great guys. The whole team has an atmosphere. It’s exceptional. This year I’m very happy.”
Van Niekerk added that he was definitely growing and evolving as a cyclist.
“In France you learn a lot about the finer things. They have a special way of racing and you can’t help but evolve.
“And with Barry [Austin], my family, my friends and team I’m not just growing as a rider but as a human as well.
“A lesson I’ve learnt is to just be yourself. The only way to be happy and good is if you can look yourself in the mirror and be happy with what you see.”
Van Niekerk said there were many international riders he had looked up to during the past season, but one who stood out for him was fellow countryman Daryl Impey.
“I was lucky to spend a day with him last year August and his advice helped a lot.”
He added that it was definitely difficult being away from home and his country for such long periods.
“It’s always hard saying goodbye in January, but they support me all the way from SA and I’m lucky to have the Rouxs, Feillus and Gervosons as family here.
“And all my friends here are super supportive. I’ve started to live here, so much so that it’s weird coming to SA in November,” said Van Niekerk, whose ultimate goal is to race the Grand Tours and big Classics.
