Paarl Boxing Day winner Josh van Wyk is using the Covid-19 lockdown to improve himself so he comes back stronger when restrictions are lifted and racing resumes.
The 21-year-old, who lives in Benoni, says he is fortunate because he is able to train indoors and has a home gym.
“I’m not sad, but I do miss racing.”
The Team Enza rider felt the outbreak had almost improved his training because it had given him a chance to reset and not worry about upcoming races.
“So I have been training a lot on the indoor. I’ve missed riding outside though and I look forward to the next time I ride outside and definitely my next race.”
Van Wyk has been racing since he was 11 and says he has changed a lot over the years.
“I’ve learnt that anything can be done with enough heart.
“A good example of how far I’ve come is in 2008 I was 12 and Nolan Hoffman gave me his podium flowers he had won at SA track champs because my dad was second in the race.
“I did my first Paarl Boxing Day as an under-14 and crashed in my first race. I was so embarrassed in front of the crowd that I didn’t want to race again that day – even though the Paarl crowd is always supportive. I sat on the stands and watched Nolan win the 25-mile.”
He did his second Boxing Day as a junior and started the 25-mile but was dropped before the halfway mark and did not finish it.
“Last year was the third time I raced Boxing Day and the second time I raced the 25-mile and I won it.
Josh van Wyk did his first Paarl Boxing Day as an under-14 and crashed in his first race. Last year was the second time he raced the 25-mile and he won it. Photo: Supplied
“Now I race in Nolan’s team with teammates I’ve always looked up to and actually I can’t believe the position I’m in.”
He said the sport had taught him that nothing good came for free.
“I had to work really hard before I could win races, which can directly translate to the real world. If you want anything you have to go fetch it.”
Van Wyk said he did not always have a passion for cycling. He used to do swimming and was naturally gifted because he could swim well without training.
“Whereas cycling was always a challenge and I had to push myself just to finish a race.
“This is why I’m so grateful for the father I have. He would always encourage me to train and race Saturday track leagues with him and this pushed me to start liking it.
“I won my first race around 14 or 15 and that’s when the bug bit me and there was no going back.
“I have to ride, race and win now.”
Van Wyk said there had been many highlights to his career thus far.
“Going to world champs as a junior, racing in America, going to the Commonwealth Games, winning SA champs on the track and the biggest one so far was winning the 25-mile.
“My favourite aspect of this sport is how it can take me places. I would not have travelled as much as I have without cycling.”
He added that his biggest goal was to win the scratch race at world champs.
Asked what advice he had for aspiring young cyclists he said perseverance was vital.
“Keep doing what you’re doing. This sport doesn’t happen overnight. It will take a lot of effort and drive from your side.
“It will be worth it though. Any achievement you get will be one more than if you were just sitting on the couch.”
