Since winning the SA National Road Championships in February, Ryan Gibbons has not yet had a chance to show off his SA jersey in a professional event.
NTT Pro Cycling rider Ryan Gibbons won the road race at the SA National Road Championships in February. Photo: Supplied
“It is very frustrating that I’m not getting to wear the jersey and show the SA colours in the pro peloton,” said Gibbons, who is currently in Johannesburg.
“Even before racing stopped I was covered with rain jackets and jerseys during the majority of the races I had in Europe. I have barely been able to show off the flag this year.”
The 25-year-old, who rides for NTT Pro Cycling, has been based in Europe since 2016 and does all his racing internationally.
“Getting to live abroad and see the world has been truly special. I go on roughly 50 flights a year and stay in close to 100 different hotels a year.
“It gets tiring and monotonous, but it’s very unique. I’m grateful that I have a career which enables me to see the world whilst motivating me to be fit, healthy and active.”
Gibbons competed in his first mountain bike event at the age of 10, but had been taking part in children’s races while his parents participated in mountain biking events.
“From the age of 10 I enjoyed cycling. I started racing more frequently and became competitive when I turned 14.
“I was a mountain biker and never thought I’d go over to road, but the year after I matriculated I started taking cycling more seriously and things escalated very quickly from there.”
Since restrictions have been imposed on outdoor activity due to the outbreak of the coronavirus Gibbons has had to train indoors.
“It takes away the beauty of the sport, but at least I can still stay active.”
His main goals for the year were to compete in the Tour de France and Olympics, but due to these events being postponed because of Covid-19 he is not sure what to expect.
“I actually have no idea what will happen to my goals now, purely because I don’t know when racing will resume and what races I’ll be taking part in when it does.”
Gibbons says he has experienced many ups and downs throughout his cycling career, but is grateful for all the life lessons the sport has taught him.
“I’ve definitely become a stronger rider in general and gained a lot of experience.
“As I’ve grown I’ve realised that in order to be successful and have a long-lasting and sustainable career you have to look after yourself on and off the bike.
“I’ve had a lot of setbacks in terms of injury and illness. In 2013 I had pneumonia which led to a collapsed lung that left me hospital-bound and bed-ridden for a very long time.
“I have a very suppressed immune system and weak lungs, so I get a chest infection multiple times a year and seldom have a year without at least six courses of antibiotics.
“Cycling has taught me that life isn’t ever going to be easy or to go as planned. However it’s important to not let this discourage you. It’s crucial that you’re able to adapt and stay positive and motivated.
“The body and mind can withstand and endure things that most people wouldn’t think possible if you dig deep and persevere.”
Giving advice to young cyclists hoping to achieve locally as well as internationally, Gibbons says it’s important to not lose hope and to stay motivated, no matter what.
“It’s a very difficult and lonely career. It has its highs and it looks very glamorous, but it has its challenges.
“You may focus and work towards a certain goal, making sacrifices along the way for weeks or months at a time, just for it to get taken away from you.
“Illness, injury, mechanicals and global pandemics like the coronavirus can ruin months of hard work and can break you mentally.
“You have to stay motivated and ultimately just enjoy what you do.
“Hard work and commitment is important, but being happy and being able to appreciate riding your bike is fundamental to becoming a professional.”
