It has been interesting watching Willie Smit's results of late. Podium placings at SA Road Race Championships in both the time trial and road race disciplines and now victory in the African Continental Championships, this time in the road race. Here is a young guy letting his legs to the talking. Hard work and commitment is starting to pay off, albeit at a National and Continental level, and I'm sure Willie's true intention is to secure a place on an overseas squad and compete in Europe.
Take a look at his authentic YouTube channel: he seems like a pretty self-directed and motivated fellow, working towards something bigger, all the while revelling in the journey. Willie is also good hands: Nic White is his team manager and mentor while he has recently teamed up with John Wakefield to look after his training specifics. Two experienced 'old hands' (compliment intended guys!), and experienced ones at that.
Meanwhile in Europe, or the Algarve to be exact, another young South African is making his mark, but in another way. Shaun-Nick Bester rides for Sporting Tavira in Portugal, a small Continental team that races mainly in that country, but also with forays into neighbouring Spain. Not exactly World Tour but these guys got to compete against those very squads last week in the Volta ao Algarve. Resplendent in their green and white stripes, Tavira made the most of this opportunity, featuring in the racing and placing highly in the team competition. Whilst this result won't exactly set international cycling media abuzz, it goes a long way for this kind of team, justifying their micro-budget and giving young riders the chance to compete against the likes of Movistar, SKY and so on.
And Shaun-Nick played an integral part of this team result, what with being on breakaway duty, bottle duty, leadout duty – the list goes on. Now in his second year with Sporting Tavira, young Bester is making good use of the family genes – father Nick is a former Comrades Marathon winner, professional duathlete and now manages the Nedbank Elite Athletics Team (also green!). Now their are some that might ask what the hell is Bester junior doing riding for a team in a cycling backwater like Portugal. Like Willie Smit, he is committed and not waiting around for a contract to fall onto his lap. He could be riding in Belgium or Italy or France for an espoir squad but he's chosen the tougher option and hats off to him.
Racing in in faraway place takes guts and hopefully this is the start of bigger things for both Shaun-Nick and Willie. Although one has to wonder when Team Dimension Data are going to come a knocking, if they haven't done so already.
Vasbyt manne.
