There are lots of coaches in amateur endurance sports these days. It is amazing how an entire industry has emerged around mountain biking, road cycling and triathlon and that is not a bad thing. Being guided through process of preparation for extreme events is necessary for many, especially those juggling their sporting vocations with that thing called life.
But what about the emotional or human factor?
The role of mentors is an often underrated and even undervalued. Having a big brother (or sister) offering advice and counsel is a tried and tested way of getting the very best out oneself, especially for aspiring professionals. Sure, the nuts and bolts of actual training sessions are important but the level of confidence achieved is more than often what makes average athletes good and good athletes great. When to rest, when to go hard, who’s hot and who’s not, the benefits of morning rollers and s on: all critical elements that make up the journey of athletic progression, not to mention the “rub-off” effect of experience.
Melt’s (very) long season had ended mid-October but that all changed come month end. Young Tristan called asking for an able teammate to tackle a big stage race. Duty called as Melt’s bike came out of the shed and racing kit was hastily unpacked. He was supposed to be having a break but what the hell – life is too short and “Nambo” in need is a friend indeed. The look on Tristan’s face says it all and the pair ended up top-ten overall.
Yes, BMT might be a bike shop in Stellenbosch but I’m sure some Big Match Temperament was imparted and learned in and around the trails of Grabouw.
Klap it Tristan!
