Port Elizabeth mountain biker Marcell Swartz cycled his way to win the national XCO championships in Bloemfontein at the weekend.
Swartz, 14, of Fat Tracks, was hailed as the SA XCO Series Cup champion after accumulating 700 points in the four-race series held across the country.
He won in rounds one and three and was third in the other two races, putting him in the lead going into the championship race in on Saturday.
“I am very happy,” Swartz said.
“I worked hard throughout the season so I am happy to have reached my goal.”
It was not something he had expected, but felt he stood a good chance going into the championship race.
“I really like the track and I have done well there in the past,” he said.
“I had to work hard after a terrible start and had to fight back from about 10th position straight after the start,” he said.
Swartz said he now hoped to compete in some international races if the necessary funds were available.
“I will concentrate on the youth category next year.”
Kobus van Heerden, of East Cape Youth cycling, praised Swartz’s achievements.
“Marcell showed a lot of maturity to fight his way back to win his category, and it shows how hard he works.”