Fountainebleau’s international cyclist looks back at his career

International Cyclist Jean Spies is reflecting on his career as he prepares for his Olympic dream.

Many who live in Fontainebleau are unaware that they have been in the same vicinity as an international cycling champion. His name is Jean Spies and from as young as 6 years old he has been on a bicycle trying to be faster than the person in front of him. Born and bred in the suburb of Fontainebleau he has competed in some of the most elite cycling challenges that the sport has to offer.

Spies first started as a mountain biker, but at the age of 15, changed to the road and track cycling. Any competition he could enter he would, while ensuring he has a training programme that was sure to elevate him to the next level. His hard work and training eventually paid off when he cracked his first international trip in 2009. Spies stated, “In 2009 I was invited to participate in the Ingear Cycling Development Squad in the United Kingdom. This was the first time I had left the country because of my cycling.”

Spies knew that in order to be the best he would have to beat the best and he once again set his mind to improving himself. Because of this, he has been able to compete all over the world while representing South Africa. Apart from the UK, he has also competed in international competitions, world cups and global qualifiers in Morocco, Netherlands, Canada, Japan and many more.

Yet like many sports stars, the road to achieving greatness does come with its challenges and Spies is no different. In 2012 Spies fell down the stairs and dislocated his shoulder. He then had a virus that kept him off the track for two and a half years. He expressed, “Frustrating is an understatement of what I was feeling. The doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong for the longest time. I was not in a good space at all.” Spies went on to have surgery for various issues in 2012, 2016 and most recently April 2019.

Regardless of the challenge he has faced, Spies has ridden off into the sunset after every one of them. In 2018 he won his first international race in the Czech Republic, broke several South African track records and was invited to train and compete with the best in the world, always improving his performances. Spies is currently hard at work to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games and raise funds for the competition.

Those interested in making a donation can do so on his crowdfunding page. Alternatively, you can contact Jean Spies for details on donations and banking details on 072 597 9536.

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