Pro pedals purely for pleasure
LITTLE FALLS – From cycling in China, Europe and Ethiopia, JC Nel has never lost his passion to race to win.
Every time cycling pro, JC Nel gets on his bike, whether to race in an international tour or to go on a leisurely Sunday ride, he relives the joy he experienced as a young boy when his mother let him go on long rides in the afternoons.
It’s been several years since those days when Nel, now 24, hit the road without a destination in mind, and only a need to cycle. Since then, the Little Falls resident has won national road cycling competitions, represented his country overseas, and now leads and mentors a young team of professional cyclists with Pro Touch.
“I can’t remember when I started to love cycling. By the time I was three, I was already off the side-wheels,” recalled Nel.
“I love that cycling is much faster than walking, and you feel freedom when you ride.”
Lately, he came 20th for South Africa at the Tour of Ethiopia, and in races for Pro Touch came fifth at the Cansa Lost City Cycle Challenge and he overcame cramp to finish fourth at the Bestmed Jock Tour.
He recalled his first ‘competitive’ race in Lichtenberg, where he grew up. “I was eight years old and my school organised a 10km race. I was barefoot and had an ugly helmet. My mom was supposed to look after me but I raced ahead because I wanted to win.”
Although he did not win, Nel developed a longing to cycle in big races. At 10, he cycled in the provincial and national championships, and then at 15 he raced in Ireland in the Irish National U16 Tour. “It was so competitive, I was just happy not to crash. It was an eye-opener to the competitiveness of cycling in Europe.”
As an U18 cyclist, he raced in the Nations Cup in Belgium, then as an U23, he raced in the Tour de l’Avenir and La Côte Picarde in France. He also raced in the Tour of Hainan in China, and the Delta Tour Zeeland in the Netherlands.
Nel has competed in all major road races in South Africa, between racing for MTN Qhubheka and Pro Touch. “I focus on longer races – my body just works that way. After day three, I find my legs and feel stronger every day.” He explained that his strengths are time trials, climbing and anticipating what teams will do at crucial points in races.
Related article: Nel overcomes cramps to finish 4th at Jock Tour
