Terence began cycling at a very early age – in fact, he started BMX track racing at the age of six, because there was a track right across the road from his parents’ house.
His passion for road cycling only developed 13 years later, however.
“I only started road cycling in 1995 when I was 19,” Terence said. “I was invited by friends to join and because it was something I had always wished to get involved in, I joined them.”
From thereon, his passion for cycling simply sky-rocketed.
He participated in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge only three years later, when he took part in the second installment of the event in 1998.
Four years on, and he completed the Cape Argus Cycle Tour not once, but twice, in one day.
Despite the fact that the race was stopped at 2.45pm due to temperatures reaching 45°C, Terence persevered and completed his double lap.
“They threatened to stop us at the top of Oukaapse Weg during the second lap, but only actually stopped us on the M4 at Wynberg on the final stretch,” Terence confessed.
“The road was closed for about 20 minutes but all the cyclists negotiated to continue since it was rather late in the afternoon, temperatures were dropping and there were less than 10kms to go.”
Since then, Terence has cycled a total of three Cape Argus/ Cape Town Cycle Tours, and amassed an astounding 14 finishes at the 94.7/ 947 Cycle Challenge, with his 14th coming at this year’s 947 Cycle Challenge.
Before his 14th challenge, in which he yet again completed a double lap, Terence completed the Ironman 70.3 in June.
“I completed my first Ironman 70.3 in Durban in June this year, and just kept up my training after the event in order to complete the double lap in the 947.”
At this year’s 947 Cycle Challenge, he completed his first lap in an astounding 02:53:35, only 40 minutes and 5 seconds off winner Daryl Impey. The second lap was tough, as temperatures had begun to rise. However, he managed to finish it, cycling a total of 187km on the day.
“I took the second lap very easy due to the heat,” Terence admitted.
Terence once considered turning professional, albeit nearly 20 years ago.
“I did consider it around 1998/ 1999 when I was racing competitively, but was more focused on my career at the time as I was working to pay back a study bursary.”
Nowadays, Terence plies his trade as the commercial manager at FLSmidth in Constantia Kloof.
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