LIAN DE BRUYN

Q: What made you start riding your bicycle?
A: My older brother Jaco started racing, and I had a small bike. I saw him riding and wanted to try too. I cried because I couldn’t ride a pedal bike first – I was too small. But when I was old enough, I started riding.

Q: How did you get into racing?
A: I started racing at Cowhouse. It was tough at first, but I kept going. But I got better … and better.

Q: Who is your best supporter?
A: My mom and dad. They cheer for me at the track and help with my bikes.

Q: What is the best thing that has happened on the bike for you?
A: At Thaba Trails, during the XCC and XCO, I almost won both races. It was also the day I got my new bike, which made me faster. (New bike is always a few kph faster … always).

Q: What is the worst thing that has happened on the bike for you?
A: I fell hard on a forest trail and crashed properly. It happened soon after I got my new bike, so I was sad about that – but I got up and carried on, I never gave up.

And then there was the day I chased some guys so hard up a hill that I was dizzy when I got to the top and crashed.  Now I’ve learned what my real limit is.

Q: What is the biggest bike/riding lesson you have learned?
A: Never give up. Always keep going until the end – keep pushing, pushing – to the finish. Practice hard if you want to do well. 

Q: What is the biggest life lesson you have learned from riding?
A: Stay positive, even on bad days. You can always do better next time.  And be friendly – even with your rivals.  If you are they will probably ride clean against you.

And it’s the same with school work.  Keep working hard – the results will come.

Q: What have you learned from the older team members (Jaco, Annelie, Roxy)?
A: You have to get used to a new track and practice hard. If you want to win, you need to work for it.  And help each other – cheer your team mates on, encourage them especially when they have a bad day..

Q: So you are the littlest (but super strong) team member. What would you say to someone who says, “You’re so small, how come you race bicycles!”?
A: “Klein bottletjies, groot gif!” Come ride with me and see!

Q: What has being part of the LCC Team meant for you?
A: It’s nice to ride with teammates against other teams. It’s much better than riding alone. We support each other.

Q: What would you say to someone who asks you why you ride a bike?
A: Because it’s fun, and you can make friends. It’s easier when you have someone to talk to during races.

Q: What would you say to a friend who says they want to start riding their bicycle?
A: Practice hard and make friends with other riders. It makes racing easier and more fun.

Q: What would you like to say to Andy and Adrienne?
A: Thank you for all the support for me and for the LCC Team. It’s great to have a home in a club. Tanni Adrienne is always there for me when Anton isn’t.

Q: What is your goal for 2026?
A: I’ll be racing against older kids next year, so I need to practice a lot. I want to do well even though I’ll be the youngest.

SUME FOURIE

What made you start riding your bicycle?
When I was little, I had a balance bike, then moved on to a bigger bike. It just kept going from there – riding with my family was how it all began.

How did you get into racing?
Adrienne and Venessa suggested I start racing. My first race was with my dad, and then I started going to XCO and Cowhouse a lot.

Who is your best supporter?
My dad. He buys all my bikes, taught me how to ride, and has supported me from the very beginning.

What is the best thing that has happened on the bike for you?
Just seeing nature – he grass flowing – and riding technical trails. It’s fun and beautiful.

What is the worst thing that has happened on the bike for you?
I once fell at Bosveld because I forgot to turn. My handlebar hit my head, even though I was wearing a helmet. It was scary, but I’ve healed.

What is the biggest bike/riding lesson you have learned?
That riding must be fun and safe. Also, putting effort into training makes the ride more enjoyable.

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned from riding?
Effort matters. Whether it’s school or cycling, putting in the work leads to success and fun.

What have you learned from the older team members (Jaco, Amelie, Roxy)?
Always have fun, train hard, and make friends with your competitors. Being kind makes racing better.

So you are the littlest (but super strong) team member. What would you say to someone who says, “You’re so small!”?
I’d say, “Did you see me on a bike? Let the legs do the talking!”

What has being part of the LCC Team meant for you?
It’s great to feel part of a Team. It feels like I’m being rewarded for my effort, and we have really cool kids in the team.

What would you say to someone who asks you, “Why do you ride a bike?”
Because it’s fun, and I love the challenge and the nature.

What would you say to a friend who says they want to start riding their bicycle?
Just do it! Tell someone you want to ride, join a club, get a coach. Even riding with friends helps you learn.

What would you like to say to Andy and Adrienne?
Uncle Andy is a great team organiser. He helped design a cool kit and puts in a lot of effort. Auntie Adrienne is our manager and is so cool and does fun things like dancing with the kids (Adrienne organised a dance class to teach kids to be in sync with their team and to keep thinking ahead – Ed.). She’s a great coach too and helps us so much.

What is your goal for 2026?
To be in the top three next year and train a lot so I can be strong. I want to race against the best in South Africa and give my best.