This week we have our KOM Champion and winner of the concrete bidon Leonardo – named after the Ninja Turtle I think.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
Born in Johannesburg and raised in Durban, South Africa. Left, wet behind the ears, for France in 1999 to race the pro triathlon circuit after winning the All African champs and stayed for 7years – racing, coaching and studying. Met my Aussie wife on the ski slopes and moved over to the UK where we stayed for some 3years before moving to Sydney almost 4years ago now.
2. What got you into cycling?
Moving to Johannesburg to work when I left school, I joined a local running club to meet people. One of the members did triathlon and got me out riding and doing triathlon. The rest is history.
3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
Commuting into the city, I often saw the egg and tomato and one day enquired about this strange gathering of mamils and what I had to do to join the clan. Satnav duly informed me about the $100 he required to make it happen and I was in!
4. Tell us about your bikes.
I own a Cervelo P3 with Zipp 808 front and disc rear (a true time machine), a new Focus Izalco team 2.0 (Di2 and all), a Trek 9.9 SSL top fuel full suspension MTB (kiddies 26″ wheeler though) and my trusty commuter (an old Bianchi MTB that I have had now for over 12years).
5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Of the places I have been it would have to be the French Alps (during summer preferably), but of all places, I think the ultimate for me would be to go on a bike safari through Africa (Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Down style).
6. Tell us a riding story.
Not gonna bore you with a recount of some epic ride or some satisfying race victory so how about a story about my father walking through a South African national park and how a lone elephant bull charged the group he was in. How the ranger shouted orders calmly at first before screaming “run!” and how said walking group scattered in all directions and how the elephant, of course, chose to continue the chase with my father, then 65years of age. Fortunately he arrived at a dry river bed with steep banks and managed to scramble down with the bull thundering up behind but it was unable to follow down the steep slope. After re-grouping the walk was later charged by a buffalo and a rhino but I will leave that for another time. That is how we train in Africa.
7. Do you have any advice for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Cycling accommodates all levels. The main thing is to enjoy the ride! But if you are looking to improve, consistency is key.
8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you.
I have met Nelson Mandela twice and I don’t like Vegemite.