If you’ve ever spent time riding in or around George, at some point you will have been smoked by two of the happiest faces on bikes: regular visitor from Germany, former World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Sabine Spitz, and SA’s own Robyn de Groot, six-time national XCM champion, Olympian and with a third at Worlds. Happily retired from the racing aspect, De Groot still rides – a lot!

“I raced bikes professionally for 16 years; first on the road, and then I had my best years mountain biking. I retired after my final Cape Epic in 2022. The day I received the request from World Champion Pauline Ferrand Prevot to do the Cape Epic with her was the same day I’d decided to retire from professional racing; so it was great timing for one last dance. It was such a positive experience, and the perfect one to wrap up with.

Even though I’m not racing anymore, riding is still a huge part of my lifestyle.

It’s not easy to retire, as a professional athlete… “Even though I’m not racing anymore, riding is still a huge part of my lifestyle. I love being outdoors, in nature, and immersed in the beautiful places you can explore on a mountain bike. It’s a great way to keep fit and healthy – I’m never sorry after coming back from a bike ride.

“THRIVE is my coaching business, which keeps me busy, stimulated and growing as I help others strive to achieve their personal objectives and goals. I thoroughly enjoy this new side and way of life, and I’m passionate to share with and grow others.”

I take my coffee as a cappuccino, with oat or macadamia milk.

I’d love to go on a ride with my little niece, Jupiter!

The secret to happiness for me, often, is focusing on the simple things.

My greatest exhilaration was climbing the Dolomites, in Italy.

I fear anything happening to any of the people I love.

A moment of pure clarity for me was just before going in for vascular surgery. I knew the risks, and I needed to be at absolute peace with where I was. It was an incredible feeling, to have lived as I wanted to
live and said what I wanted to say to the people I care about.

Passion… Follow your passion, and success will come naturally.

When I wake up I give thanks, and admire the rising sun and all I have to be grateful for.

I rage against people leaving the world worse off than they found it.

I wish we would all be more mindful of our footprints on this planet.

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