During lockdown, while others were baking sourdough and Zwifting their eyes out, Marco Joubert was digging – and thinking – deep. 

“I thought about quitting; but then we started racing again, and cycling pulled me back in.”

“Before Covid, things were just starting to come together for me. Then everything flipped. But it gave me time to think. I was still studying business, and I asked myself what I actually wanted in life. I thought about quitting; but then we started racing again, and cycling pulled me back in.”

His barnstorming third place at the 2025 Cape Epic, followed by a win at the South African National Gravel Championships, are the result of a three-year plan. “I didn’t want to be that guy who peaks for one race and then fades. I wanted consistency, week after week. 

“It’s been an investment, and it’s not always easy. But now I’m in a mental space where racing feels right.”

 That focus paid off in a big way this season. After a strong start to the year, Joubert maintained his form throughout winter and went on to win the 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series overall.

I take my coffee… black, first thing in the morning, made with my AeroPress. I don’t want to speak to anyone before I have that coffee. Usually a medium roast – one cup, max two. (Although at the Cape Epic, it was two or three…)

I’d love to go for a ride… in Longmore Forest, near Port Elizabeth – it’s where my dad and I used to ride when I was younger. You can ride there for hours and you won’t see anyone. I was riding there alone the other day, and an eagle landed right next to me and caught a little mouse. The isolation makes me feel like I’m in the circle of life. 

The secret to happiness is… being content with your situation and your surroundings. You can’t always choose these, but you have to find a way to accept everything and focus on the positives. It’s human nature to push for more; but at the end of the day, you’re often chasing unreachable goals. Rather chase contentment. 

My greatest exhilaration… is racing. Especially at a race like the Cape Epic, when you’re riding against the very best, locked in for hours and only stepping back once you cross the line. It’s such a rush! In fact, it can be quite overwhelming, when you finish a race like that and the emotions start to flow. 

My fear… is crashing or injuring myself to the point that I might not be able to ride or be active anymore. If you had to take away the freedom I have now – if I couldn’t go riding, hiking or surfing – I’d be pretty bummed. 

A moment of pure clarity… is every time I go home to PE. I sit with my mom and dad, open a bottle of wine, and we just talk – about life, how we’re really feeling. It’s emotional, honest, and always gives me perspective.

When I wake up… I check TrainingPeaks and see what’s planned for the day. I check emails (only once in the morning). Then it’s straight to the AeroPress. 

I rage against… pollution, and people trashing the environment. Nature has given me everything. Seeing people disrespect it? It’s infuriating. If Elon and those guys want to go to Mars, then they must go. 

I wish… sometimes, that I’d grown up in a cycling system like Belgium’s, with clear pathways, federations and proper support. But then again, carving my own way – as other South Africans like Luke Moir, Candice Lill and Kim le Court have done – has made me tougher. No shortcuts. No safety nets. I’m proud of that.

READ MORE ON: interview People