The 2024 UCI Mountain Bike (MTB) World Championships in Pal Arinsal, Andorra, brought together the best riders from around the world, showcasing exciting races across all disciplines. South Africa’s contingent of 16 athletes represented their country with pride, proving once again that they belong on the global mountain biking stage. Who can forget Alan Hatherly’s thrilling gold, Candice Lill’s incredible fourth and Greg Minnaar’s final run. But from cross-country to downhill events, all the South African riders put in valiant performances.

Here’s how they fared:

Cross Country

Elite Men

• Alan Hatherly (first)
• Johan van Zyl (60th)

Elite Ladies

• Candice Lill (fourth)

U23 Men

• Luke Moir (ninth)
• Michael Foster (32nd)
• Unathi Nxumalo(68th)

U23 Women

• Tyler Jacobs (30th)

Junior Men

• Samuel Cleary (32nd)
• Omar Wilson (61st)

Junior Women

• Jodi Mackinnon (51st)

Short Track

Elite Men

• Alan Hatherly (third)
• Johan Van Zyl (37th)

Elite Women

• Candice Lill (11th)

U23 Men

• Luke Moir (seventh)
• Michael Foster (20th)
• Unathi Nxumalo (41st)

U23 Women

• Tyler Jacobs (14th)

Downhill (DHI) 

Elite Men

• Greg Minnaar (23rd)

Elite Women

• Frances Du Toit (30th)

Junior Men

• Ethan Hunter (55th)

The Future Looks Bright for South African MTB

The 2024 MTB World Championships was a strong reminder of the country’s talent pool in mountain biking. Seasoned veterans like Greg Minnaar, Alan Hatherly, and Candice Lill not only serve as role models for young riders but also continue to push the boundaries of what South Africans can achieve on the international stage. And with rising stars like Luke Moir, the future of South African MTB looks promising.

More importantly, these performances will inspire the next generation of mountain bikers in South Africa.

READ MORE ON: MTB World Champs