Karabelo Thamaee (17), a young Bloemfontein cyclist, has returned home with worthwhile experience gained from his participation in the 2023 European Junior Cycling Tour Assen. The teenager arrived home safely on Tuesday (08/08) from Belgium, where he competed in the prestigious cycling race held from 31 July to 4 August.
The rapidly rising rider debuted in the international event, competing against peers between the ages of eight to 18 years from across the world.
Thamaee was unable to make a dream start in the international race after he felt ill shortly after his arrival in Brussels, the Belgium capital, on 4 July. He featured in time trials of the competition’s last stage, held in the Netherlands.
According to Thamaee, his health condition impacted on his fitness levels and preparations to showcase his full potential. The promising young cyclist mixed fortune did not dampen his spirit on his first-ever international race. Thamaee said he gained valuable lessons from his jittery start and managed to make amends.
“I learned a lot and then applied the knowledge and experience to the third race, and I did well. I managed to stay with the other contenders, and I believe it was a good race for me. Stage 3 was a lot better. I improved my performance, having learned a lot from both the first and second stage of the race, of which we had 31 laps to complete,” said Thamaee.
The event was a dream come true for the teenager to compete abroad. “I have been dreaming about this opportunity to compete internationally. However, it was never a big dream,” he said.
