Global Talent Competes for the Coveted Rainbow Stripes in the Heart of KwaMashu

Nov 09, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

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The world’s best pump track riders descended upon KwaMashu, a vibrant township on Durban’s north coast, to battle for top honours at the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships. After fiercely competitive events in both the Men’s and Women’s categories, Ryan Gilchrist from Australia and Sabina Košárková from the Czech Republic demonstrated exceptional speed, skill, and determination to claim the coveted rainbow stripes in their respective categories.

The Men’s final was an all-Aussie showdown between Ryan Gilchrist and AJ Donald, who had advanced through intense rounds. In the small final, 2023 World Champion Alec Bob (USA) defeated Eddy Clerte (FRA) to secure third place, leaving Clerte in fourth.

The crowd watched in anticipation as these elite riders went head-to-head, each determined to claim the top podium position. In the final, Gilchrist put down the fastest lap of the day (17.028) to take the top spot.

“Being World Champion is probably the best feeling of my life. 2024 has already been a year to remember: World Cup Overall, Crankworx and now a rainbow jersey. Not everything went perfect today - it was all about building towards the final and I was stoked to get faster and faster through the rounds. The Rainbow jersey has been on my bucket list since I was 10 so winning them on a mountain bike is incredible.” Gilchrist is the first mountain biker since Tommy Zula at the inaugural Pump Track World Championships to take top honours.

In the Women’s final, Sabina Košárková and Nadine Aeberhard (SUI) competed with equal intensity, pushing each other to the limit. In the earlier semi-final, they posted stronger times than Vineta Petersone (LAT) and Kristina Madarásová (SVK) who finished in third and fourth respectively.

“My strategy was to stay consistent. I was putting really solid rounds in to break under 19 seconds. I was training a lot more than the last two years - I knew what I was missing was the mental side and I stayed really calm during the races. To hear the Czech anthem on the podium and get my rainbow stripes was very special. I still can’t believe I’m World Champion!”

The Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships, in partnership with Pump for Peace and GO!Durban Academy, brought together 64 athletes from 16 countries in KwaMashu. Leading up to the main event, a week-long program of clinics and local tours allowed competitors to experience the natural beauty, culture, and energy of the City of eThekwini.

RESULTS:

Men
1. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS)
2. AJ Donald (AUS)
3. Alec Bob (USA)
4. Eddy Clerte (FRA)

Women
1. Sabina Košárková (CZE)
2. Nadine Aeberhard (SUI)
3. Vineta Petersone (LAT)
4. Kristina Madarásová (SVK)

Photos: Dan Griffiths