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Marco Joubert
Marco started taking part in races during 2007. He has been riding his MTB in XC terrain since a young age where he developed his skills. The first race that he took part in was not MTB but road. This was the 30 km Lorraine event which is one of the most competitive races for youngsters as many take part in this race. He finished first in the U/11 category with his MTB on slicks (he refused using his road bike) in 2007. This year, in the same race he came second in the U/12 age group. This is the only two road races he ever attempted.
Marco is always keen on riding his MTB and more so if it involves a nice technical downhill. Achievements thus far in MTB events was a gold medal from EP Cycling for U/12 cross country in 2008. He also won the 20km route at the Steeltek EP 1/2 Marathon Champs for his age group and came 11th out of a total of 34 riders of all ages.
At this early age training is not a factor and he plays more cricket and rugby than riding his bike. Training on the bike is mostly social rides with Fat Tracks MTB club or a weekend ride with his dad.
Marco is especially strong doing XC races and he will be attempting one or two national XC events in 2009.
MARCO JOUBERT: U/12 SA NATIONAL ROAD CHAMP 2009
He achieved this during the S.A. Road Champs held in Oudtshoorn on 29 May. Since the beginning of 2009 Marco has really developed as a rider with huge potential. A factor that supports this view is that at this stage, although he enjoys cycling, he is not close to training the amount of hours some top riders of his age do. The average training week is typically three rides plus a race if there is one on. His dad helps with the training and he and Marco concentrate to achieve the most with the limited amount of training. At this age it is important to have fun and to not over train.
As in 2008, he won all the EP U/12 MTB Cross Country races for 2009. In MTB races he was first in his age category at the Bruintjies and the Swartkops Adventure at Redhouse. He is doing many more road races and did well by winning the U/12 age category at the Engen Cycle tour in P.E. He was the first scholar (second overall) at the 34km Makana Brick race in Grahamstown.
Another outstanding performance on the road was the John Vieira Cycle Challenge which is the top race in E.P. for school kids. Here he won the U/12 time trail, the road race and the hill climb!
