Yolande Pretorius, One of BikePure’s Ambassadors met recently with David De Backer, a massive young talent  from Pietermaritzburg – Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa. With a passion for mountain biking, we  know he is entering a profession of increasing honesty and honour.

You have a passion for mountain biking, where did your passion for this sport come from?

My passion for mountain biking started in August 2008 after being

invited to join an out ride. After my first 30km ride I was hooked,

broken but hooked and have been going strong ever since.

What inspired you to become a mountain biker?

Its wasn’t really a case of needing inspiration, it was mainly the

people involved in the sport. I was really lucky to have joined Team

Adrenaline Cycles after moving to Natal. The team really helped me

grow as a cyclist as supported me through the first two years of my

career.

Do you remember you first win?

I can most defiantly remember my first win, it was the 2009 Toti 69er

which was also my first road race.

Mountain biking is a physical and mental sport, give us a little insight into your specific workouts you do?

I believe 80% of your training is mental, your mind is a very powerful

tool in the sense that it keeps you focused and positive. The other 20

% is of course physical, I am a strong believer in cross training as

well as the normal speed and endurance Training. Core work is another

important aspect involved in my training. A strong core means

increased power output as well as greater control over the bike.

Who do you think have a positive influence on your cycling?

 

Yes I do believe I have a positive influence on cycling. I have

captained the South African high school champ team as well as Team

Adrenaline Cycles all in past two years.

Recently mountain biking is becoming a popular sport in South Africa, what do you think is the reason for this?

I believe the reason for mountain biking becoming popular in South

Africa is due to our enjoyment of the outdoors. Mountain Biking is one

way to enjoy the outdoors as well as catering for world class racing

venues.

Cycling South Africa recently launched the High Performance Program to protect the future world champions/Olympic gold medalist and with our talented cyclists in the country, what’s your views on this program and will we see the likes of Luke Roberts or Brendon Davids at the 2020 Olympic Games?

Regards to the High Performance project. I believe it is major step

forward in becoming a stronger and more developed cycling fraternity.

The development of world class athletes is certain with the various

H.P centres. Do Brendon Davids and Luke Roberts stand a chance for

2020 Olympics? I believe both of these Riders are extremely talented

and will go far with their careers.

If you had to choose between marathon or cross country racing, which one would you choose and why?

I prefer Cross-Country and the adrenaline rush that comes with it.

Cross-Country offers great technical section and steep power climbs

which suit my style of riding.

 

 

What is your option on drug use in the pro peloton?

This has been a very out spoken topic amongst cyclist for some time. I

believe there is nothing worse than a professional athlete or any

other athlete using performance enhancing drug to achieve results.

Why is the anti doping movement important to you?

 

Yes most defiantly.

With the mountain bike season finally arrived, what is the next event you will participate in?

My next races will be the Karkloof Classic on the 10th of April. With

the backing of my new sponsors Senqu, Ryders Eyewear and Rush Sports

it will defiantly be a great session.

Thanks David for spending some time with the Bike Pure team. From all of us, we wish you all of the best with the rest of the mountain bike season.  


Interview taken from : http://bikepure.org/2011/03/david-de-backer-team-senqu%E2%80%93ryder-eyewear-interview/