10-year-old Sabella van Riel shines in her first Cape Town Cycle Tour
Sabella van Riel took part in her first Cape Town Cycle Tour on the weekend.
Image: Supplied
A 10-year-old Llandudno Primary School pupil achieved an impressive milestone last weekend when she completed the Cape Town Cycle Tour for the first time.
Sabella van Riel, a Grade 5 pupil, took on the challenging 42km route, showing remarkable determination, perseverance, and enthusiasm throughout the race.
Despite her age, she completed the full distance in just over three hours, crossing the finish line with a huge smile before proudly receiving her medal after an inspiring ride that demonstrated both resilience and a love for cycling.
"It was fun, but tiring on the uphills. Riding to the finish line was my favourite part, and I did it because I wanted to get medals with my mom."
Melissa van Riel with Sabella before the race.
Image: Supplied
Her proud mom, Melissa van Riel, said: "Sabella was eligible to enter the Cape Town Cycle Tour because the youngest age allowed is riders turning 11 in the year of the race. When she realised she qualified, she was absolutely over the moon."
Melissa said it was something her daughter had wanted to do for a couple of years.
"We decided to give it a try and started with a few training rides before entering. From the beginning, she showed a lot of guts and determination. On race day, there were definitely some nerves, but those quickly turned into excitement and then into hard work and pride as she crossed the finish line after completing the 42 km Cape Town Cycle Tour," Melissa said.