[imagesource: Bartosz Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool]
He may not be as much of a household name as sporting stars like Siya Kolisi or AB de Villiers, but Greg Minnaar is used to flying somewhat under the radar.
For years, he has remained at the very pinnacle of downhill mountain biking, winning the World Downhill Championships in 2003, 2012, and 2013.
Now, at the age of 39, he has claimed his fourth title, speeding down the trickiest of tracks in Val Di Sole, Italy.
Even if you don’t know a great deal about the sport, the excitement of the commentators should give you an idea of just how special his winning ride was:
From the 2:30 mark, the commentary team really lets loose, and for good reason.
Nicolas Vouilloz gives him a run for his money in terms of titles, but coming back at the age of 39 to win once more sets Minnaar apart from the rest.
Like Os du Randt winning the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and 2007 (and Frans Steyn’s 2007 and 2019 double-up), it’s an incredible feat of stamina and endurance.
Sport24 covers some of the basics around his extraordinary career:
…the World Championships – Minnaar is now a four-time winner – is a once-off annual meet and the biggest race of the year.
The World Cup – Minnaar is a three-time champion – meanwhile, is the season-long circuit where riders accumulate points at venues around the globe.
Minnaar’s 22 stage wins throughout his World Cup career are unrivalled (American legend Aaron Gwin has 20), while he has also won more World Cup season medals (11 – three gold, four silver, four bronze) than any other rider in history.
After the race, the South African was overcome with emotion, saying “I just dropped my head and started crying. I couldn’t hold back. It is an incredible feeling, so overwhelming.”
On the podium, the champagne was popped:
As he nears 40, there will be no relief for his rivals, with Minnaar saying after his win that he’ll keep on racing as long as he feels he can compete with the best.
“I don’t want to quit and then come back a year later. While I’m enjoying it, and if I can put in the effort at training, I’ll still race. I think I’ve got another year or two left in me, for sure.”
His Facebook post celebrating the win said that “age is just a number my brus”.
If you’re at the top of your game, why stop now?
[source:sport24]
