Last year I had a really bad crash while preparing for the u23 Giro d’Italia. On my second last training ride I did 5h30 and was on a long climb but as I started the descent, there was a car of tourists who’d stopped on a hairpin bend. I saw the car too late and braked too hard. My wheels slipped out. I went down and dislocated my shoulder.
I couldn’t ride for two months. This was a difficult time for me. When I’m sick and injured, I can’t do what I love. I went back to South Africa to recover for two months. It was easier to recover at home, but the tough part was being off the bike and looking at the guys and my teammates racing in Europe. Watching from the sidelines is one of the hardest things for me.
It’s funny because the Europeans don’t know how difficult it is for Africans to leave home and come to Europe in pursuit of a dream. Everything is different and new. During a racing break of 2 – 3 weeks, the Italians in our team get to go home to a familiar environment. For us Africans, we move to Europe for 9 months at a time.
De Bod on his way to a second Tour of Good Hope title (Photo: Robert Ward)
So here I was at home with family in South Africa – which was nice – but all I wanted to do was be back in Europe, racing. This is how much the dream of chasing a professional career in cycling means. We’re willing to make the sacrifices and put in the hard work.
In 2014 I won the national championships. That led to the opportunity of joining the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team. It meant I had to move 1300 kilometres away from home as an 18-year-old. I had to learn to shop for myself, cook, clean and manage the small amount of money I earned. It was a challenge but one I enjoyed.
Stefan de Bod wins the GP Palio del Recioto at Negrar, Italy, on 3 April 2018. (Andrew Peat)
All those sacrifices and overcoming the challengers have led to this opportunity I’ve received. Turning professional with Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka next year is the start of my cycling career. I want to honour my parents with this opportunity. They’ve been supporting me from day one. During high school, I raced overseas a few times. They helped me financially and supported my passion. It’s an expensive sport and I wouldn’t be here without their belief. They saw my dream and they wanted it to come true. They’ve been my number one supporter.
I’m definitely a little bit nervous about next year but I’m also confident. I’ve learnt a lot and improved over the years. People have told me it’s tough in the World Tour, but you have to have the confidence to do your best. I will race the way I’ve always raced. I’m not here to take a step back.
