JOHANNESBURG - In the world of mountain biking, the name Greg Minnaar stands out globally as one of the legends of the sport.
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The South African has had an impressive career, winning everything on offer in downhill racing.
His career started at a young age showcasing his extraordinary talent in World Cup races.
But now the 43-year-old has called time on his career,although he will continue working with his team, while still racing in other events around the world.
eNCA's Siphokazi Malinga sat down with him to talk about the successes and longevity of his career.
1997 was when it all began for Greg Minnaar. At only 16 years old, he burst into the mountain biking scene, competing at the local UCI downhill World Cup and World Championships.
Competing abroad at such a young age was difficult for him but it would spark a career that would burn bright until the very end.
Minnaar’s path to greatness continued steadily.
At 19 years old he secured the overall points series in elite downhill.
Soon after that, he didn’t have to wait long for his first win which came in 2001 at the UCI World Cup in Austria.
Although Minnaar’s success came fast, the champions story has had its own obstacles.
In subsequent years, the South Africa star continued to dominate internationally, winning three overall titles, four UCI Downhill World Championships and a record 22 UCI World Cups.
But perhaps his biggest achievement was his 2013 win in front of a home crowd.
Andorra 2024 marked the conclusion of his racing career, and he's convinced South Africans tend to leave a lasting legacy in any sport they participate in.
Being an adrenaline junkie, Minnaar enjoys playing other sports in his spare time.
Although Greg Minnaar has called time on his career he will still have a opportunity as a performance and development consultant with his team.
His wish is to see South Africa tap into its talent pool, to produce more world class mountain bikers, competing regularly on the circuit .