By Thathe Msimango
Despite being 22, Marc Pritzen has experienced several setbacks on his way to becoming a champion cyclist.
A potential career-ending crash had most people predicting he wouldn’t make a significant comeback into the sport.
Pritzen had broken his right collarbone twice and had to have a plate inserted which was later removed.
In 2020, he was involved in another massive crash in which the lower part of his lip was ripped off his jaw and had to be stitched back on.
But despite the setbacks, the youngster continued pedalling towards his dream.
This year the Namibian-born athlete has emerged as a dominant figure in cycling. In March he won the Cape Cycle Tour, the country’s biggest cycling event.
Over the weekend, he managed to reign supreme in the Amashova race.
“I’m over the moon that I have managed to win the Cape Cycle Tour and AmaShova in the same year,” Pritzen told Scrolla.Africa.
“I applaud the teammates for assisting me to do well. The experience has taught me quite a lesson. I need to grow into the sport.”
The TeamHoneyComb rider also recently finished 32nd in the UCI World Gravel Championship in Italy against a field of top athletes.
Running was Pritzen’s first choice as he specialised in the 1,500m distance during high school days at Hoërskool Kempton Park but he sustained a knee injury on a cross-country training camp. His physio recommended either cycling or swimming to rebuild his strength.
“I’m not a swimmer so I chose to cycle. I never knew that I would manage to achieve so much in a short space of time,” he said.
“My dream is to continue to compete with the best cyclists in Europe. It is possible to be the best if I can continue to work hard and with support from my club.”
Pictured above: Marc Pritzen
Image source: @DailyMaverick
