Zermatt, Switzerland – South Africa celebrated a proud moment at the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Zermatt as Tyler Jacobs powered to a hard-earned bronze medal in the Women’s Under-23 Short Track (XCC) final. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Matterhorn, Jacobs’ performance secured South Africa’s only medal of the championships.
Jacobs’ Podium Ride
The 8-lap women’s U23 final proved to be a tactical and relentless battle. Jacobs positioned herself in the leading pack from the opening lap, where a tightly bunched group of eight riders exchanged places through the early stages. By lap four, the front was whittled down to five contenders, including Canada’s Isabella Holmgren, Germany’s Carla Hahn, Austria’s Katharina Sadnik, and fellow Canadian Ella Macphee.
It was lap five where the race truly came alive. Holmgren surged with authority, stretching the pace and splitting the group. Only Hahn and Jacobs had the strength to stay with her, while the others drifted back under the pressure.
By the penultimate lap, Holmgren had carved out a decisive 15-second lead, leaving Jacobs locked in a head-to-head duel with Hahn for silver. Despite a valiant final-lap push, the German rider edged Jacobs in the final leg of the lap, leaving the South African to celebrate an impressive bronze at +0:26 to the winner.
Afterwards, an emotional Jacobs told Cycling South Africa’s media team:
“It was so crazy and I didn’t think it was possible, I’m just so happy. I planned it to start from the outside and get around everyone, and it worked. Hahn had a really good kick at the end, but third is incredible, it’s just amazing!”
South African Team Results
South Africa fielded seven riders across the XCC programme, mixing youth and elite experience.
- Men’s U23 Heats
- Luca Ruwiell finished 25th in Heat 2 (20:33, +1:25), missing out on a finals berth.
- Elite Men’s Heats
- Heat 1: Unathi Nxumalo (24th) and Damon Terblanche (26th) were unable to qualify.
- Heat 2: Alan Hatherly (5th, +0:03), Luke Moir (9th, +0:07), and Michael Foster (18th, +0:16) all booked their spots in the final.
- Elite Men’s Final
Despite encouraging performances in the heats, the final proved a tougher challenge for the South African trio. Luke Moir (31st), Alan Hatherly (32nd), and Michael Foster (38th) were unable to stay with the leaders over the closing laps, finishing outside the front pack on a demanding course that rewarded precision and climbing power.
Significance of Jacobs’ Medal
Jacobs’ bronze was a reward for her composure and strength on a demanding 1.3 km circuit that climbed 70 metres each lap. Her ability to stay in the lead group, respond to attacks, and fight for silver until the final metres showed both her tactical awareness and racing grit. While South Africa’s elite men could not match their heat form in the final, Jacobs’ podium ensured the team left Zermatt with a memorable result from the Short Track competition.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
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