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Following a successful season in Enduro and Downhill Mountain Bike racing, 17 year old Ross Kew is set to have an even better 2023. An 18th place finish in Juniors at a very difficult Val di Sole DH World Cup put Ross in the spotlight and caught the attention of Martin Whitley of 23 Degrees Sports – ultimate resulting in new sponsors, a ride on Propain Bicycles, and a year of local and international racing.
There’s no doubting Ross has a bright future in racing ahead of him! We caught up with the young rider to talk about the new opportunities afforded to him…
Full name: Ross Kew
Age: 17
Hometown: Durban, South Africa
Years racing: 6
Sponsors: Propain Bicycles, Fox Racing South Africa, Crankbrothers, Viris Brand Eyewear and 23 Degree Sports
Take us through your 2022 season and the highlights that came with it?
2022 was a great year for me. I started off with racing the full South African and KZN circuit competing in Downhill and Enduro. I managed to grab the KZN title in both disciplines, which I was super stoked about. We then made the decision for me to do a trip around Europe to do a couple rounds of the EWS and a Downhill World Cup, which was a huge learning experience for me.
We could say it was your breakthrough season in Downhill MTB racing?
Yea, definitely!
You had one of your best World Cup results (18th) in Val di Sole on an absolutely brutal track. Just how brutal was the track to race and what do you feel contributed to your success there?
Val Di Sole was insane from the start and got progressively worse as the week went on as the track started to deteriorate, but in a weird way I also started enjoying it more as the week went on. I think I went into the race with an open mind, not putting too much pressure on myself, which took the stress off my shoulders, and I think that contributed a lot towards my result.
You have just announced that you will be riding for Propain Bicycles for 2023. Give us some insight into how the partnership came about and what it means to you!
My manager from 23 Degrees Sports, Martin Whitley, was able to secure the ride for me. It’s not a factory ride or anything like that, but they kindly gave me a complete DH bike, my first proper DH race bike, and will support me at races in Europe, which will be a big step up for me as I race my second year in juniors.
How much did your success in your 2022 season play a part of the new sponsorships?
2022 played a huge role in my support for this season. I think if it wasn’t for my results in Europe, I would not have anything near to what I have now. The result in Val Di Sole for sure was key. It’s what brought me to the attention of Martin and also some of his top clients who also pointed out my result out to him. From that I was able to go to 23 Degrees HQ in Spain and do some testing on their World Cup level tracks.
Will you be riding alongside any teammates?
No, I will still be racing as a privateer.
You have quite a busy 2023 season ahead. Give us some insight into that?
Yea, this year I have 17 races in total. I’ll be doing a full SA season and a full World Cup season, with some other UCI recognised events in between. Definitely looking forward to the World Cups but I think the highlight of the year will be World Champs in Scotland, if I qualify!
What are your goals for the 2023 season?
This year I would like to win the SA Series and SA Champs, before I leave for Europe where I would like to qualify at all the World Cups and try and get a couple Top 10’s in juniors.
What are your goals for you Downhill racing career as a whole?
To travel around the world earning a living from what I love, which is racing!
Given the opportunity to train alongside any of the current pro riders, who would they be?
Obviously Greg Minnaar as he’s not only our local hero but he’s clearly a World Cup legend. Also Brook MacDonald and some of the French Pros for sure.
What goes into preparing for the upcoming race season?
I’ve recently started with a gym trainer who is helping me a lot with building up strength, and then I’ve just been trying to get as much time on the DH bike as possible, I have also spent a lot of time on the trail bike building up some fitness and endurance.
Having already ridden and raced on your new Propain bike, how does the bike’s overall feel fit with your riding style?
The Propain Rage CF is unreal, I felt comfortable on it straight away. It’s super playful and responsive, which I love, but still sits really well in the rougher sections.
How can fans follow you and your results through the 2023 season?
You can follow me on Instagram @rosskew_96 and also follow my results on my profile HERE.
Any shout outs?
Martin Whitely from 23 Degrees Sports for believing in me and supporting me for this season, I really appreciate everything he has done for me! My parents for always supporting me. Mark for helping me get ready for the season in the gym, and Sharjah Johnson who helped me in so many ways last year while I was in Europe.
Photos by Craig Scott.
