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Amidst a successful Extreme/ Hard Enduro career, both on the world stage and at local races, Travis Teasdale attributes a big part of his success to growing up and developing riding skills in his hometown of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
With a massive variety of riding terrain on his doorstep, we take a glimpse into Travis’ day-to-day Enduro life in Homegrown.
Full name: Travis Teasdale
Nickname: TT
Age: 24
Hometown: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Years riding: 20
Classes/ divisions: Open Class
Sponsors: Dragon Energy, TT Racing and Agrico
Give us some insight into the highlights of your racing career do far?
I have had many great highlights in my career, my favourite is completing and earning an Erzberg Flag. I have earned some great podiums such as Hells Gate (2nd and 3rd), Roof of Africa (2nd) and Sea to Sky (3rd). Also winning a number of South African National championships.
What does a day in your life usually consist of?
I wake up go to the gym with my trainer, Gareth Ford, at Activ8 Performance, and then most probably go do some of my own Extreme Enduro training or I will be out taking riders training in the afternoons.
How do you feel growing up in the town of Pietermaritzburg has contributed to your skill and success on the bike?
I wouldn’t change it. With the type of terrain and facilities in the area, as well as the local support, it has all contributed to my successful results.
A lot of successful riders have come out of the small town. What about Pietermaritzburg attributes to this?
The freedom to ride from your garage into the hills, the very slippery clay riding of Hilton and extreme trails that many riders cut and clear during the year to better our riding and skills, and a great bunch of mates who are there to ride with.
Given the opportunity to live in any town in the world, which would it be and why?
I really enjoy Italy, I have a really good friend there who owns a farm and the riding and food is just amazing. I have spent a lot of time in my career there and it feels like home away from home.
Which races are you looking forward to most this season and why?
Sea to Sky is definitely one of my favourites. It has such a mixture of terrain and the race is situated right on the beach at these amazing resorts, so it is a like holiday and race week in one.
Take us through your preparation for these type of races?
I always look for watch a few videos to see what I can expect. I am fortunate enough to have done the event a few times so I just make sure my fitness is on a good level, and that my suspension is handling good as there are a huge amount of rocks at this type of event.
What goals have you set for yourself this season and where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I will be pushing for top five positions on the world stage, and fighting for wins at the local races. It’s really hard to say at this stage where I will be in five years but hopefully I will still be racing my bike around the world doing what I love.
What’s your take on the current Enduro scene in South Africa and how would you like to see it evolve in the future?
Our riders are at a high level in SA, we have such a mixed variety of races which makes for an all-rounded rider. The races are becoming more technical and everyone is training and pushing the limit of Enduro. We have great series’ in place and by bringing a few ideas back to SA from the Europe scene every year, it is building the sport up bigger and better, which is preparing our future champions in the years to come to take on the world.
How would you best sum up the experience of shooting for this “Homegrown” edit?
I’d sum it up as a ‘’proud moment”, especially at the end of the video when I am looking over Pietermaritzburg. I have spent many hours working out, doing training rides, pushing and scrumming in this area preparing myself for goals I have set. Making unforgettable memories with friends and looking over the town thanking local sponsors that have helped me finish and reach goals that were once just a dream.
Any shout-outs?
I would really like to give a shout-out to William Gillitt, he has been there through the hard days and the good days. It’s pretty awesome to have him still riding and can call him on any day to talk about racing and get advice.
