At just 16, Joshua Paul is fast becoming a standout name in South African mountain biking.
Last year, the Grade 11 student from Ballito secured two national titles – short course (XCC) and road – while also dominating the KZN Schools MTB Series and winning both the school and inter-provincial races for his age group at the national finals.
Passionate about growing the sport among young athletes, Joshua has played a key role in getting more North Coast schools to introduce MTB to their weekly sports schedule. Training under Ty White at DriveTrain Academy, he recently competed in his first international races in Brazil and Namibia. As an ambassador for Holla Trails and Orbea bikes, supported by On Track Cycles (Cycle Lab Ballito), Joshua is proving that dedication and passion can take you to new heights – both on and off the bike.
We caught up with him to chat about his journey, race-day rituals and advice for aspiring riders.
What first got you hooked on mountain biking?
Was it love at first ride?
My family moved to Ballito in 2018. Since my dad is a keen rider, we often went on rides together. One of my new friends at school rode with Sugar Rats and invited me to join him and I loved it! I quickly started riding twice a week with Sugar Rats and made lots of cycling friends. My first race was a Spur School Series event, and from then on, I raced whenever I could. As I became more competitive, I transitioned to DriveTrain Academy, where I still train with Ty White.
You’ve had an incredible year.
What’s been your most memorable race so far and why?
Although I won two national titles last year for road and short course (XCC), my most memorable race was winning the national Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) event at Cascades. Cascades is KZN’s ‘home venue,’ and the course changes each time we race there. Last year’s course really suited my riding style – everything just seemed to come together for an exciting race. Taking my first national XCO win in front of a home crowd was truly special.
If you could describe the feeling of crossing the finish line first in a few words, what would they be?
After catching my breath – pure joy and fulfilment.
What’s the one pre-race ritual you never skip?
I have a few!
I always get my bike checked by On Track Cycles to make sure everything is running perfectly.
Nutrition is key, so I have salmon, rice and steamed veggies the night before a race, and oats for breakfast on race day.
If possible, I ride to the race venue – it doubles as a warm-up and gives me some mindful quiet time.
If you could design your dream MTB racecourse, what would it include?
Lots of natural technical sections and a good amount of climbing throughout. I particularly enjoy short, punchy climbs. The course in Araxa Brazil where I secured my first international win came very close to being perfect.
What’s been the coolest moment in growing the sport at local schools?
Seeing more and more kids riding bikes has been amazing! Last year, starting in a line-up of 85+ boys at Maritzburg College in KZN and at the Cycle Lab National finals were an incredible experience.
Not everyone who competes in the Cycle Lab Schools Series is a hardcore racer. The courses are lap-based, so you can’t get lost, and it’s easy to grab fluids or technical support if needed. Plus, every rider earns points for their school just by participating. The highlight of the day is always the high school interschool relay!
Why not grab your bike and helmet and try something new this winter?
Or come along to support your school’s riders! You don’t have to race – cycling is a sport where you compete against yourself just as much as others. It’s also a great way to unwind with friends after a day of studying. My dad has shown me that it’s a sport you can enjoy for life, and it can take you to some incredible places – I hope more young riders get to experience that!
What’s your best advice for someone who’s never tried MTB but wants to give it a go?
Grab a friend and go for a lekker ride! Holla Trails is a great place to start. You can hire a bike there to see if you like it, and there’s a wide variety of trails to explore.
Joining a school riding team or a local MTB group is a fantastic way to develop your skills. And if you fall or struggle with an obstacle, don’t give up – try again! The feeling when you finally master it is totally worth it.
Go to www.onemovement.co.za for more of Josh’s career highlights.
Details: IG: @ joshp_mtb_
