She’s fast, fearless and only just getting started. After a whirlwind season across Europe and North America, Ballito mountain biker Tyler Jacobs shares what it’s really like on the international circuit – the grind behind the glory – and what’s next for one of our brightest young talents.
At just 21, Tyler has made her mark on the global stage, putting South African mountain biking on the map. Earlier this year, she claimed a historic bronze medal at the UCI World Championships in Switzerland, a national first in the Under-23 Women’s XCC category. And she hasn’t stopped there.
Most recently, she made the move from Europe to Lake Placid, New York for the penultimate round of the UCI World Cup Series. There, she made history again, claiming her first World Cup podium and her first World Cup win. With the final round taking place in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, Tyler ends her season on a phenomenal high.
Who inspired or influenced on this path?
My parents are very active and fit and they always exposed my brothers and me to the traditional school sports. It was in my mid-teens that my dad encouraged me to join him on rides. I didn’t always enjoy it, I remember complaining… a lot! But over time, I grew to really appreciate being introduced to mountain biking and the people in it. Without that push, I may never have discovered this passion or all the experiences it’s brought me.
What does a typical training week look like?
When I’m home and building towards races, I usually spend about 15-20 hours on the bike, with a mix of intervals, Zone 2 rides and skills sessions. I also do two strength sessions a week and the occasional run.
How have you changed over the years? What lessons have stood out?
I was homeschooled in Kenya and had limited social interaction, so I was quite lonely before returning to South Africa in 2022. Coming home really kickstarted my cycling journey and through the sport I have been exposed to some incredible people and experiences.
Although I’m naturally an introvert, cycling has boosted my confidence. One big lesson I am still learning is that results can’t be the main focus. This sport has extreme highs and lows but finding joy in the process and staying grounded – win or lose – is something I’m striving to master.
Side note: I learned an expensive lesson in Canada after walking across a wooden floor in cleats!
What does success mean to you?
Knowing that I might inspire other young girls to enjoy cycling makes me hopeful that I can have a lasting impact on South African riders.
How do you balance training with everyday life?
I cycle full time, so most of my day is dedicated to training and recovery. Social life takes a back seat but I reset mentally through art. After long periods of travel, quiet time to recharge is essential.
After this historic bronze, what’s next?
My goal is to stay consistently close to the podium. I think those results build confidence, knowing you are capable of that performance helps massively on race day.
I have loved racing with the Liv Factory Team this season and I’m so grateful for their support. I’m excited and motivated for off-season training and hopeful that next year brings even more progress.
Details: IG: @tylercjacobs
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: Raewyn Morrison
