On any given morning in Salt Rock, you might find Sanchia Malan on her bike, immersed in a sport she once swore she would never love.
Her first ride was far from love at first sight. “I could not imagine how people could do this for fun,” she laughs, recalling the falls and bruises that came with those early days.
But her first race changed everything. It was not just the challenge that drew her in, but the energy around it. “I really liked the atmosphere and the fact that you could be competitive.” That moment stayed with her.
Stepping into the elite space
Five years on, Sanchia is competing at an elite level in one of the toughest endurance sports in the world. She has taken on the Cape Epic and raced internationally in events like the Andorra Epic and Swiss Epic, steadily moving into the top tier.
It’s also a space that is evolving. “Mountain biking has always been a male-dominated sport,” she says, “but women’s participation has grown immensely.” The increasing depth of competition is something she welcomes.
The work behind the ride
Training for events like the Epic demands up to 20 hours a week on the bike, alongside strength work and carefully managed nutrition. Sanchia balances it all with a career as a property broker, fitting training into an already full schedule.
“A lot of people think I just ride my bike,” she says, “but there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.” Every element, from structured training to fuelling, plays a role. “Every small thing makes a difference.”
The mental game
For Sanchia, racing is as much psychological as it is physical. The hardest moment often comes before the race even begins.
“That is the scariest moment,” she says of standing on the start line. “Once the race starts, you realise it’s actually not so bad.”
Learning to manage nerves and stay focused under pressure has become part of her discipline.
Redefining success
For Sanchia, success is not defined by podium finishes, but by progress.
“It’s not really about the results,” she says. “It’s about looking back and seeing how far you’ve come.”
That mindset keeps her grounded in a sport that can easily become outcome-driven. At the end of each race, it comes down to a simple moment of clarity.
“It’s that feeling of ‘look what I did’… that’s what keeps me going.”
Start strong
Sanchia’s no-nonsense advice for getting into the sport
Keep it fun first
“Don’t get too serious too quickly. Keep it light-hearted.”
Focus on your own race
“You are here to race against yourself before anyone else.”
Let go of bad results
“One tough ride does not define you. Show up again.”
Remember your why
“Keep the enjoyment element. Remember why you started.”
Trust the process
“Progress comes from consistency, not perfection.”
Chase the feeling, not the finish
“It’s that feeling of ‘look what I did’… that’s what keeps me going.”
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photo: Milan De Beer | Thirdbase
Details: IG: @sanchia_malan
