By Mark Etheridge
Two of the future stars of South African triathlon will be keeping it in the family at Saturday’s Discovery World Cup sprint event at the Cape Town waterfront.
The Quenet siblings Nicholas and Alexandra, originally from Worcester, but now living in Stellenbosch, have been earmarked as having what it takes to represent South Africa at the elite level for many years to come.
Saturday sees them given the chance to do just that.
Nicholas, 19, showed glimpses of his potential on the European circuit with two fine top-10 finishes last year. Twenty-one-year-old Alex, on the other hand, has been learning from the very best, training with two-time Olympian and recently-retired Mari Rabie and the upcoming event is surely her biggest race yet.
Triathlon runs through their veins with dad Anton having represented South Africa on the world’s elite circuit some years back.
Both siblings are being coached by Swiss coach Nico Montavon, who used to work with top Australian coach Darren Smith.
As for their studies, Nicholas is in his second year at Maties, studying accounting, while Alex is in her fourth year towards a pharmaceutical degree at the University of Western Cape.
The two took time out to share their thoughts and expectations with the SASCOC website.
NICHOLAS
‘What a journey it has been to just get to the start line. Three months ago I could only dream about toeing the line for the World Cup.
‘A niggly leg escalated to a serious case of tendinitis in my adductor, leaving me unable to train, let alone even think about racing.
‘But with steady and progressive rehab supervised by my support team, I’ve managed to get to full fitness and will be ready come Saturday.
‘A new Swiss coach is the latest addition to my support team. He brings a watchful eye and a wealth of knowledge for the sport; I feel totally confident that I’m in safe hands and at the start of a very exciting and hopefully memorable triathlon journey.
‘I don’t like to put expectations on myself as I feel that they can leave you either ecstatic or rock-bottom. All I know is that the experience I can gain on Saturday is enough for me to bring my A-game and I’m relishing the opportunity to do so. Knowing that my sister will also be racing the elite race is an added incentive to keep our sibling rivalry intact.
‘A big thanks must go to the people who have supported me and continue to allow me to chase my dreams in a sport that I treasure dearly. A thank you must go to my endorsers: Skechers Performance, Zone 3, BMT bike shop and Cytosport who allow me to do what I really love.
‘I just hope to make it a memorable experience.
‘Besides my European experience for me, it is the biggest because that was as a junior.’
ALEX
‘With this being my first international and elite race, the nervousness and excitement are mixed.
‘I’m excited to line up against some of the best girls in the world and test myself for the first time.
‘I’ve been working hard over the last two months with new coach Nico and have had much guidance and help from very close friend and mentor Mari. I hope to have a solid swim which should see me in the front pack out of the water.
‘I then hope to stay in the pack on the bike as this is something I have been working on and with the bike course being a flat one, I believe I am capable of that. The run will, as always, be a fast one and I will just give all I have until I cross that finish line.
‘A top 20 finish will leave me very satisfied.
‘Racing at home is always special as we have family and friends cheering from the side. I believe this event is going to be an exciting one to watch and look forward to being part of the race.’