![\"ccs-62657-0-56146300-1487332693.png\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-56146300-1487332693.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Juan Odendaal will be representing South Africa at the 2017 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the city of Carson, Los Angeles, California from 2-5 March. Photo: DoubleST<\/span>\n<\/div>\nHe claimed the gold medal and much acclaimed National Champion Jersey in both the Time Trial and Road Race in the Men\u2019s C3 category. \u201cI had a great Road champs. It has helped me to set a good base Worlds, and data shows it so I’m happy,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Although feeling like he could improve \u201chere and there\u201d in terms of bike, but he\u2019s hoping to have it all come together in the next week. He said: \u201cI’m very motivated, and have a feeling that this could be a good Worlds and a huge improvement from last year, as long as we progress to the end goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through insights from and discussions with various other track athletes, Odendaal has heard that the track is a quick one, which will help him in his 1km Time Trial and Scratch events.<\/p>\n
Odendaal heads off on 26 February with Team Manager, Corne Bence, which leaves him ample time to recuperate from jetlag and the flight. \u201cI\u2019m young, so I really still enjoy long travels and flights, I just hope I can rest well before the Championships,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Cycling South Africa\u2019s Para-cycling Commission Director, Estelle van der Merwe, is very confident that Odendaal will make the country proud. \u201cHe\u2019s been training very hard \u2013 and personally I think this could be the best form he\u2019s ever been in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Van der Merwe also mentioned how lucky Odendaal was to have such incredible family and friend support. \u201cHe\u2019s also been getting some pointers from Paralympian Dane Wilson, and he\u2019s very determined to excel,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Both van Der Merwe joked about the concept of flying for eight hours to California, only to arrive in the \u2018past\u2019 and returning to South Africa in the \u2018future\u2019.
\u201cI\u2019m really proud of what he has accomplished so far and really looking forward to the World Champs,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n
To see the programme schedule, click here: http:\/\/www.uci.ch\/mm\/Document\/News\/News\/18\/16\/83\/10.02.2017ProgrammeLosAngeles_Neutral.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n