![\"ccs-62657-0-23882900-1413988304.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-23882900-1413988304.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\nThe under-23 star had been all prepped and ready to tackle the seven day long Western Cape contest with Kargo ace Rourke Croeser however a frustrating diagnosis of a kidney infection just the day before the start of the race forced Croeser out of the competition and left Walker having to take on the challenge alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was obviously disappointing not to have Rourke with Travis on the start line but everything happens for a reason and things panned out pretty well for us in the end,\u201d said Kargo team manager Shaun Peschl.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re always going to have obstacles such as riders getting sick or injured thrown at you and you just have to look to overcome them as best you can which Travis (Walker) did brilliantly!<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom start to finish he was just spot on and he turned it around and showed the mental toughness. He is a man of few words and he let his legs do all the talking at Pioneer!\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
After learning of his ill fate, Croeser described his emotions on took to social network, Twitter. \u201cDisappointed is an understatement. Totally gutted!\u201d<\/p>\n
Just two days later though and he was full of praise for his partner\u2019s efforts. \u201cI have believed in this guy\u2019s ability for a long time. Well done my brother!\u201d<\/p>\n