South African mountain biking star Candice Lill once again proved her mettle on the global stage, finishing third at the 2024 UCI MTB Marathon World Championships in Snowshoe, West Virginia, USA. Her remarkable bronze medal performance on Sunday, 21 September 2024, has cemented her place among the world’s elite, adding to the silver medal she won in 2023.
Lill’s journey to the podium is a testament to her resilience, skill, and unyielding determination. In a race that spanned a gruelling 100km, the riders faced the physical and mental demands of navigating unfamiliar terrain. Lill, however, rose to the challenge, powering through the course and finishing just over a minute behind race winner Mona Mitterwallner of Austria, and Switzerland’s Sina Frei, who took second.
Despite the race’s intense competition, Lill never lost her focus. Her unwavering determination and sheer grit allowed her to hold her own against the world’s best, securing a podium place with a time of 05:16:15. As the only South African to finish in the top ranks, Lill’s performance has given the nation a reason to celebrate ahead of Heritage Day, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
Reflecting on her achievements, this bronze medal is another shining chapter in Lill’s illustrious career, and it follows her impressive showing at the Cape Epic. Riding alongside her 2023 Cape Epic partner, Mona Mitterwallner, the two have demonstrated that their bond on the trail runs deep, pushing each other to their best.
For South Africans, Lill’s podium finish serves as an inspiration, showing that with heart and dedication, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. As she stood alongside the world’s best, Candice Lill reminded us all of the power of believing in oneself—an invaluable message as the nation celebrates its heritage and the achievements of its people.
Lill’s triumph at the UCI MTB Marathon World Championships is more than a victory for herself; it’s a victory for South African sport, a reminder of the endless possibilities when grit, talent, and heart come together.
