Nicholas Van der Merwe (UC Monaco) paid his own way to the Montréal World Championships, where his father was his only support, highlighting the gap in budgets and support for competitors from different nations.
The Johannesburg-born rider, who represents Bulgaria, told Cycling Pro Net after Monday’s men’s under-23 time trial that the country had no budget for his trip. His father registered as team manager, while Van der Merwe had to handle mechanical work and bike preparation alongside racing.
“It's a small team here, only me and my dad. So, you know, without a lot of support, I think I can be proud of the result,” he said.
Van der Merwe, 19 and in his first season at under-23 level, finished 25th over the 31.3km course on September 21. His time of 39:30.28 put him 2:04.12 behind the winning mark.
“So, this trip's quite difficult. Like I said, Bulgaria unfortunately doesn't have any budget. So, I had to pay my way here,” he said. “And with that, only my dad had to register as team manager. So, it's just me and him staying here alone.”
“So, I have to manage the things with the mechanic-ing and the bike, everything. So, it's a bit difficult, but you know, this is the reality,” he said. “You know, you have to make it. So, I try and do everything I can to do that.”
Van der Merwe spent a little time in the time trial hot seat, briefly sitting in the lead. He had hoped for a better time on a course he described as very technical. Bumps in the roads made it difficult to settle into a steady rhythm, and he focused on maintaining his power through the effort.
“I was hoping for a bit more today, but you know, I think this is race day. So, I'm happy overall,” he said.
Van der Merwe was not alone in reaching Montréal without his federation paying his travel costs. New Zealand’s selection policy also required its riders to fund their own attendance, although Cycling New Zealand provided money for UCI requirements and support on the ground. The contrast showed how a place at the World Championships did not necessarily come with a fully funded trip.
“Hopefully, you know, my biggest goal is obviously Devo team. This is I think the goal for all of us under 23s,” he said. “That support I think really can help transform your performance.”
