Hilma Nalupe 

At just 17 years old, Namibian cyclist Roger Surén has already etched his name into the history books by securing a silver medal at the UCI Junior World Championships in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on 12 September 2025. 

For him, the moment felt nothing short of surreal. 

Surén’s journey began in the most unexpected way. 

As a grade 1 learner at Delta School Windhoek, he stumbled upon a cycling training session led by Caroline Janik. 

Curious, he hopped onto a friend’s bike, catching Janik’s attention. 

That simple ride sparked what would become a lifelong passion. With the steady encouragement of his parents, who often cycled alongside him, his hobby grew into a calling. 

However, his path to success has not been without sacrifice. 

Like many young athletes striving for excellence, he admits his social life often takes a backseat. 

“Between cycling and school, almost all of my time is taken up by these commitments,” he noted. 

Yet the rewards speak for themselves. 

Since his first African Continental Championships in Lesotho at just nine years old to competing on European soil, every step has shaped him into a stronger, more determined athlete. 

The silver medal win stands out as Surén’s proudest moment so far. 

“My sole focus in the final stretch was on catching Lucas Teste from France before he crossed the finish line,” he recalled. 

In his pocket was a small but powerful source of motivation: an ostrich sticker from his father. Whenever the race felt unbearable, he glanced at it, drawing strength from his dad’s words of encouragement. 

Preparation for the World Championships was a team effort. 

He trained under the guidance of coaches Hans du Toit and Michael Falk, supported by his parents, friends, sponsors and, more recently, the Olympic Solidarity LA Scholarship. 

Surén’s success has not only elevated his own career but also shone a spotlight on Namibian cycling. 

“This achievement puts me and Namibian cycling on the world stage. No matter where you come from, everything is possible if you dedicate yourself and put your mind to it,” he said with pride. 

Looking ahead, his goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring. 

He dreams of turning professional, competing in the elite cross-country Olympic category and even racing in the pro peloton. 

In the near future, Surén has his sights firmly set on gold. 

With a blend of discipline, humility and determination, he is steadily paving his path toward the Olympics. 

Off the bike, Surén balances his demanding training schedule with schoolwork, soon completing his external Advanced Subsidiary exams. 

Cycling remains a family affair – his parents and sister also ride and his friends continue to cheer him on. 

To him, the sport mirrors life itself – a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. 

As for the lesson that guides him on and off the track, he recalls the words of former coach Hella Rust: “Never give up before you cross the finish line”. 

With role models like Nino Schurter and the unwavering support of his community, Namibia’s cycling prodigy is proving that dreams, when chased with grit and passion, can take you from the streets of Windhoek to the pinnacle of world sport. 

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com