PMB World Champs loom

The 23-year-old steered away from the region's passion for soccer in November 2009 and began cycling.

"I am so happy to have been selected for the South African team for the World Champs. It is a dream for me," said Madolo.

"I like a challenge and mountain biking is that. You have to work very hard in training and the racing is just as tough."

Madolo's passion for cycling was furthered when he met current Marathon World Champion Christoph Sauser in 2010 and the Swiss star's influence was immediately visible.

"After I met Christoph we then trained together in 2011," said Madolo.

"That didn't only change things for my life in cycling, it just changed my whole life. "I told Christoph last year that I wanted to try be selected for the World Champs this year and he told me I had to work really hard."

(File photo:Gallo Images)