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Candice Lill doesn’t chase balance. She creates it, moment by imperfect moment, whether she’s hurtling down a technical descent at a World Cup or cooking barefoot in her kitchen with a glass of red in hand. South Africa’s top female mountain biker and King Price Xtreme athlete, Candice has carved out a career defined as much by grit and breakthroughs as it is by intention, support, and stillness. Her story is one of talent, yes, but also of choosing to ride her own way, of doing it differently, and of owning that with grace. “When I was younger, I didn’t really struggle with balance, but that was mostly because I wasn’t focused enough on my career,” she laughs. “Now I tend to overthink and aim for perfection. So, balance, for me, means not bringing that intensity into every part of the day.” Marriage, teamwork, and switching roles Candice doesn’t achieve balance alone. Her husband Darren is more than just her partner; he’s the other half of her operation. “We’re a team. He’s the mechanic, the manager, the logistics guy, the one who makes sure that all I must do is pitch up and ride. He runs the show.” But this kind of full-time, all-in partnership isn’t without its challenges. “We’ve learned to switch roles, from husband and wife to athlete and manager, and back again. It can be intense,” she admits. “We’ve learned that we need to intentionally return to being just us. Go on date nights. Book a night away. Remember that being husband and wife is the most important role of all.” Racing her own way Candice’s cycling journey started at age three. It was just for the joy of it. Riding bikes on the farm, feeling the wind in her hair. Even now, that childlike feeling of freedom is what she chases. But joy alone doesn’t get you to the top. In 2024, Candice made history by landing her first-ever World Cup podium in Val di Sole, an emotional milestone years in the making. The grind of elite racing goes far beyond physical training. “Physically, I’m …

‘Cycling has never just been about winning. It’s about curiosity. How far and fast can I go? What am I truly capable of?’ This is the refreshing outlook of King Price Xtreme elite mountain biker Candice Lill, 1 of South Africa’s top-performing riders. Make no mistake though: Candice is as well-known on the world stage as she’s here at home. A 2-time Olympian and multiple national and continental champion, her 2025 goals are to conquer the UCI World Championships in Crans Montana, Switzerland, as well as the XCO World Cups and Worlds. But, while the venues and opponents may change, her motivation remains constant: To reach her full potential, leave nothing on the table, and do it all with integrity. Now, in the more seasoned years of her career, Candice’s approach to training and racing has become more refined and focused, with mental resilience coming to the fore. She leans into her experience, backing herself with calm confidence and a clear strategy. She races smarter, knows herself better, trusts what works, and doesn’t allow ‘external noise’ to shake her anymore. It’s this mix of grit, discipline and perspective that continues to set Candice apart. While she’s known for her relentless work ethic and high standards, she credits her support system, especially her husband, as the real X-factor in her success, saying that none of it would be possible without him: ‘The environment around me allows me to keep showing up and pushing through, even when it gets tough.’ And make no mistake, the tough times come… From temporary injuries to entire seasons that don’t go to plan. Now, though, she meets these challenges with a steady focus on the process, not the outcome. ‘I’ve learned to zoom in on the day-to-day goals. When the big picture feels overwhelming, I just take the next small step forward.’ Her mental preparation is as sharp as her physical form. Pre-race, she retreats into her mind, visualising scenarios, running through solutions, and getting …

Phillip Buys might make elite mountain biking look effortless – even fun – but his success on the trails comes down to a very serious approach. It’s the result of years of fine-tuning his health and fitness strategies to stay strong, sharp, and injury-free. “I know that if I want to compete at my best, I have to take my health seriously – both on and off the bike,” says the King Price Xtreme pro elite rider. His approach? Carbs, consistency, balance, and a whole lot of body science. Phillip’s health routine starts with training, but not the kind that wrecks your immune system. “I’ve learnt to avoid overtraining. It’s easy to fall into that trap when you’re pushing hard, but being fit and being healthy aren’t always the same thing,” he explains. Using tech to monitor his power, heart rate, and recovery levels, he’s able to train smarter, not just harder. Nutrition plays a key role, especially when it comes to fuelling and recovery. “On race days, I’ll take in 90 to 120g of carbs, plus 500ml of fluid, every hour. Your body needs the fuel to perform but, equally as important, your gut has to be trained to absorb it efficiently,” says Phillip. This isn’t just about energy; fuelling properly helps him avoid energy crashes, boost endurance, and recover faster post-race. Speaking of recovery – Phillip takes it very seriously. “The 45 minutes after a race or hard session are critical. I go straight in with a high-carb recovery drink, followed by a solid meal. That’s when your body is rebuilding, and you want to give it the tools to do that.” He also swears by weekly sports massages to help prevent injuries and speed up muscle repair. And then there are the ice baths. Yup, they’re as cold as they sound but they’re also magic for muscle recovery and inflammation. Immediately after stage races or hard efforts, Phillip puts on an ice vest and then spends at least eight minutes in an ice bath. The sudden cooling lowers his core temperature, reduces muscle …