Jacques Janse van Rensburg RSA

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Biography

Jacques has always loved sport and says he would be a sports doctor if he were not a professional cyclist. Born and raised in the Free State, he says the bicycle is everything to him and he doesn’t enjoy the off season. “I get agitated during the off season because I can’t ride my bike. When I’m out on the road it just allows me to deal with any stress I have and helps me to stay focused in life.” Jacques got married late in 2012 to his longtime girlfriend, Genee, who he describes as his best supporter. He described 2013 as a great year as he enjoyed encouraging results in races like Giro del Trentino and Tour de Langkawi.

Favourite race?
Tour de Langkawi. When I was under 23 I finished 6th overall. It was an encouraging result. The race is really nice and fast on smooth roads.

What has been your best moment on bike?
When I was 20 years I finished third in the Giro del Capo in Cape Town. Chris Froome finished just ahead of me. He was riding for Pro Continental team Barloworld and there were some really strong riders. There is no reason why I can’t be that strong now when I was that strong then.

Who has had the most influence on your cycling career and why?
Probably Barry Austin and Doug Ryder. Barry is the guy that built me up. In 2011 I was in a bad spot and was on a team that didn’t fulfil it’s promises. Doug threw me a lifeline and believed in me and now I’m on a professional team.

Rider you most admire and why?
There’s no one particular rider I look up to. I am just focused on my own career. I’d like to be on the top riders in the Grand Tours.

If you were not in professional cycling what would you be doing right now?
I’d probably be doing athletics part time. At school I was a 3000m and 1500m runner. I’d also like to study sports science.

What’s your relationship status?
Married

Facebook or Twitter?
I prefer Twitter. Find me on @Jacques002

Any other secret talents besides cycling?
I love computers. I build up my own computers. I am a fan of technology.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

2014 6º in Stage 4 Tour de Azerbaijan -AZE-, Pirqulu (Qabala), Azerbaijan
2014 1º in General Classification Mzansi Tour, South Africa
2014 5º in Stage 2 Mzansi Tour, Golden Gate (Gauteng), South Africa
2014 1º in Stage 1 Mzansi Tour, Clarens (Free State), South Africa
2014 6º in General Classification Tour de Langkawi, Malaysia
2014 6º in Stage 4 Tour de Langkawi,Genting Highlands (Pahang), Malaysia

2013 7º in Stage 1a Giro del Trentino
2013 8º in Stage 3 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, Bitam (GAB)
2013 12º in Coppa Agostoni – Giro delle Brianze (1.1)
2013 14º in General Classification Tour de Langkawi, Malaysia

2012 1º in Stage 2 Tour of Eritrea, Asmara (ERI)
2012 1º in General Classification Tour of Eritrea (ERI)
2012 1º in Stage 2 Anatomic Jock Race (RSA)
2012 2º in General Classification Le Coq Sportif Tour (RSA)

2011 1º in Mahlasela (LES)
2011 3º in Pick’n Pay Fast One (RSA)
2011 3º in African Championship, Road, Asmara
2011 6º in General Classification Tour of South-Africa (RSA)

2010 1º in Kremetart (RSA)
2010 3º in Stage 3 Giro del Capo, Paarl (RSA)
2010 4º in Stage 6 Tour de Rwanda, Kibuye (RWA)
2010 5º in Stage 4 Tour of the Philippines, Subic (PHI)
2010 6º in General Classification Tour of the Philippines (PHI)