Mokgopo was discovered by the Diepsloot MTB Academy and rode his third Epic in 2014 with Owen Hannie, SuperSport and Metro FM presenter, who rode his fifth Epic this year. At the finish line, Mokgopo was presented with an Amabubesi medal, which in Zulu means “pride of lions”. The medal is awarded to riders who have completed the race three times. After his experience at the Epic Mokgopo said, “I actually learned that it gets tougher as you go. Fortunately I got stronger as time went by. And it feels really good – Owen Hannie was helping me and encouraging me along the way and I think I redefined my strength. Thanks to Owen and Absa for the opportunity we got this year.” Overall, Hannie and Mokgopo finished 102nd finishing stage seven in 4:05.01.
In April, Mokgopo will be representing South Africa in the Elite u/23 XCO team for the MTB XCO World Cup, which will be held at Cascades Mountain bike Park in Pietermartizburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
