Gordon Gilbert is a name that pops up regularly in the top 20 overall finishers at mountain bike races. It’s also a name that’s been mentioned by numerous football commentators during professional games. What’s the connection?
By Sean Badenhorst
Photos: Dino Lloyd
You played professional football. Was this in Scotland only?
No, not only in Scotland. I turned professional just before my 18th birthday and made my debut a few weeks later. I started my professional career with St. Johnstone, then moved to East Fife FC, both in Scotland. I then decided I wanted to come to South Africa to play as the World Cup had just been awarded to SA. The hype and excitement around the country during that time was a real attraction to me. I was born in South Africa, which gave me an ambition to represent the country at the 2010 World Cup. I’m happy to say I played for South Africa against Botswana, which was an incredible experience.
From a club perspective, I started playing with Tuks, then soon moved to MP Black Aces and had a lot of success with them. I later moved on to play for Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows and finally, Thanda Royal Zulu.
I had a good career in the PSL and have a lot of fond memories playing in cup finals and derby matches.
Wow! Clearly I’m not a watcher of football. How did you start mountain biking?
I had to retire from football maybe slightly prematurely due to injury. However, I didn’t go out without a fight and part of my rehab was lots of spinning, which unbeknown to me at the time, was turning me into a cyclist (ha ha!).
I was invited to an Absa Cape Epic launch. After a few drinks and with the excitement of everyone there, I ended up leaving, having accepted an offer to do the Cape Epic for the JAG Foundation. All I can say is, the rest is history and the bug bit me hard. Now I’m training hard and trying to compete with the top guys where possible.
When did you discover that you’re actually a fast mountain biker?
Well firstly thanks for the compliment. I think the transition from football to cycling weirdly complimented each other. The high-intensity factor required in top-level football is very similar to mountain biking. I think with hard work I adapted quite quickly as my body has always been well conditioned from being a full-time footballer for so long. I picked up the skills quite fast and I’m naturally competitive! I really just give my all every race and enjoy being able to be competitive.
What are your best mountain bike racing achievements to date?
Just finishing every race is a great achievement for me! However, to pick a few, I was 26th overall at the 2016 Cape Epic (with Alan Gordon) and have had a few overall wins at the Kalahari Challenge, the Sabie Experience, the Isimangaliso stage race and the Kremetert Festival cross-country race.
What do you do for a living now that you’re retired from pro soccer, er, football?
I do a lot of charity work in the rural areas surrounding our magnificent nature reserves. Mainly soccer clinics and teaching the people the importance of preserving and conserving our heritage. Poaching at the moment is obviously a huge topic and trying to change the mind set of the people directly or indirectly involved.
I find giving back is very rewarding. I am into property in a small way and my father also keeps me busy in his business, which is selling mining equipment.
What are your goals as a mountain biker?
I want to do the best I can do and keep climbing up the ranks. There are a lot of quality riders out there, so hopefully hard work will pay off. I’m 33 now, so still got some time on my side. I’m grateful for the support of Biogen, my main sponsor, and Centurion Cyclery for whom I’m an ambassador.
All rights reserved
*Originally published in TREAD Issue 40, 2016 and can be found on Zinio – All rights reserved
