Biography
Ross Kew started young as a BMX rider in the Kwa Zulu Natal region of South Africa before discovering mountain bike racing. He was first seen by 23 Degrees in 2019 at the African leg of the Young Talent World Tour, when he was just 14 years old. Too young to be considered for World Cup racing, he was told to keep us updated with his progress. In 2022 he raced his first ever Junior World Cup, with an Enduro bike, on the hardest track of all, the Black Snake at Val Di Sole, Italy, and surpised many with his 18th place. This was his breakout result.
Career Highlights
2023 Junior National DH Champion
2022 Enduro World Series #8, EWS100 Under 21 – 6th
2022 Enduro World Series #7, EWS100 Under 21 – 5th
2022 Junior World Cup DH – Val Di Sole – 18th
Career History
Athlete Profile
Why do you ride: For the pure enjoyment of it and challenging myself to do more and do better.
What/who started you racing: My parents started doing a couple XC marathon events while I was still racing BMX and I guess one thing led to another and I discovered the gravity side of mountain bikes and fell in love with it.
Weakness: Muddy, wet conditions
Most important people in your life and career: My Mum, Dad and sister, they have always supported me.
Racing since: 2016
Best part of racing: Being able to travel the world, meet new people and do what I love.
Hardest part:Being away from family and friends for long periods.
Worst moment in career:So far I've managed to stay out of any sort of serious trouble... touch wood
Best moment in career:Val Di Sole World Cup Downhill
General career goals:To earn a living from racing bikes around the world.
Favorite food:Potjie, it's basically a stew but cooked over a fire, very South African!
Favorite reading: “From Para to Dakar”, by Joey Evans.
Favorite music: I can't name a favorite, changes all the time.
Best idea of having good time: Doing the things you love with the people you love.
Favorite place to travel to: Mozambique, Spain and France
Most respected mountain bike riders: Greg Minnaar, Brook MacDonald
Other most respected athletes:Travis Pastrana, James Stewart, Ryan Williams
Favorite riding spots and courses:Morzine, Loudenvielle and Val Di Sole
Advice to beginners:Surround yourself with people who can help you be the best you can be and stay true to what you believe you can achieve.
Other sports: Motocross
Other interests: All forms of motor racing, cars and motorbikes.
If I was not a professional mountain biker….. I would try and get a job on a factory team somehow; I just love the atmosphere at the races.
Objectives for 2024:
Qualify at all the DH World Cups, score some top 30’s
Be selected to race for South Africa at the World Champs
Win National DH Championships
