Local Personality – Kevin Evans

Posted in Cycling | Lifestyle | Local Personalities | Men's Interest | Sports

Kevin Evans – Born to ride

Born to ride Born in Johannesburg in 1978, Kevin moved with his parents to Plettenberg Bay at the age of 4 and discovered a love for the outdoors. The family home was a smallholding situated in the Harkerville Forest, well known for its mountain bike trails. Kevin attended primary school in Plettenberg Bay and then high school in Knysna. He participated in various sports during this time but began to enjoy cycling the most. So much so that he competed in his first cycle tour, the Knysna Crosscape, at the age of 10.

Kevin began mountain biking at the age of 14 and from then on was hooked on the sport. He raced the national circuit as a junior in 1995 and 1996, but found that he struggled to compete with the top cyclists. This did not deter him, however, and when not competing, he continued to ride mountain bikes for the sheer enjoyment of it.

Motto: “No substitute for hard work, what you put in is what you get out”

During school holidays, Kevin worked as a full time waiter at Cranzgot’s Restaurant, then owned by his Father, Leon Evans, and also worked part time as a professional lifeguard on Plett’s beaches. All his spare cash was spent on his bikes and a semi-sponsor from Wheeler Bikes and Adventure Sport Trading meant that he was able to ride top quality bikes.

After matriculating in 1996, Kevin travelled overseas for a few months to broaden his horizons, and give him time to decide what to do with his life. When not travelling, he assisted his Father with the Outeniqua Biking Trails, a bike hire and touring company which Leon began after selling the Restaurant.

Kevin Evans - born to ride

In 1999, Kevin travelled to Oregan, USA, where he completed a course on Professional Bike Repair and Shop Operation, and qualified as a bicycle technician at the United Bicycle Institute. He returned to Plett and after identifying a gap in the market, he and Leon opened a bicycle shop in town with the idea of “seeing what happened”.

The Bike Shop became extremely popular with many local riders and after three years of operation, bigger premises were needed. With Leon managing the shop full time, Kevin was able to pursue his dream as a competitive rider. Gary Stanley from Knysna Cycle Works saw Kevin’s potential and assisted him with training. Kevin began competing, aided by small sponsorships, and over the years worked his way up to where he is today as a professional cyclist.

Kevin is also a professional rider for the MTN Cycling Team

Kevin Evans, wife Karen and their daughter

Kevin attributes a large part of his success to the support of his family, and his wife Karen. Without their backing, it would have been very difficult for him to compete at his current level.

Disciplines: Mountain bike and Road

Bikes: Scott Spark RC, Scott Scale29er, Scott Addict R1

Favourite ride: Transalps

Best cycling moment: 8th place Marathon World Championships, Graz, Austria

Goals: Defend SA Marathon title, SA TT Championships, Cape-Epic

Highlights: 5times MTN Marathon Series winner, 4times SA Marathon Champion, 2times XC Elite Champion, top 10 world marathon champs, 9th Tour of Ireland, National Team representation in Marathon, Cross Country and Road in 9 world championships.