Mail Sport Extreme: Meet the 12-year-old kid who is already flying down mountains on his bike… and has his sights set on taming the famous Fort William track

Young South African Cyclist Sebastian Flynn Chasing Downhill Mountain Biking Dreams

For most children, learning to ride a bike is a childhood milestone. But for Sebastian Flynn, a prodigious young cyclist, it rapidly evolved into a lifestyle. This 12-year-old from South Africa has been immersed in the world of biking since the tender age of three, setting his sights on becoming a downhill world champion.

Early Start to Mountain Biking

Flynn’s biking journey commenced during a visit to the UK. After just a couple of months mastering a balance bike, an acquaintance suggested he try their child’s pedal bike. Instantly, the youngster took to it, effortlessly gliding down the street without needing stabilisers. This early success ignited a passion within Flynn for cycling.

Dominance in Downhill Racing

Naturally talented on two wheels, mountain biking became the obvious next pursuit. Flynn has since demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, securing seven downhill victories in South Africa. His achievements culminated in winning a national championship in 2022, marking him as a rising star in the sport.

Aiming for the World Stage

Despite his accomplishments in downhill racing on diverse courses and terrain, Flynn’s ambitions reach even higher. He dreams of becoming a Downhill world champion. ‘I aim to be Downhill world champion someday and look forward to my journey there,’ he stated. ‘This year marks my first time competing in British Nationals, and I’m really excited about experiencing new tracks, especially Fort William!’

He added, ‘I’m also eager to participate in some IXS races soon. One location I’m particularly keen to ride is New Zealand – the tracks, jumps and overall atmosphere seem incredible.’

Honing Skills from a Young Age

Even though the Fort William event is months away, Flynn’s journey in biking has spanned nearly his entire life. Growing up in Cape Town, before relocating to Cheltenham, England, he initially refined his abilities at Constantia Uitsig park. He dedicated countless hours to mastering challenging obstacles and jumps, some of which were even avoided by older riders. Flynn acknowledges the crucial role of observing and learning from his peers in reaching his current level of expertise.

Turning Point at Age Six

At the age of six, Flynn’s mountain biking career experienced a significant acceleration, both literally and figuratively.

‘When I was around six years old and riding a hard-tail bike, I had the opportunity to ride with Theo Erlangson, a fantastic downhill and free rider,’ Flynn recounted. ‘He advised my parents that I needed a full suspension bike and invited me to ride at Hellsend, the ultimate spot in Cape Town, adjacent to the Dark Fest location.’

‘I loved attending their shuttle days. My parents then managed to get me a Norco Fluid, first a 20” and then a 24” full suspension. I became completely captivated by speed and launching off massive jumps.’

Custom Bike for Advanced Riding

Flynn admits that speed and big jumps rapidly became his passion within the sport. However, standard children’s bikes are typically not engineered to withstand the speeds and forces he was beginning to generate. Therefore, his parents arranged for a custom-built adult bike tailored to his size. Although fitted with smaller 24-inch wheels compared to the standard 29-inch adult bike wheels, Flynn’s bike featured adjustable front and rear suspension, ready for serious downhill action.

Competing in UK Events

Equipped with a robust bike, Flynn gained access to a broader spectrum of jumps and tracks, including participation in the 100 Percent Mini Downhill event in Coleford in January. Competing in the 13-14 age category, Flynn secured an impressive 11th place out of 63 participants, despite being ranked 14th in the UK at the time.

While Coby Wrayford from Birmingham’s BMX club won his age group, Flynn’s focus remains firmly on downhill mountain biking as his principal discipline.

Future in Mountain Biking

‘I definitely prefer mountain biking over BMX because I enjoy being on the mountain and having a variety of trail choices depending on my mood,’ he explained. ‘It’s essential to love the sport and have fun while also training diligently, which I anticipate needing to do more of as I get older.’

Flynn’s future in mountain biking appears promising. Despite having ridden for most of his young life, he understands the importance of coaching and continuous improvement.

Balancing Fun and Potential

While acknowledging the significance of tricks and enjoyment in the sport, Flynn is firmly dedicated to maximizing his potential.

‘I love racing and going fast, but big air is also incredibly fun, and I enjoy learning new tricks,’ he added.

‘I used to attend Johann Potgieter (Potties) youth camps in South Africa from ages seven to nine. He was a racer for the YT team and now works as a lines coach.’

‘Since moving to Cheltenham, I’ve had a few coaching sessions here with Jack Reading and Proride’s Olly Morris. However, I mainly learn by going out riding each week and exploring different locations.’