I had finished just one year of junior and then joined Stan Clayton's Lanco team. A solid family setup that allowed us to get to races, and with some equipment on the side we were nicely set up for youngsters. I got to know many riders who raced in these teams, including John O'Connor, Gary Beneke, Clint Curtis and many others that helped to shape my career.

Second year Lanco, a streamlined team, just six riders (from 11 in 1993!)

I spent my time racing in SA and did a few months in Belgium with a team in Beveren. I had raced with the SA National team in the 1993 Tour de Maroc - my first. As well as doing the Rhineland Phalz tour in Germany in 1994

Racing the Boland Tour 1993, going across to the break that contained Lars Michaelson and Chris Lillywhite, I think I finished 4th that day.

I had ridden many tours in 1994, perhaps to my detriment, but I was eager and keen. It started with the Sanlam Kermesse series then Rapport Tour, Giro del Capo, In Belgium the Fleche du Sud, Tour of Belgium, Rhineland Phalz tour in Germany then Tour of upper Austria, before returning and doing the Hansom Tour and Boland Tour!

Leading Willie Engelbrecht, Moolman Welgemoed and Blayne Wikner in George during the Sanlam Kermesse Series

The Rhineland Phalz tour in Germany was one of the toughest amateur tours on the circuit and we raced it as the SA National team. We took a huge beating, except for Doug Ryder who was in his best form and finished 14th overall amongst the worlds best young riders.

Doug Ryder, Mark Blewit, myself and Malcolm Lange remain in the tour together for a few days still. Maryan Polanski in the background was the Team Chef