Nairobi:Junior cyclist Roger Suren is embracing the demanding realities of professional mountain biking after relocating to Europe to race for the Alpecin-Premier Tech Development Team.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 19-year-old athlete notes that the European competition is significantly more challenging than what he encountered in Namibia and even South Africa. The higher standard has necessitated his adjustment to faster, more intense, and crowded races.

Suren, who occasionally visits Namibia when his schedule permits, resides with a host family in Europe and leans on his team for support. Despite this, the distance from his family and friends presents one of the toughest aspects of competing abroad.

He acknowledges the mental challenges, stating that loneliness and poor race results can be difficult to manage, especially without his familiar support network. Nonetheless, Suren's European stint has yielded positive outcomes, including an 11th place finish in the U23 Men's Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) at the Val di Sole World Championships.

Although his Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) World Championships ended abruptly due to a crash and subsequent collarbone injury, Suren remains focused on his long-term goal of winning the under-23 World Championship title in XCO.

Suren reflects on the difficulties of pursuing a cycling career far from home, yet he views it as a worthwhile opportunity. He advises young African athletes to pursue their dreams while being prepared for the sacrifices involved.

"It is worth it, but it is not easy. But if it's a dream, I would say go for it," he said.