Pedal. Pause. Repeat - How Candice Lill finds balance on and off her bike

Candice Lill doesn’t chase balance. She creates it, moment by imperfect moment, whether she’s hurtling down a technical descent at a World Cup or cooking barefoot in her kitchen with a glass of red in hand.

South Africa’s top female mountain biker and King Price Xtreme athlete, Candice has carved out a career defined as much by grit and breakthroughs as it is by intention, support, and stillness. Her story is one of talent, yes, but also of choosing to ride her own way, of doing it differently, and of owning that with grace.

“When I was younger, I didn’t really struggle with balance, but that was mostly because I wasn’t focused enough on my career,” she laughs. “Now I tend to overthink and aim for perfection. So, balance, for me, means not bringing that intensity into every part of the day.”

Marriage, teamwork, and switching roles

Candice doesn’t achieve balance alone. Her husband Darren is more than just her partner; he’s the other half of her operation. “We’re a team. He’s the mechanic, the manager, the logistics guy, the one who makes sure that all I must do is pitch up and ride. He runs the show.”

But this kind of full-time, all-in partnership isn’t without its challenges. “We’ve learned to switch roles, from husband and wife to athlete and manager, and back again. It can be intense,” she admits. “We’ve learned that we need to intentionally return to being just us. Go on date nights. Book a night away. Remember that being husband and wife is the most important role of all.”

Racing her own way

Candice’s cycling journey started at age three. It was just for the joy of it. Riding bikes on the farm, feeling the wind in her hair. Even now, that childlike feeling of freedom is what she chases.

But joy alone doesn’t get you to the top. In 2024, Candice made history by landing her first-ever World Cup podium in Val di Sole, an emotional milestone years in the making.

The grind of elite racing goes far beyond physical training. “Physically, I’m disciplined. But mentally, that’s the tough part. If you’re not in the right headspace, it doesn't matter how fit you are. Your legs will always follow your mind.”

On women and representation

For Candice, Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the growth of women in sport. “We’re not men, and that’s not a weakness. There’s something unique and emotional and real about women’s racing. People connect with that.”

And her advice for the next generation of girls wondering if they belong. “Do it your own way. I did things totally differently, and for years I thought that made me less-than. But it’s what makes me powerful. Being gentle about how you do things can be a great strength.”

At the end of the day, between flights, races, and the emotional highs and lows of elite sport, Candice’s balancing rituals are refreshingly simple: beach walks, cooking, red wine, quiet. “I love making a meal while listening to music. I do Wordle and play Duolingo. I’ve got a 300-day Italian streak going,” she laughs.