Meet Tristan Nortje: One of South Africa's rising stars • Squirt Cycling Products

Tristan Nortje is one of South Africa’s rising stars, and this year he truly proved his class. The 23-year-old pro cyclist, riding for Imbuko ChempChamp, conquered the famous Absa Cape Epic, winning a stage and claiming the coveted African Jersey with his teammate, Marco Joubert. What’s even more impressive? They did it all on our new hot melt wax. We’re sitting down with Tristan to find out more about his incredible experience and his thoughts on our products.

1. Who is Tristan Nortje?

My name is Tristan Nortje, a 23-year-old professional cyclist for Imbuko ChempChamp. I was born in the mountain bike heaven of George but have currently lived the past few years in Wellington. I started cycling because of my dad. He started, and I saw how awesome it looked, and the events just looked amazing, so I took it on, and since that day, I haven’t looked back!

2. Where is home?

Home for me currently is Wellington, but I lived and grew up in George. I still go a lot to George for training blocks and to visit the family.

3. When did you fall in love with bikes?

Around the age of 13. I did all the other school sports there are, but as soon as I discovered cycling, there wasn’t much time for anything else, haha.

4. What is it that attracts you to the sport?

Just being outside and in nature. Also just to be better each day and see how the body and mind progress through the years and weeks. I also love being healthy and it’s definitely a super healthy sport.

5. Career highlights/achievements?

Career highlights are definitely 3rd overall at Abasa Cape Epic and also a stage win. Also, I’ve won a few national titles.

6. You and teammate Marco Joubert finished 3rd overall at the 2025 Absa Cape Epic and won the African Jersey (congratulations). What was the biggest challenge you faced during the event and the biggest highlight?

We came into the Epic with big goals. One of them was to wear the Red African Jersey but also then to wear the Red Jersey and race at the front of the race and put on a show for the South African fans. Our biggest challenge occurred on day 1, when we suffered a broken wheel and consequently lost a significant amount of time.

7. At the Epic, you were on Squirt Hot Melt Wax. Let us know your thoughts on it.

At Cape Epic we had 3 brand new waxed chains. Our mechanic changed chains after every second day so that we would have fast and brand-new wax chains. It definitely made a difference. Not one day did we hear the grinding of gears because of dirt or mud. The chain stayed so clean and fast throughout the whole stage on every stage!

8. Your goals for the rest of 2025?

We had the goal of going to Swiss Epic now and racing there, but unfortunately Marco is struggling with and injury so we had to change plans. I didn’t plan on doing Marathon World Champs, but I’m trying to figure it out last minute to go. Then we have Gravel Burn and Wines2Whales, both taking place in South Africa.

9. Favourite Food

Definitely oats with ButtaNut 100% peanut butter, protein powder, banana, mixed seeds, cinnamon and honey.

10. Lucky Charm?

I have one set of Oakley glasses that I’ve always done well at races wearing, but I can’t let anyone know which ones they are, haha.

11. What’s your favourite Squirt Cycling product?

Definitely the Hot Wax, chain lube and bike wash! With those, you can do anything and always rely on all of them, no matter the conditions!

12.Your thoughts on Squirt Hot Wax:

I love the Squirt hot wax. I’ve seen so many people use wax since last year and was so excited when I saw Squirt is launching their wax. Marco and I have used the wax for every race so far; even on our training chains we use it. It definitely makes your chain last longer. Where I was very surprised was in Cape Epic when all the other riders’ chains started to make a noise; our chains were still running smoothly, which means we saved so many watts and our legs.

The National Gravel Championship this year was 5 hours of very wet and muddy conditions, where we thought our chains would start to make a noise and not work properly after a few hours, but the wax surprised us so much that our chains were literally still 95-100% after the 5-hour race of just mud and water.

Squirt Hot Wax I definitely believe in and love it, and it’s so easy to use/wax your chain by yourself.

13. Best tip for MTB beginners?

Just have fun! The more fun you have, the easier it is. To do something you love just makes it so much easier. Also learn as many skills on the bike and riding trails. Many people underestimate the benefits of riding your bike quickly on certain trails and feeling comfortable at high speeds, so it’s important to improve your skill level.

Please complete the following.

I like my coffee… black and strong!
I would love to go ride with… Tadej Pogačar, pleaseee.
The secret to happiness…having fun and the people you surround yourself with.
My greatest exhilaration…winning races
I fear…heights, haha.
My passion…to help people and give advice
When I wake up… I make coffee, watch some TV, stretch, make food, and have another coffee. Then get ready to ride.
I wish… I can ride the World Tour one day!
I rage… for people on the roads with no respect towards cyclists.

Rider profile