For professional cyclist Kim Le Court, training at high altitude is more than a preference; it’s a necessity. As she prepares for the gruelling demands of the cycling season, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge has proven to be the ideal retreat, offering both the physical challenges she requires and the serenity that supports her mental well-being.
“As an athlete, altitude training is crucial for stimulating red blood cell production, which improves endurance and oxygen delivery,” Kim explains. “Going high into the mountains once or twice a year is important for building endurance, and Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge offers the perfect environment.”
Nestled in the heart of Mpumalanga, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge provides Kim with a home-away-from-home experience. “There are many well-known altitude training spots in Europe, but I prefer being close to home with my husband, as it makes a big difference mentally.”
Beyond the rigorous morning rides and afternoon gym sessions, Kim finds immense value in the lodge’s unique natural surroundings. “Who wouldn’t want to train hard in the morning and then come back to zebras and wildebeests roaming around your chalet? It’s the ultimate recovery experience,” she enthuses. “I love safaris – we even went on one for our honeymoon – so having a place where I can do my job and still enjoy the beauty of wildlife is truly special.”
The facilities at Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge cater to all aspects of Kim’s demanding training regime. “The gym is perfect for my programme, and the spa offers excellent massages for recovery,” she says. “Nutrition is a key part of my performance, so having the option to cook in the self-catering units is a big plus. When we don’t feel like cooking after a tough session, the on-site restaurant always offers delicious meals, and the staff are so friendly. It feels like home.”
Kim’s daily training schedule at Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is intense. “We normally go for about three to four hours, and sometimes up to five,” she shares. “With steep gradients and long ascents, an 8km climb here can take around 30 minutes, making it perfect for building strength and endurance.”
While the natural beauty is a major draw, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge also offers the calm and focus that Kim needs to prepare for a demanding season ahead. “It’s important for me to be in my little bubble, free from distractions, to reboot and recover properly before heading overseas for months at a time.”
As she looks forward to upcoming races in the UAE and Europe, Kim reflects on how important it is to have a sanctuary like Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge. “I could have gone to Italy or Switzerland for altitude training, but I’d be far from home, and that would affect me mentally. Here, I feel at home while still being able to train at a high level.”
“I’m Mauritian at heart, but South Africa has become my training ground and home base.”
Kim’s journey as a cyclist is deeply intertwined with her personal story. Born in Mauritius to a Mauritian father and Scottish mother, she has embraced a life of travel and competition, balancing her professional commitments with staying connected to her roots. “I’m Mauritian at heart, but South Africa has become my training ground and home base,” she says. “Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is just an hour and a half flight from Cape Town, so it’s an easy choice for me.”
As a final piece of inspiration, Kim shares her philosophy on perseverance: “No matter the obstacles, it’s about getting up and carrying on. There will always be challenges, but I believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
With Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge as her training ground, Kim Le Court is poised to take on the world, one climb at a time.
Who is Kim Le Court?
Kim Le Court is a professional World Tour cyclist with AG Insurance-Soudal. She represents Mauritius on a global stage and competed during the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant achievement in her career.
As a multiple-time national champion, Kim embodies resilience and growth in the sport. She has competed in the Tour de France and stood on international podiums, overcoming injuries and setbacks to become the rider she is today.
Passionate about cycling and representing her home country, Kim aims to inspire others across Africa to pursue their dreams in the sport. With exciting goals for the 2025 season, her journey continues to unfold.
