21-year-old Jordan Boshoff and teammate Travis Rademan-Ludeke tackle the world’s toughest stage race with Project Dream SA, aiming to turn local talent into global champions.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (24 February 2026) – “Turning champions into world champions.”
That is the mission behind Project Dream SA, and for 21-year-old Jordan Boshoff, it is far more than a slogan. For this team, it’s an everyday pursuit.
Fresh off a morning training ride of 91km with 1,200 metres of climbing, Jordan admits the work never really stops.
The internationally renowned Absa Cape Epic is widely regarded as one of the toughest stage races in the world. Spanning 603km over eight brutal days, it tests endurance, resilience and mental strength. Standing on that start line for the first time was surreal.
“This is the peak of the peak. There’s media everywhere, helicopters flying overhead, thousands of fans. And just to be in the broadcast is phenomenal. There are only about 50 teams in the world that make it.”
Together with his teammate Travis Rademan-Ludeke, Jordan became part of what is believed to be one of the youngest teams to compete in the pro category. At just 20 and 18 at the time, their approach was to finish safely, learn, and grow.
“The guys winning it have been training for 10 years, some of them have done six or seven Epics. For us, it was about getting through every day and learning as much as we could.”
But surviving the Epic is not just about fitness. The heat, the relentless climbing, and even something as basic as eating become challenges.
“After five or six days of racing, you don’t want to eat. You have to force yourself.”
From oats to flapjacks to pancakes, Jordan had to constantly adjust just to fuel his body. Yet if there is one thing he emphasises most, it is partnership.
“You can be the strongest guy in the world, but if your partner doesn’t understand you, you won’t click. First become friends. Train together. Motivate each other. Some days you only have 90 percent and that must be enough.”
That friendship and shared belief are central to Project Dream SA’s bigger ambition, and that’s winning a world championship.
“If you wear that jersey, you are number one in the world. That’s the pinnacle.”
With their main focus set firmly on the upcoming Cape Epic, going from 15-22 March, Jordan and his partner are chasing experience and excellence. They are also building a a standard for young South African cyclists daring to dream beyond borders.
Project Dream SA’s journey to becoming a world champion has already begun.
