Olivia Shililifa started racing her bike only in 2019. Already an experienced MTB racer at an international level, 19-year-old Olivia says she quickly fell in love with cycling and competition and that tactics and strategy are one of her favourite aspects of road racing.

In her first race of 2022 in the CANYON//SRAM Generation colours, Olivia won two silver medals at the Namibian national championships in the ITT and Road Race. She joined the team in Europe only in July after overcoming challenges with visa applications.

“I cannot be more grateful for another opportunity with CANYON/SRAM Generation to showcase what I have grown to love doing. I learnt so much quickly, I can only imagine what more is waiting for me next season.

It was a challenge to start racing only towards the end of the season, to keep up with the other riders, and to adjust to a new environment. But I am truly grateful for the support and understanding the team gave me throughout my stay in Europe.

Next season, our team will aim to strike for any chance or opportunity we get. I want to take the key points I learned this year into my performances next season. I have many of them! My favourite is always to have a clear goal of what you want to achieve, whether in a race or a training session. I also hope that with my performances for the team, I will gain selection for Namibia at world championships, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.”