Catherine Kruger
I’m a Professional gravel cyclist and privateer racer. In cycling, being a privateer means I’m not part of a fully funded professional team, so I essentially run my own programme. Alongside the training and racing, I’m responsible for securing sponsorships and partnerships, managing travel and logistics, creating content and building the support network that allows me to compete both locally and internationally.
A big passion of mine outside of racing is also building community through cycling, particularly through our my Vida e Caffè rides in Paarl, which have become a really special space for people to connect through bikes and coffee. �� ☕️
Coffee Mag: Catherine, as a pro cyclist what role does coffee play in your day-to-day life?
Catherine: Coffee is part of my daily ritual. As an athlete, there are definitely performance benefits to caffeine, but for me it’s about much more than that. It’s my quiet moment before training – a chance to slow down, gather my thoughts and ease into the day. In a sport that’s often busy and fast-paced, a good cup of coffee forces you to pause for a moment.
Coffee Mag: Tell us a little bit about your competition memories and how coffee featured in that, if at all. Who were the coffee protagonists on tour?
Catherine: Coffee and cycling are almost inseparable. Some of my favourite memories have come from the coffee rides before race day, when the nerves haven’t quite kicked in yet, or the post-race debriefs where everyone sits together and relives the day’s highs and lows. Cyclists are definitely the coffee protagonists! There’s something special about sharing stories over a coffee after you’ve all just pushed yourselves to the limit.
Coffee Mag: What is your favourite beverage and where did you usually get it from during your average training day? And why is it important?
Catherine: My go-to order is a flat white with oat milk, and you’ll usually find me getting it from Vida e Caffè in Paarl. Over the past few years, Vida has become so much more than just a coffee stop for me. We started a monthly community ride from Vida and it’s grown into something really special. People from all walks of life come together because of a shared love for bikes and good coffee. Friendships have been formed, new riders have found their confidence and it’s become a genuine community. That’s why coffee is important to me – it’s the catalyst that brings people together.
Coffee Mag: Who were the people that influenced me, educated me and encouraged my coffee journey?
Catherine: If I’m being honest, it was the cycling community that turned me into a coffee lover. It’s almost impossible not to become one when stopping for coffee after a ride is basically compulsory! Over the years, I’ve realised that coffee is woven into cycling culture – it’s where rides start, where stories are shared and where friendships are built. The team at Vida e Caffè have also played a huge role by creating a welcoming space for our cycling community to come together month after month.
Coffee Mag: What does the future hold for Catherine in cycling and in life generally?
Catherine: In cycling, I want to keep pushing myself and see how far I can go in gravel racing, both locally and internationally, as a privateer. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s incredibly rewarding and I’ve learned so much through the journey. Beyond racing, I’d love to continue growing the cycling community around me, especially through initiatives like our monthly Vida rides. Seeing people connect through bikes and coffee is really special. In life, I simply want to keep chasing big goals, creating meaningful partnerships and encouraging others to back themselves and go after what excites them.
