The Velokhaya National Competitive Programme has paid dividends with the selection of cyclists Zanele Tshoko and Thulasizwe Patrick Mxenge as part of the South African contingent for the African Games in Brazzaville, Congo, from September 4.
Paralympic Gold medalist Heinz Frei (SUI) is looking forward to coming to South Africa and reclaiming another World Cup Gold in the 2015 UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in Pietermaritzburg from 11-13 September. Photo: © Jean-Baptiste Benavent/ uci.ch
Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy general manager Sipho Mona said sponsor Rand Water had made it possible for development riders such as these to rise through the ranks.
“Getting our riders to events all over the country has gone a long way in strengthening their racing abilities.”
Tshoko, Velokhaya’s longest standing female member, had persevered through various obstacles in life and become a role model for black female cyclists, he said.
“She has shown what patience, discipline and dedication can do and that success follows hard work and commitment.
“It is wonderful that Zanele’s efforts in cycling have been recognised. She has taken what she has learnt and applied it very well,” said Mona.
Mxenge is a relative newcomer, having joined the academy late last year. He follows in the footsteps of successful alumni like Bonitas team captain Luthando Kaka and Team MTN-Qhubeka’s Songezo Jim and Nicholas Dlamini.
For more news see African Games.
