National representative Sithembiso Masango entered his first mountain bike race equipped with nothing more than a road bike, helmet and army boots.
Since then the star cyclist, who started out as a wage worker, has gone from strength to strength.
This led to his inclusion in the South Africa team for the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships in Germany in June.
He followed that up with seventh in the cross-country race at the SA National MTB Championships in Nelspruit last weekend.
Masango has also been named in the national team for the MTB World Championships in Australia in September.
Sithembiso Masango has come a long way since he entered his first mountain bike race. Photo: Martin Dreyer
The 29-year-old was first noticed by Guy Miles at the 45km Wartburg MTB Classic roughly seven years ago. The two became acquainted as Miles, who was acting as sweeper, helped Masango along the route.
“Sbu (Masango) was at the back because of punctures, which I kept repairing,” said Miles.
“What was so noticeable was that he was on a road bike that had thin wheels, one brake and terrible tyres. He was wearing a helmet and army boots.
“Every time I repaired the tyre, which was about eight times, he would tear off at great speed, never losing enthusiasm.”
Miles offered his support, giving Masango his own bicycle and some cycling kit. He also organised sponsorship, which provided him with the rest of his needs.
He said he couldn’t help but notice Masango’s passion.
“After riding with him once or twice I could see he was not a normal cyclist, he was something special, and I don’t believe he has fulfilled his potential yet.”
While his determination and enthusiasm got him noticed, Miles said it was also something that worked against him at times.
“His biggest problem is not fitness or desire to win. He tends to destroy his bikes, probably from trying so hard.”
Miles said he was reminded of “a Formula 1 driver who can go faster than his equipment” every time he saw Masango race.
“I have no idea what his genetic tests would show but I imagine they are up there with the best.”
Masango reflected on the kindness shown to him by Miles, recalling he’d been overwhelmed by the gesture.
“I was so impressed to have a nice bike like that. I went home immediately to show my father.
“I can’t forget that man, he’s very important to me.”
Masango explained that while Miles continued to help, taking him to races, U23 cross-country champion Frances du Toit’s mother helped him with entry fees.
Martin Dreyer, the RMB Change a Life MTB Academy founder, with a few of the riders. From left to right: Dumisani Shabalala, Martin Dreyer, John Ntuli and Sthembiso Masango. Photo: Supplied
With the support from Miles and Du Toit, he continued to enter races. It was at the same local race, four years later, that Martin Dreyer, founder of the RMB Change a Life academy, noticed Masango.
After approaching him, Dreyer learnt that he’d ridden roughly 20km just to take part.
“Straight away I thought to myself ‘jeepers, that guy has passion’. To ride 20km to the start showed that he really loved to ride.”
Further discussion revealed he had indeed tried to ride for the academy team, but had been overlooked.
“From where he was living, he had to cycle about 18km down to come and train and then he had to cycle 18km back home. He would arrive tired and unable to perform and so he’d been overlooked.
“I convinced him to come and stay with us and the rest is history.”
Dreyer explained that Masango, along with the rest of the team, were great role models in their community as their hard work and dedication kept them on a positive path.
“They cover such a lot of ground that they’re visible to so many people. Their impact is far-reaching.”
