South African track cyclist Benedict Moqumo has been chosen for a UCI track identification camp at the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland, in mid-October.
The 20-year-old VWE Track Academy rider, who was born and raised in Soweto, has never visited Europe before.
This camp, which assesses the skill and performance of young athletes, could be career-changing for Moqumo.
Benedict Moqumo has been chosen for a UCI Track Identification Camp at the World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland. Photo: Owen Lloyd
Those who excel and meet the performance criteria could be asked to return the following year to train at the WCC.
“I’m determined to do my absolute best at the camp,” Moqumo said.
“I hope to follow the other African cyclists such as Chris Froome, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus who trained at the WCC,” said Moqumo, who placed in the top 10 in the elite men’s 1 500m race at the national track championships in December.
“The camp will definitely test my abilities and capabilities in the sport and will push me to new limits.”
GIG Sports Agency’s Brigitte Mileson said this was a huge step for Moqumo.
“A good performance at this camp can open doors for a career in cycling at the highest level,” she said.
“We’ve been working with Benedict unofficially for some time but have recently signed him into the GIG group of athletes to ensure he gets the best possible preparation for his trip to the WCC.”
