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7

October

2019

Female Cyclist Nominated for KZN Sport Awards

13 year old Aphiwe Goge lit up the cycling field with her speed and technical ability this year. She has made her mark as a versatile rider who is able to excel in multiple disciplines, and this has earned her a nomination as a finalist for the Newcomer of the Year category at the 2019 Kwa-Zulu Natal Sport Awards.

Aphiwe Goge. Photo Credit TCMphotography

The award nomination is based on Aphiwe’s extraordinary performances on the bike between August 2018 – July 2019, including her first race win at the 2nd round of the KZN XCO Lap Challenge Series and a 4th place finish in her first national competition at the SA XCO Cup #5 in Pietermaritzburg (Sub-Junior Female). Her skills are not limited to the XCO circuit either. She competes in various MTB disciplines, including MTB marathon, Downhill, and Enduro.

Aphiwe is the youngest member of Velosolutions Izimbali, a women’s cycling team produced from riders of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy and specifically dedicated to the development of young black female cyclists as a #pumpforpeace initiative by Velosolutions.

Although she is not eligible to race in the Red Bull Pump Track World Championships due to her age (minimum criteria is 16 years), she travelled with the team to Roma, Lesotho in March this year and competed in the unofficial u16 race, placing 2nd behind a 15-year old local rider.

“I learned to cycle at 5 years old when my dad first introduced me to a bike. He motivated me to join the GO!Durban Cycle Academy in August 2017 as he could see the passion I have for cycling and he knew the bike park is safe and I would learn more,” Aphiwe explains of her cycling journey.

“I love cycling because it fulfils me and it is the one thing that completes me. When I’m on a bike I feel fearless, happy and powerful, like I can take over the world!”

Aphiwe is not only a talented cyclist, but she is also an inspiration to other young girls in her community, encouraging them to learn to cycle. “I think more girls must come and join GO! Durban Cycle Academy because we don’t only learn about cycling, but we also learn different values and they even help us with school work,” she concludes.

“We are incredibly proud of Aphiwe and her achievements which have led to this award nomination,” says Shaun Peschl, Programme Director of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy and Team Manager of Velosolutions Izimbali. “It is incredible for us to have one of our riders recognised at the top provincial level. We believe that she will continue to be a positive brand ambassador for the programme and we also look forward to more nominations for our young riders in the future!”

The KZN Sport Awards take place on Saturday, 12 October 2019.

 

Aphiwe Goge on course at the first round of the KZN XCO Lap Challenge Series. Photo Credit QuickPix.

Sub Junior Girls Podium at the 2019 KZN MTB XCO Champs. Photo Credit QuickPix


30

January

2019

Road Safety Musical Theatre Academy Brings Joy

The eThekwini Transport Authority has expanded its GO!Durban Cycle Academy service offering to now include an exciting new arts programme.

The Academy has partnered with the Young Performer’s Project (YPP) and is set to launch the very first “Road Safety Musical Theatre Academy”, in association with Durban Green Corridors. YPP is a non-profit organisation that trains talented high school performers in the art of musical theatre (dancing, singing and acting), and they will now be bringing the joy of arts and culture to the communities of Inanda, KwaMashu and KwaDabeka.

Auditions were held in January in each area and all kids aged 13 -19 were invited to showcase their budding talent. Out of 148 hopefuls, 70 participants were selected to join the program – 19 in Inanda, 21 in KwaMashu and 30 in KwaDabeka.

“We were absolutely blown away by what we saw at the auditions!” says Des Govender, Chairperson of the Young Performer’s Project . “We cannot wait to get started with the programme to develop these young gifted children into shining stars.”

The RSMTA programme will offer classes in acting, singing and dancing three days a week at the GO!Durban Cycle Academy Bike Park sites. The curriculum – which was specially written and composed for this project – will not only focus on the arts, but will use the medium of musical theatre to teach participants valuable life skills, such as the rules of the road, being a good neighbour and a responsible citizen, and environmental conservation. The academy will also stage two original productions in 2019 – written by Mthokozisi (Mtho) Zulu, Head of Drama and script writer for RSMTA.

Mtho was born and bred in Durban and graduated Cum Laude in Drama from the Durban University of Technology. His list of theatre and film work is extensive and he is currently working on set in Johannesburg, but is so passionate about this project that he will be travelling to KZN every Thursday to coach the drama class in KwaDabeka.

“Movement through the performing arts is another form of active mobility and we are thrilled to be adding the Road Safety Musical Theatre Academy to our CSI portfolio,” says Thami Manyathi, Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority. “We believe that the combination of sports and arts-and-culture will further benefit the local communities in our municipality and provide a platform for young talent to thrive.”


30

January

2019

Game-Changer for GO!Durban Cycle Academy Girls

In what is a massive boost for women’s cycling in KZN, Velosolutions has joined forces with Peschl Sports to empower an all-female team of young riders from the GO!Durban Cycle Academy called, “Velosolutions Izimbali”.

Izimbali means “flowers”, or “to blossom”, in Zulu. “As this is an all-female team, we wanted the name to reflect their femininity. We believe that the name is very apt as our hope for these girls is that they will blossom into well-rounded, self-confident women, both on and off the bike,” says Shaun Peschl of Peschl Sports and Programme Director for the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.

Previously in South Africa, there has been little to no support for African women in cycling and there has never been a team solely dedicated to the advancement of black female riders. Velosolutions and #pumpforpeace believes that is it important to address this gap in the sport by creating a platform where the potential of young African women can be unlocked. Not only is this beneficial for the empowerment of individual athletes and for the growth of cycling on the African continent, but it also has a knock-on effect in their local communities where they become role models for other girls to believe that they can achieve their dreams. Cycling is not seen as a “girl’s” sport in typical township communities, but these ladies are defying stereotypes and changing perceptions of what is possible with hard work, determination and the right team of support around you!

Similarly to Velosolutions, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle by encouraging cycling in communities, whether it be for recreation, competing or commuting.

This synergy came together with a bang in March 2018 when the first Velosolutions track in the province was built in KwaDabeka, and the track was the host venue of the South African qualifier event for the inaugural Red Bull Pump Track World Championships in April 2018.

“Velosolutions is active around the globe, but focuses on every town where we build a track as if it was our own,” explains Claudio Caluori, Managing Director of Velosolutions. “We are grateful for what we are able to achieve in these towns and we want to give back where we can. Durban is very close to our hearts, so it was the perfect opportunity for us to support this first black African women’s MTB team in South Africa with girls that have been developed through the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.”

Earlier this year, Peschl Sports identified the need to create an elevated team structure to fully grow the skills of the most promising riders of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy, and to give them insight and experience as to how a professional team operates. With his own background as a professional rider and manager of the Kargo-Pro MTB Team (2014-2016), Shaun Peschl is excited about partnering with another former professional rider (Claudio) and a brand that is as passionate about cycling development as he is.

“We are thrilled to have Velosolutions and #pumpforpeace on board for this journey. We have unearthed incredible talent through the GO!Durban Cycle Academy and we are eager to see what can be achieved with additional support from partners such as Velosolutions, who have extensive knowledge in the industry and a desire to see young cyclists thriving on the world stage.

Meet the Team

Ongezo Mini: Age 16

 

Nomfundo Mtshali: Age: 16

 

Nomfundo Mtshali: Age: 16

 

Aphiwe Goge: Age 12

 

 

 


27

November

2018

Coach Profile: Blessing Ndlovu

Coach Blessing is the newest addition to the GO!Durban Cycle Academy as the second coach at the Inanda Bike Park. He started cycling in 2013 and joined the academy when it was launched in 2016.

He showed great initiative as an older member of the academy, helping out wherever he could and accompanying the team to races. His skills on the bike made him a role model to the younger riders in his community and he will now be a further asset to the programme in his role as cycling coach.

“I love riding and I enjoy training with the kids,” he says. “The GO!Durban Cycle Academy is also making sure that the kids are doing well at school and I hope to see all of them progressing in school and cycling. I always tell them that practice makes perfect and they should never give up in anything they do.”

Welcome to the team, Coach Blessing!


24

November

2018

Giba Gorge Team Enduro

Last weekend, four riders from the GO!Durban Cycle Academy teamed up with their mentors and coaches for their very first Enduro mountain biking event at Giba Gorge. This also marked the first official event for the Bluff Meat Supply Pro-Am Team.

The riders thoroughly enjoyed putting their technical skills to the test on one of the best downhill tracks in the country, and as usual, Giba Gorge delivered an excellent day of Enduro racing in the scorching KZN heat.

Thanks to Nigel Hicks, Head of KwaZulu-Natal Gravity Mountain Biking, for welcoming us to the event. We look forward to an exciting partnership in 2019 as we take on this new discipline within the sport of cycling, to further improve the skills and development of our academy riders, with the support and guidance of KZN Gravity MTB.

Full team: Mncendisi Mkhize, Lungani Mbambo, Cayde Muldoon, Siya Njiva, Cruz Cele, Ongezo Mini and Nomfundo Mtshali

 


17

November

2018

TAFTA Trail Run

The Inanda Trail Running Team had a great showing at the annual TAFTA Trail Run at Virginia Preparatory School. The enthusiastic runners dominated the race and took top positions in the 4km and 8km routes. Well done to Coach Lonwabo and his team for these excellent results!

4km Female:

  1. Sisanda Sikhakhane
  2. Sphumelele Gumede
  3. Lusanda Gumede

4km Male:

  1. Nkosinathi Mndaba
  2. Bernard Ndlovu
  3. Bheki Mkhize

8km Female:

  1. Thobeka Khuzwayo

8km Male:

  1. Sibongakonke Zwane
  2. Nala Qiniso

31

October

2018

Coach Profile: Siyabonga Njiva

Formerly a professional rider for the Kargo Pro MTB Team, Siya has a wealth of racing experience. He has completed the gruelling Absa Cape Epic three times (2011, 2012, 2013), not to mention the Sani2C and a host of other marathons. As head coach of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy, Siya is able to transfer his knowledge and skills to the other coaches, as well as the young athletes.

“I have learnt a lot from working with Shaun (Peschl),” explains Siya. “He taught me how to wake up early and train every day before work.”

Siya oversees the general operations of the bike programme, ensuring that the bikes are functioning optimally and that there are sufficient spares for repairs, and supporting the coaches at each GO!Durban Cycle Academy bike park.


Coach Siya in the middle with Primary School riders at the KZN Spur Schools MTB League

One of Siya’s big dreams for the future is to have our riders experience the Absa Cape Epic and someday win the Exxaro Development Jersey.

“I am very proud of our riders who are performing well at the races and even being selected to ride for KZN,” says Siya. “I am also especially proud of the girls who have started competing this year and winning races. They are great role models for the rest of the kids in their communities who can follow their example and also learn to ride a bike. It is exciting to have new female riders joining the academy and seeing their improvement every week.”

However, despite the great results on the bike, the most important thing for Siya is creating a safe haven for the kids in the community at the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.

“The academy is keeping the kids off the street and giving them a place to go that is like home; where they can be themselves and have access to opportunities.”

“My advice to the kids is to listen to their coaches when they offer advice, to learn from their own mistakes, ask questions and keep moving forward!”


31

October

2018

Spur Series Finals


From L to R: Sanele Mkhunya, Siyobonga Njiva, Alan Hatherly and Mncendisi Mkhize at the Spur MTB League National Finals

It’s a wrap on the 2018 Spur Schools MTB League and what a year it was!

Thanks to our new VW Crafter Van from Hoopers VW, we were able to transport more riders to the provincial races this year, including primary school kids and girls, which marked an important milestone for the academy. During the season we achieved seven podium finishes, five of those in the female categories.

Overall in the KZN series, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy was placed 3rd on the High School log and 6th on the Primary School log. Two of our riders, Mncendisi Mkhize (Northwood High School) and Sanele Mkhunya (Bheki High School) were selected to represent KZN at the national finals event in Magaliesburg on the 5th and 6th of October, which provided another great opportunity for the boys to be exposed to a national level of riding and also to socialise with riders from other schools and provinces.

“The Spur Schools MTB League is always a highlight on our calendar and we are very proud of all our riders who participated this year,” says Shaun Peschl, Programme Director of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy. “A huge well done and congratulations to our deserving coaches who work tirelessly throughout the season to get the riders race-ready and co-ordinate logistics on race day. We also wish to thank Tim Keep, KZN Schools MTB and Spur Sports for making the series possible and for sponsoring the entries for our riders this season,” Shaun concludes.

Summary of Podium Results:

Race 1

  • Mncendisi Mkhize: 3rd Place Youth Boys
  • Ongezo Mini: 2nd Place Youth Girls
  • Nomfundo Mtshali: 3rd Place Youth Girls

Race 3

  • Amahle Cane: 3rd Place Sub-Junior High Girls
  • Aphiwe Goge: 3rd Place Sub-Junior Primary Girls

Race 4

  • Aphiwe Goge: 3rd Place Sub-Junior Primary Girls
  • Phumelela Mkhunya: 3rd Place Sub-Junior Primary Boys

31

October

2018

Cycle Academy – KwaMashu Moms Complete Their First Cycle Race

It was an exciting day for four KwaMashu moms as they braved the Durban roads on two wheels for their first cycle race on Sunday, 21 October 2018. With the help of their Coach, Thobani Bhengu – who has been training them for two months leading up to the big event and riding the race alongside them on his BMX – the ladies successfully completed the 35km route of the Amashova Classic!

“One of the goals of the adult coaching programme is to build confidence in the riders to compete in races,” explains Thobani. “The ladies did very well for their first event, there were no mechanicals or injuries and we had a lot of fun along the route – they were even dancing when we stopped at the water tables!”

Their commitment to the classes and hard work is already paying off and, with a little bit more training, Thobani is confident that the riders will be able to take on longer and more technical races soon.

“I am so proud of the ladies for completing this challenge. Their fitness has improved a lot and we will continue training to be ready for the next one!”


1

October

2018

The Rising Star of Mncendisi Mkhize

Mncendisi Mkhize (Middle) with his aunt and uncle.

Mncendisi Mkhize produced stellar performances on the bike at this year’s KZN Spur Schools MTB League, which resulted in his selection to represent the province at the national finals in Gauteng on the 5th and 6th of October 2018.

On Tuesday night, he was awarded “Cyclist of the Year” for Northwood School in Durban North where he enrolled at the beginning of the third term on a scholarship from the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.

“I feel very happy to win this award, it means so much to me. I’m proud to be representing Northwood School and the GO!Durban Cycle Academy at the Spur Schools MTB League Inter-Schools Finals next week,” says Mncendisi.

Mncendisi says he wasn’t expecting to be selected this year because the competition during the season was much tougher than last year where he also qualified for the national finals. This is his first year competing in the Youth category (age 15 – 16), and he is both nervous and excited for the weekend of racing.

“I think I have an advantage now because I know what to expect at the finals. But I will have to stay focused and be mentally prepared for the challenge.”

Mncendisi will be joined by his GO!Durban Cycle Academy teammate Sanele Mkhunya from Bheki High School in Inanda. Sanele competes in the Sub-Junior boys category and this will be his first time racing in the national finals.

“It is very exciting for us to see Mncendisi continuing to excel in the sport, while also adjusting to his new school environment at Northwood,” says Shaun Peschl, Programme Director of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy. “We are also proud of Sanele’s selection to the Spur Schools MTB League National finals. This validates the success and sustainability of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy programme as we strive to give more riders the opportunity to be on the start line and to produce athletes who can compete at the highest level.”

Coach Siya Njiva will accompany the KZN contingent as a chaperone in the team support crew.

“Mncendisi is much stronger now than he was last year,” says Siya. “I’m excited for the finals, I think he’s going to do well and it’s a great opportunity for him to get more national racing experience. We are focusing on training for the next week to make sure he’s ready.”

After the school holidays, the focus will shift to his school work with the aim of successfully passing his Grade 8 exams in November.