THREE youngsters from Inanda who are enrolled in the GO!Durban Cycle Academy, Mncedisi Mkhize, Kusaselihle Ngidi and Lungani Mbambo, were selected to the KZN team which competed in the national inter-provincial final of the Spur Schools Mountain Bike League at Bekker High School in Magaliesberg, Gauteng on 8 October.
Unlike the other 22 riders representing the province‚ the riders do not come from well-resourced schools‚ they do not have their own bikes, nor do they live in the suburbs. The boys are protégés of the city’s Go!Durban Cycle Academy, a programme linked to the city's Go!Durban integrated rapid public transport network to integrate all forms of transport through the eThekwini municipality.
Former pro-cyclist and coach, Shaun Peschl of Peschl Sports Development, said: “We are extremely happy with the results and with this being the best of the best in the country as well as some African countries,the results speak for themselves. Our riders have never experienced such a huge starting group and it takes a few events to gain confidence in this alone. But they showed true determination and raced brilliantly. We are now setting our sights on forming a Pro Am team that will compete on national level for 2018 with at least 10-15 riders,including a few up-and-coming ladies.”
Mncedisi Mkhize, who participated in the sub junior category, came 48th and 34th in his two races. Kusaselihle Ngidi, who participated in the youth category, came 50th and 34th and Lungani Mbambo, who participated in the junior category, came 87th and 71st out of 130 riders.
“They are in such high spirits and say that they will work even harder now to be more competitive,” said Shaun.
The Spur Schools MTB League is the largest high school cycling programme in the world.
Peschl said: “Next year‚ the academy will form a semi-professional team of 10 riders. Those selected will be given incentives‚ and take part in national races. One of these will be Mncedisi Mkhize.”
