Young cyclists excel
GO!Durban Cycle Academy cyclists achieved top results at the Marriott Freedom Race.
THE GO!Durban Cycle Academy had a record showing at the 4th annual Marriott Freedom Race recently.
The academy put 24 riders on the start line and achieved podium finishes in five categories, including a clean sweep of the top spots in the 20km race.
The first nine finishers of the 20km race were GO!Durban Cycle Academy riders. In the men’s race, Mzwakhe Langa won in the swift time of 00:50:56, a minute faster than his second and third place peers. In the ladies team, Asanda Mthembu was the shining star of the day, finishing eighth overall and first female in a time of 1:14:03. There were a total of five girls competing in the 20km, and they took the top four places.
KwaMashu Coach Thobani Bhengu had four riders on the 20km start line – for all of whom it was their first official MTB race. “I am so happy to see my riders from Kwamashu compete in their first race today. Their results prove that they are ready to compete in more races,” said Bhengu.
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The academy also dominated the front of the pack of the 40km and 60km races, with a win in both men’s races by Kusaselihle Ngidi and Mboneni Ngcobo (coach) respectively.
Coach Siyabonga Njiva continues to make significant improvement after recovering from a broken leg last year and finished 1st U23 men and 3rd overall in the 40km.
60km winner and Inanda coach, Mbobeni Ngcobo was beaming with pride for his riders. “I am very excited to see the youngsters competing in races and doing so well. This is the best opportunity for them to develop more skills. They are the champs of the future!”
The camaraderie on the finish line was palpable as they cheered for one another and rushed to congratulate their team mates with high fives, hugs and admiration for their cherished finishers medals.
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