GO!Durban Cycle Academy cyclist wins big at Red Bull Champs
Tennille Taylor of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy said it is amazing to see the cyclists' growth, both personally and professionally, in such a short space of time.
ONGEZO Mini of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy in KwaDabeka was placed third in the women’s race at the Red Bull Pump Track World Championships Qualifier in Roma, Lesotho.
Leaving the country for the first time, the 16-year-old travelled to Lesotho with her three Velosolutions Izimbali team mates and two coaches from the cycle academy, as well as Nonhlanzeko Mpanza, site manager at the KwaDabeka Bike Park.
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“I was very excited about the trip and couldn’t wait to arrive,” said Mini.
“In Lesotho I learned about their culture and how they use donkeys and horses for transport, I also saw their beautiful mountains and learned about climate change.”
The women showed intense determination and focus, racing against the fiercely competitive locals on their home turf to take the number three and four spots. Nomfundo Mtshali placed fourth in the women’s race.
Mini said her favourite part of the trip was spending time together with her team and making new friends in Lesotho. “It was an experience I will never forget.”
Marketing and Communications Manager of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy, Tennille Taylor, said this trip marked a historic moment for the academy as it was their first time travelling outside South Africa.
“We empowered riders with their own passports for the first time and we challenged them to adapt to a new environment beyond their comfort zones. This encapsulates the foundation of the programme; to afford opportunities to children through sports and to broaden their mindsets to see and understand the world beyond their own homes and community. It was amazing to see their growth, both personally and professionally, in such a short space of time. They represented the academy and their country with pride,” said Taylor.
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