Locals invited to join Motheo Cycling Academy
Matumelo Tjabadi wants to bring cycling to the informal settlements of Kwatsaduza.
Kwa-Thema – Cyclist Matumelo Tjabadi participated in the 44th 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday.
It is one of the biggest timed bike races in the world and the first event outside Europe to be included in the Union Cycliste Internationale’s Golden Bike Series.
This was Tjabadi’s third year of participating in the race, and she improved her record each time. Last year, she completed the race in more than five hours, but this year, she completed it in 4:22.
Tjabadi said this is a milestone because she has been and is looking to improve her time in the next race.
“Training, emotional preparation and good weather helped me to brave the race,” she said.
She has started a cycling academy, Motheo Cycling Academy, to encourage more women and young people to participate in the sport.
She started cycling for fun with her two children and decided, over the years, to participate competitively.
“I have realised that young people participate in netball and soccer, but cycling doesn’t exist. There is a belief that the sport is expensive, but as soon as you buy all the equipment, you won’t have to buy anymore,” she added.
Those interested in joining her academy can call Tjabadi on 083 959 2159.
