Local cyclists compete in world champs
GO!Durban Academy hosted successful world championships finals, and four local cyclists were among the best cyclists from more than 20 countries.
FOUR cyclists from KwaDabeka GO!Durban Academy, Mhlengi Gogo, Thuthukani Qwabe, Lefati Mzimela and Lithemba Buthelezi, were among the cyclists that competed at the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Finals event recently.
The GO!Durban Academy KwaMashu site was filled to capacity with local and international spectators who attended the championships.
The international event brought together the best cyclists from more than 20 countries with 60 international riders and four local cyclists participating.
The championships featured challenging pump track courses for both men and women with the Top 16, Top 8 and Finals stages.
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In the men’s category, Ryan Gilchrist from Australia received the World Championship title, with AJ Donald, also from Australia, in second place, and Alec Bob from the United States of America taking third place.
For the women’s final, Sabina Košárková from the Czech Republic took the World Champion title with Nadine Aeberhard from Switzerland coming in second, and Vineta Pētersone from Slovakia in third place.
For locals, one of the most encouraging aspects of the UCI Pump Track World Championships was the community-based cycling races that were hosted a week prior to the main event.
It was through these Township Series that the four cyclists secured their spot and qualified to compete at the World Championships Finals event.
Mzimela 19 joined the GO!Durban Academy in 2016.
“I was 11 when I registered with the academy. I didn’t know much about cycling; the coaches taught me from the basics, and I gradually improved my skill throughout the years.
“I’ve cycled on a mountain track and pump track. The academy has given me an opportunity to participate in various races throughout the years.
“The UCI Championships Finals has been one of my biggest opportunities, and I am grateful to the academy and the coaches,” he said.
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