Cyclists in action at CTC tour

This was their second time riding the biggest cycle race in the country with a distance of 109km. Khoza told the Herald that they took it easy this year. “The race was refreshing, we enjoyed ourselves, especially the electrifying atmosphere. The organisers make it exciting for participants and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in a race of this magnitude,” he said.

Malatji, who hails from Namakgale, started cycling while he was still a young boy, riding BMX bicycles. Later he turned to run and competed in half-marathons and even attempted to take on the Comrades. In 2018 he caught the cycling bug and started mountain biking, participating in the Gravelotte Gravel Grinder. Malatji and Khoza started cycling together in 2019 and have not looked back. They say they do it for the fun and the love of the sport and have started to take part in national events such as the Joburg 94.7.

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The duo is currently without sponsors and is not affiliated with a club, but they are planning to start their club as the sport has grown in popularity in Phalaborwa. Malatji denounces the myth that cycling is an expensive sport, he says there are affordable entry-level bikes and the option to buy second-hand bicycles. “What I love about cycling is the thrill, to cruise along through the wind using your legs as a means to propel yourself, pushing yourself to perform better every time,” Malatji concluded.