Having decided to ride his way to Swaziland for the Border-2-Border race, 51-year-old Veli is a proud member of the Middelburg Cycling Club and has been representing the club for several years.

Veli’s journey began last Friday, stopping during the night at a hotel for a few hours of beauty sleep, he woke up and continued his journey to Swaziland.

Upon arrival, he then competed in the 240km Border-2-Border race, and if that sounded easy, he competed with a mountain bike while the other cyclists used road bikes, putting him at a severe disadvantage.

These impressive feats earned congratulations and accolades from his fellow cycling club members, something Veli is highly appreciative of.

Although a resident of eMalahleni, Veli has yet to convince his family to ride with him and has thus sought alternative means of comradery, Veli told the Middelburg Observer, “Around once a week I ride to Middelburg to hang out with everyone from the club and to improve myself. Everybody at the club is supportive and helpful, but they definitely leave me very tired by the time I have to ride home.”

This is all in preparation for Veli’s favourite race, the Munga MBT, a 1 000km race that is to be completed in 24 hours. The race is set to take place in November and when asked if he was ready, Veli chuckled and replied, “I hope so.”