Cornubia’s Thutukani tackles the track
His advice to aspiring cyclists is to join a club and attend clinics.
A 17-year-old teenager from Cornubia has hit the cycling track in a big way, placing second in the first competition he has taken part in.
Thutukani Qwabe participated in the the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships which took place last week in KwaMashu.
The competition saw over 60 local and international cyclists vie for their spots in the finals which were held on November 9.
Thutukani told Northglen News that placing second was like a dream come true for him and that he can’t wait to compete in the next one.
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“I’ve learnt so much from this experience. Meeting new people, learning new skills. It’s been great,” he said.
When Thutukani was six years old, his father taught him to cycle.
“My dad motivated me and taught me a few cycling skills. Then I joined a club and was coached,” he added.
Now all the teenager wants is to grow as a cyclist and enter more competitions.
“Cyling makes me happy. I want to succeed more in cycling. The sport has given me the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people,” he said.
Being a part of the competition is a feeling like no other for Thutukani. “I feel so special to be a part of this. Wow. It’s such a learning experience,” he added.
Although Thutukani did make it to the final round, he didn’t place but said it was a learning experience for him as a young cyclist.
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The event also highlighted the impactful work of Pump for Peace and the GO!Durban Academy in Durban.
Pump for Peace is a global initiative by Velosolutions which aims to promote cycling in underprivileged communities – fostering a love for cycling and promoting social cohesion by providing safe spaces for young people to engage in sports.
Several cycling clinics were held in KwaDebeka, Wentworth, Cornubia and KwaMashu in the days leading up to the finals.
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