Viva Mzansi Viva!

SOUTH AFRICAN RIDERS ARE BECOMING THE NEXT BIG THING IN WORLD CYCLING.

First we hear that Nic Dlamini – our ever-smiling rags-to-riches story from Capricorn Park, on the Cape Flats – has been upgraded to the Dimension Data World Tour team from the Pro Continental squad, and in 2018 will most probably become the first black South African to race in the Tour de France.

I met Nic four years ago when we first did a story on him, and visited his humble family home, where his Trek bike was stored in the bathroom to keep it safe. Dlamini’s determination to reach the top level of cycling was so strong, even back then; and to see him line up against the best in July next year would be wonderful recognition for a young man who deserves every bit of his success.

Then came Alan Hatherly, at the U23 World Cross Country Championships in Cairns, Australia. Taking on the world’s best, the shy 21-year- old from Cape Town – who grew up on downhill tracks – finished second behind New Zealand wonderkid Sam Gaze. It proved that Hatherly really is the real deal – he looks set to be part of a new generation of XC riders in the next five years (find out more on p36.)

And then there’s the wonderful story of 28-year- old Willie Smit. His personal journey from a brutally hard and tragic childhood to a pro contract with World Tour team Katusha-Alpecin is truly inspiring. Smit has been SA’s top road cyclist for the last two years, but decided that the only way to get noticed in Europe would be to risk everything to race there during the European summer.

“He invested a lot in his sport, and paid all his travel expenses himself. I like his professional attitude,” said his Katusha general manager, José Azevedo, after the signing. Azevedo’s comments sum up Smit’s relentless determination perfectly.

Smit’s heroics at the World Cycling championships in Norway in September proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, and arguably sealed the deal with Katusha. He was given plenty of airtime riding in his South African colours in the early break, and was the last of the breakaway to be caught, 180km into the race – showing the grit and determination that has got him to the top level.

To Nic, Alan and Willie… you make us proud! Go and kick some butt!

He invested a lot in his sport, and paid all his travel expenses himself. I like his professional attitude.