Promise

BMX racing is experiencing a resurgence in popularity following the inclusion of the discipline at the Olympic Games. And leading that resurgence is Sifiso Nhlapo, South Africa’s finest BMX racer. 

Seeing Nhlapo’s significant potential, Ryder Cycling signed him in mid–2007 with the aim of supporting the 21-year-old in his quest to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games. Nhlapo’s results since December 2007 have been nothing short of remarkable. He won three rounds of the 12-event 2008 European Championship Series, eventually finishing second overall. He then claimed the bronze medal in the Elite Men’s race at the 2008 World Championships, not only qualifying for the Beijing Games but also establishing himself as one of the medal favourites!

Because of his pioneering success, Nhlapo has become a role model for young South Africans that can relate to a cycling discipline that’s dynamic and accessible and a hero that’s overcome many odds to reach the pinnacle of his sport. 

As a result, Ryder Cycling has, along with the financial backing of MTN, begun the process of building the profile of BMX racing in Africa, starting with the construction and promotion of new BMX tracks, which will be used to introduce the youth to cycling. Sifiso has just completed his "signature track" in Bryanston Johannesburg which is attracting hundreds of kids every weekend. Talent identification will follow with structured progression programmes to be established in conjunction with BMX South Africa. There is plenty of promising cycling talent in Africa and Ryder Cycling wants to ensure none of that talent goes unnoticed, especially with the BMX World Championships scheduled for South Africa in 2010.

Sifiso Nhlapo : European Ranking 2; World Ranking 9