Sipho Mona - Team Manager of the Competitive Cycling Team
(currently known as Team GT/Velokhaya/PPA)

Getting to know Sipho:

Born in Cape Town in 1984, this friendly, athletic 25 year-old now lives at the Velo-Khaya (cycling house) in Khayelitsha G-Section where he mentors riders ranging in age from 17-26.

"Every day is different," he says of his work at the LCA, "and that's what I love about it. The secret is it doesn't feel like a job; I enjoy it because I love the sport and want individuals to succeed on and off the bike."

A qualified Sports Conditioning Coach, Mona first rode a Scorpion BMX back in 1992, sharing it with his older brother. While at school, his cycling ability caught the eye of CSC in South Africa, who subsequently sponsored a new racing bike.

He joined the LCA's first Elite team in 2005 and competed in several national races. Now he only has time to cycle socially and participates in fun rides when his work schedule permits.

He believes that 'if you love what you do, you can't fail.' And this is what he tries to instill in the young riders coming up the ranks. "Teamwork is vital. I know that if we can all work together as a team the LCA will have success to infinity and beyond!"

"I have my own personal challenges to overcome too," he says. "But I've learnt to take a little inspiration from every person I meet and use what I know to find a solution for each particular situation."

Mona was fortunate, in 2007, to visit the Tour de France as a VIP guest of Team CSC.

"Being surrounded by world professionals in the sport of cycling - at the world's premier cycling event - is an unforgettable experience, no matter who you are and where you come from."

Read more in Sipho Mona's race reports!

Profile date: October 2009