Velokhaya's Songezo Jim wins at WP Championships

Cape Town, May 17, 2010

Five years ago a friend showed him how to ride a bicycle for the first time; this weekend (May 13/14, 2010) he was crowned Western Province's new u/23 road cycling champion.

Team GT Velokhaya PPA's Songezo Jim (19) continues to cement his reputation as the Western Cape - and Khayelitsha's - hottest new cycling talent. According to Velokhaya and Life Cycling Academy CEO, Glyn Broomberg, "Songezo has come a long way in a very short time and has overcome significant odds to get where he is today. "His success in the WP Champs this weekend shows just what our township youth can achieve when they are given the support and the opportunity to develop their talent."

Jim is riding high in 2010, having recently completed a five week tour to five European countries. He was the only Cape-based Under 23 rider in the nine-man team selected to represent South Africa in the 2010 Nations Cup, which included events such as the GP du Portugal, the Tour de Flanders, the ZLM Tour in the Netherlands and the Giro delle Regionni in Italy. "My experience in Europe and this past weekend's win have definitely motivated me to continue working hard towards my goal of becoming one of South Africa's top cyclists - and to competing in Europe one day soon," says Jim.

See Who's Who (Rider Profiles) for more on Songezo Jim..