Bonga Ngqobane - GT/Velokhaya/PPA

I was born on 17 August 1991 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

I attend school at Siphamandla High school and am currently in Grade 11.

My mother and my sister are the only family I have and they live in Khayelitsha.

I have a dream of becoming a professional cyclist and also a Sports Nutritionist.

I see myself as a person who is kind and understanding.

I enjoy reading books, watching movies and listening to music.

I admire Luthando Kaka and Monde Sthole both as cyclists and as people - they are very motivating and they give us a lot of guidance.

I started cycling in 2006 and won a podium place (second) in the Pro Classic.

I train every afternoon for two to three hours and on school holidays I train every morning for three to six hours.

I like cycling as a sport because it keeps me healthy and busy - there is no time to be lazy or to be around people that may have a bad influence on my life.

Cycling has taught me to work hard to achieve my goals.

My biggest dream is to ride in Europe.

My biggest challenge was to try to prove people wrong who have been looking at cycling as the sport that is "lesser" than other sports and all the negativity surrounding that.

Another challenge is to try to be positive and calm out on the roads, where a cyclist is not seen as having a right to be on the road.

I am still not sure what my favourite food is. I am trying just about any dish and any delicacy, however, so far Umngqusho (stamped maize cooked with dry beans) is still the best.

My favourite TV show is Jam Alley.

My personal philosophy is - "Look for opportunities that life gives, even in a bad situation - when one door closes another one is opening for you".

The person I admire most is my mom.

Profile date: July 2010