Thando Zothe - GT/Velokhaya/PPA

I was born on 27 February 1991 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

I am currently attending school at Luhlaza High school and am in Grade 11.

I would like to be a professional cyclist and a businessman when I am older.

My family consists of my mom and dad, my sister, my brother and my cousin.

I can describe myself as a quiet person and I do not like any kind of quarrel and trouble and also do not want to be treated wrongly.

I started cycling in 2007 and have achieved a first place in the Roller Coaster, a second place in the Peddle Power Race and a third place in the Cape Cobra.

Cycling has taught me discipline and hard work and that you can do what ever you put your mind to as long as you believe in yourself.

My biggest dream in cycling is to ride in Europe.

I have a very supportive family although they were not like that at first - especially when I sustained injuries from cycling. They were against me continuing with this sport but after much convincing they began to understand and became more supportive.

My advice to the young cyclists is perseverance, have vision, believe in yourself (things won't be easy) but keep on going.

Although I am tasting, and being introduced to, quite a few dishes my favourite food is Umvubo- a salad made from fluffy cooked maize meal called Umphokoqo or iphuthu and Maas or amasi (full cream sour milk).

I like watching action movies.

My favourite TV show is "So you think you can dance!".

My favourite book is a Xhosa novel - Iqhina lomtshato by Nomlamli Mayosi.

I admire Luthando Kaka, Fabian Cancellara and Andy Schleck - they all are my favourite cyclists.

Outside cycling the person I admire most is my mom - she inspires me a lot.

My personal philosophy is - vision, focus and passion is the name of the game.

Profile date: July 2010