Township cyclist to race for European cycling team

By Henry Booysen
15 June 2008

Luthando Kaka a 22 year old cyclist will become the first black South African to ride for a European continental road cycling team.

Kaka who is currently the Western Province under 23 road cycling champion and the lead rider of the acsis professional men’s cycling team will now join the Danish based cycling team Glud and Marstrand Horsens (GMH) at the end of June.

According to Glyn Broomberg CEO of Life Cycling Academy the organisation to which Kaka belongs, the cyclist have shown good form this year, especially during the Giro del Capo which he took the lead for more than 30 minutes and his performance in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.

“This performance, together with Luthando’s strong showing at the Western Province Championships, gave us the confidence to recommend him for the Danish team,” says Broomberg.

Team Glud and Marstrand Horses which is owned by Micheal Skelde is a unique cycling team with world class riders.

“Being selected for a Continental team is a significant achievement for both Luthando and the LCA and we want to ensure that the move is a successful one, which is why Luthando will be given time to adjust to his new environment,” says Broomberg.

Mthunzi Mdwaba CEO of Torque IT and a member of the Life Cycling Academy said he hopes Luthando’s move to Europe will inspire other township youths to find interest in cycling.