JAG Sports and Education Foundation and Cycle Lab sponsor young development rider in gruelling MTB event!
The JAG Foundation and Cycle Lab initially sponsored Xolani Mtshali, an incredibly determined and talented young athlete, on the Freedom Challenge. This 2300 kilometer, non-stop mountain bike race across South tests strength and ability as contestants climb almost 40 000 meters on the ascents and portages that characterize the route. Being unsupported, their resourcefulness will be measured by how they respond to problems that they experience, particularly in the many remote places through which they travel. Their resolve will be tried by the long days of cycling as they seek to reach the finish.
Date of Birth: 12 September 1984
Occupation: Professional Triathlon Athlete
Previous Significant Events:
- 2006 Freedom Challenge
- Amashovashova
- Tour Durban
- Nando’s Tour
- Kloof Cycling Race
- Tour de Bluff
Other Events: 2 Midmar mile swims
Looking forward to: Winning!
Life Motivation: “my attitude is simple, just get on with it and do it”
Xolani Mtshali’s Background
Xolani approached Glen Gore, one of South Africa’s most prodigal triathletes, in Jan of 2006 asking to be coached as he wanted to become a traithlete. He arrived on crutches having been involved in a serious accident where he had been knocked off his bike by a car, and had sustained some serious leg injuries requiring inserted steel pins to get him back on the road to recovery.
Without a bike to his name, steel pins in his legs, and no previous swimming experience, he took the challenge head on and started training with Glen. Eventually he was able to discard the crutches and started swimming and running in earnest.
With true determination, despite not having a bike, Xolani entered the 3 week Freedom Challenge MTB last year in June. He managed to source sponsorship from GIANT in the form of a mountain bike in order to compete and needless to say, completed the event to everybody’s amazement. His success in the race ensured Xolani a road bike sponsorship from GIANT, enabling him to become a fully fledged triathlete.
He would ride from his home (some 30km away) at 3:30am to join up with Glen’s squad for their weekly, early morning rides, complete a full 150km with them and then do the return journey home totalling a distance of 210km on some days. He would cycle to the swim and run sessions as well. In terms of full commitment, he surpasses even the most seasoned professional and gets 100% for dedication.
Xolani realized a dream of his by entering this years Iron Man South Africa, finishing in 11hrs 26 minutes. He was the 2nd best placed development athlete across the line, barely one year after being involved in his accident.
Xolani is currently in training for Iron Man SA 2008, as well as a host of other events particularly the wild series, where he hopes to become our top athlete in his age category. There is nothing this athlete cannot do, and through sheer hard work he has risen above the hardships and shown that dreams can become reality.
Cyclelab, Giant and the JAG Foundation will continue to provide sponsorship whilst Mac Mac Plumbing will provide employment and skills training to Xolani, who is currently unemployed. Sponsorship will allow him to support himself and guarantee a proper nutritional program whilst training for the Iron Man competition.
We are proud to support such an inspirational and insightful young man on his road to success.
Xolani’s achievements in the Freedom Challenge
Xolani rode a great 2007 Freedom Challenge, finishing sixth and was in for a chance of securing third place on the last day. The general consensus amongst the participants was that he was the strongest rider and that if he was able to read maps he would have been able to challenge to win the race. He certainly demonstrated incredible tenacity and determination.
| DATE | STAGE | DISTANCE | TIME |
| 18/06/2007 | PMB - Eastwolds | 103km | 9h40m |
| 19/06/2007 | Eastwolds – Ntsikeni | 69km | 9h17m |
| TOTAL | 172km | 18h57m |