Scrolla in 2021: originally published on 21 June
Dylan Bettencourt
It will be a historic moment for Mzansi when cyclist Nicholas Dlamini starts peddling in the most famous cycle race of all.
The 25 year old was named in the Team Qhubeka Assos eight-man lineup for the Tour de France which begins on 26 June and ends on 18 July.
He will become the first Black South African to compete at the Tour de France.
“Riding in the Tour de France has been a dream for me since I was a child. Now I’m about to live that dream and it feels surreal,” said Dlamini.
The young South African grew up in an informal settlement in Cape Town and began his career as a runner before turning to cycling. He became a professional cyclist in 2018 and has been on an upward trajectory ever since.
“Considering where I come from it would simply have been impossible for me to ride in the Tour de France if it wasn’t for Team Qhubeka Assos.”
Douglas Ryder, team principal, emphasised what a big moment this is for Dlamini and how proud the entire team is of him.
Dlamini hopes that his story can inspire many to achieve what they thought was impossible.
“Anything is possible. I hope to be a symbol for kids to work hard and dream big,” he said.
Image source: @InfoCyclingNewspaper
