Songezo Jim RSA
Cyclist Information
65kg
176cm
19-09-1990
Mthatha, South Africa
Team Bonitas 2011
Biography
Songezo only learnt to ride a bicycle at 14 years old. After losing both of his parents, he moved to Cape Town from Mthatha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and discovered competitive cycling when the Cape Argus passed his house. He soon joined a local cycling club who loaned him a bicycle. He told them he didn’t know how to ride one. After finishing his first races in last place, it took him two years of sacrifice and perseverance to discover his talent on the bike. Only six years later, did he turn professional. In 2013, he finished fourth in La Tropicale Amissa Bongo in Gabon.
Favourite race?
A race called the Giro del Capo in Cape Town. Sadly the race is no longer.
What has been your best moment on bike?
Coming third in the African Championships in Burkino Fasto in 2012
Who has had the most influence on your cycling career and why?
- A local club called VeloKhaya in Cape Town. They gave me my first bicycle.
Rider you most admire and why?
Alberto Contador. I love the way he rides. I don’t know him well but I like his personality and his attacking riding on the climbs.
If you were not in professional cycling, what would you be doing right now?
I would have loved to be a professional footballer.
What’s your relationship status?
Girlfriend
Facebook or Twitter?
I enjoy both.
Any other secret talents besides cycling?
Long distance running
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
2013 4º in General Classification La Tropicale Amissa Bongo (GAB)
2013 9º in Stage 6 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, Kango (GAB)
2012 3º in African Championship U23, Road, Ouagadougou