Karabelo Thamaee (17), a rapidly rising Bloemfontein-based cyclist, is living his dream by competing against his peers in Europe. The talented teenager is currently in Brussels, Belgium, to compete in this year’s European Junior Cycling Tour Assen, which will take place from 31 July to 4 August.
Thamaee will make his debut in the prestigious international contest which features riders between the ages of eight to 18 years, from across the world.
He arrived in the Belgium capital Brussels on Tuesday (04/07), having left South African the day before.
According to Thamaee, this is his wildest dream.
“This is my first race and first time abroad. It has always been something I wanted to do. I have been dreaming about this opportunity to compete internationally. However, it was never a big dream,” said the energetic Thamaee.
He said his adrenaline was pumping ahead of his debut, which was fuelled by his aspiration to do well in the cycling tour.
“I am nervous. I really do not know what to expect, but I know it is going to be really tough so I have to give it my best in the race,” said Thamaee.
The youngster will be in Belgium until 5 August, and is expected to be back home on 7 August. Thamaee’s excellent performance in competitions staged in South Africa have earned him this once-in-a-life-time opportunity of racing in Europe. He started competing seriously in 2021. Things drastically changed for him as his potential was realised.
“During the course of 2021 and 2022 I went to Gqeberha to compete in the South Africa Duathlon Championship, representing the Free State,” said Thamaee. He has also featured in the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour, an annual cycling race hosted in the Mother City, usually 109 km long. It is the first event outside of Europe to be included in the Union Cycliste Internationale’s Golden Bike Series.
