The Fairtree DP World Cannondale MTB racing team was established to help young locals develop into keen, talented mountain bike riders, and if Luyanda Tobigunya’s journey is an example of this aim the team has a winning formula.
The team was established in 2008 and the 30-year-old was one of the first riders to join. “I was living in Khayamandi and saw the guys on the BMX bikes calling themselves Young Guns, and I wanted to join their Songo team,” he recalled.
For Tobigunya, part of the joy of mountain biking is that he gets to see new places. According to Chris Norton, head coordinator of the Stellenbosch MTB team, he showed promise from the start. “Since [joining] he has won Exarro title at both the Cape Epic and Wines2Whales. In 2023 he acquired his Western Province and South African colours, and took part in the world champs in Scotland. He is one of the most popular guides, and is a great example of dedication and excellence, which serves as a great example to younger riders.”
Tobigunya’s dedication shows, with the cyclist hitting the trails on most days. He enjoys races through Coetzenburg and Boschendal, but his favourite trail is Botmaskop.
Tobigunya was one of the three riders from the team, along with Damon Terblanche, Ziandro Jordaan, who received WP colours this season. He also ended third in the sub vet men category for the provincial cross-country league.
In the gruelling Cape Epic, Tobigunya and teammate Jan Montshioa finished 21st in the amateur men’s ride and 89th overall. At the recent Wines2Whales the duo left the rest of the riders in their dust. They ended first overall in amateur men’s category and 15th overall. “I performed well this year because I was focused,” Tobigunya said. “I also have a great coach and the training programme for training six days a week and resting on Mondays.”
Cycling changed his life for the better and helped him stay out of trouble.
Norton said it was only due to the support of the team’s key sponsors, Fairtree, DP World and Cannondale, that the team continues to change lives.
Tobigunya cannot imagine his life without cycling and is already focused on his next goal. “My aim now is just to get faster, faster and faster, right to the finish line. There is nothing else for now. I’m focusing on training for the Cape Epic to race for the amateur jersey.”
