Locals off to Tour de France
2008-07-10
PAARL cyclists Emile Jacobs and Verdi Farao have been invited to attend the Tour de France – the world’s premier cycling event – as VIP guests. Verdi (23) and Emile (15) are two of six youngsters from the Life Cycling Academy (LCA) who will leave Cape Town on Wednesday to spend ten days in France. While there, the two Paarlites will participate in a specially designed program that allows them to experience the Tour first hand. They will participate in the ceremonial team sign-in and line up with the race leaders at the start of Stage 18 and get the chance to ride some of the famous climbs of the Tour de France. Emile had the honour of being the first LCA cyclist to wear a South African Champion jersey. He brought pride to the LCA and his sponsor Pick ’n Pay when he won the boys Under 14 division at the South African Track and Road Cycling Championships in 2007. Emile has been cycling since he was seven and enjoys the support of his family who are actively involved in his schooling and his cycling. “As a member of the Pick ‘n Pay Ascends Excellence Program I practice six days a week, six hours per day,” he says. While in France he will promote the Velo- khaya campaign along with other delegates from the Life Cycling Academy. “I believe that no matter where you come from, with hard work you can always become a winner,” Emile says. As a member of the acsis professional men’s cycling team, Verdi is the oldest of the group of youngsters attending the 2008 Tour de France as a VIP guest of Team CSC Saxo Bank. Verdi started cycling when he was 16 and now trains for at least 15 hours per week. He finished fourth in the Western Province Road Cycling Championships this year and placed in the top 11 at the South African National Cycling Championships. Verdi’s ultimate goal is to become a professional cyclist and ride the big international races with the best of the best. “Cycling is a sport that builds character,” Verdi says. “I’ve learned to be positive, to overcome challenges in my personal life and to work as a team.” Verdi has a burning desire to learn. He wants to become someone other young riders can look up to. “It is possible to have a positive image about yourself, no matter where you come from. I’ve learnt to listen and learn from people who have experienced a lot in life. “As a young boy raised in a poor community I have had to deal with the disappointment of not being able to ride races. Now, here I am flying to France,” Verdi says. Verdi is hoping to return to France again one day to fulfil his dream of cycling in the Tour de France. His other dream is to coach young, talented cyclists, helping them to realize their dreams.
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