South African Cyclist Luthando Kaka

Born January 5, 1986 in Cape Town, South Africa , Luthando Kaka is now the first black cyclist to captain a South African professional cycling team. He began his cycling career at the Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy, the township-based cycling club in Khayelitsha, near Cape Town.

Luthando graduated from Uxolo High School in Khayelitsha in 2003 and then went on to study journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In 2003 he was also selected to represent South Africa at the Tour de l’Abitibi in Canada.

His career highlights include:

• 2008 1st William Simpson/Aquele Apple Blossom MTB
• 2008 1st Willow Creek Olive MTB Race
• 2008 1st WP U23 Champs
• 2008 8th Amashovashova Cycle Classic
• 2009 9th SA Champs Elite Road Race Championships
• 2009 5th Engen Cycle Tour
• 2009 9th OFM Cycle Classic
• 2009 5th Amashovashova Cycle Classic
• 2010 Circuito Montanes
• 2010 African Championships
• 2010 Tour de Rwanda

 

In June 2008, the 23-year old cyclist from Khayelitsha, made history when he became the first black South African road cyclist to become a permanent member of a European continental cycling team. He became the first black South African to race professionally abroad when he was signed to Danish professional team, Glued & Marstrand Horsens, in 2008 and 2009, after which he was signed to Team Bonitas. 

Hi previous teams include:

• 2006 Liberty Cycling Team
• 2007 & 2008 Acsis Cycling Team
• 2009 Glud & Marstrand Horsens
• 2010 Team Medscheme
• 2011 Team Bonitas
• 2012 Team Bonitas
• 2013 Team Bonitas

He currently trains six days a week for two to five hours.  His dream is to be the first black cyclist to compete in the Tour de France, cycling’s premier event. 

http://youtu.be/-UMNa7AKAkw

Some information courtesy of Bonitas Pro Cycling and CNN.com