Nic White

Izimvo is honoured to introduce professional cyclist, Nic White

Nic, synonymous with South African cycling, has been a professional for over 11 years. He has earned a reputation as a master tactician and is known for being a fast time-trialist, strong climber and accomplished stage racer.

Nic’s illustrious career includes many victories including the Tour of Morocco in 1998 and 2007, Giro del Capo in 2000, 2007 African Road Race and Time Trial champion, UCI Africa Tour in 2008, 2 Rapport Tour stages and the first Pick n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge in 1997.

Website: http://www.nicwhite.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nicwhitedotcoza
Location: Johannesburg

Nic was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: This is Nic White, almost 36 years of age and still racing his bike with the Elite category for the Team Medscheme! He has completely missed the first veterans category, and at this rate, will miss the 35-39 cat as well! Father of two children, and has a loving wife, Diane, who also rides a bike, although not too regularly anymore with our small children!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I wouldn’t want to divulge any secrets, but I am a bit of a collector, or hoarder some might say? These days I get pretty involved in ‘collecting’ the toys that my 3 yr old son likes. I get pleasure out of adding to his collection, as if it were for me. The Disney movie – Cars, is the subject in question, and slowly we are notching up many of the characters!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I enjoy getting away to the bush, and relaxing, as well as getting onto a mountain bike and riding in the wilderness.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I am a fan of the mountains, and could quite easily live in some part of the Drakensberg, or Maluti Mountains, From Clarence to Underberg or somewhere in between! It is important to have a great view of the land, and a big stoep all the way around our house to watch the weather from!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Professional Cycling

Q: Congratulations on a very successful year with Team Medscheme. What do you consider to be the team’s greatest asset?

A: We have a great bunch of guys in the team, and a fair amount of talent. The greatest asset has been our ability to combine the strengths and ride for the person with the best possible chance to win, it is the unselfishness of everyone that has allowed for our successes. The one for all, all for one story..

Q: What is an average day like for a professional cyclist?

A: Well, these days life is a bit busier than it used to be, with getting my son to school, then it is onto my bike at about 08h00, meeting a few others, most of the time a team-mate or two if not the full team, and then spending a few hours training, from 2 to 5 hours, depending what we have planned. Once back, resting a bit, and whatever other things may become necessary to do. I do not have another job, but have planned some bike trips and do a newsletter from my website which keeps me rather busy at times.

Q: To what would you attribute the popularity of South African cycling in recent years?

A: The popularity of cycling in SA is mostly attributed to participation that is involved. Everyone is able to ride, or compete in so many events, that, along with the TV coverage of cycling and the Tour de France has made it very popular, but the problem still persists that the local professional cycling scene is not where it should be.

We spear head all of these participation races, but there is very little ‘big’ racing for the top-level. We would love some proper tough events at an international level, so that people can come and spectate, but the culture just isn’t there yet. Everyone want to participate and do it themselves. This is great, but we will never have the same culture of cycling as they do in Europe.

That is not to say that we are not grateful, but I think that it could be bigger and better for everyone, especially the aspiring young riders who would like to become professional riders in good teams, and make a life from Cycle Racing!

Q: Which young local rider impresses you the most and do you think that a South African riding for a South African team could ever win the Tour de France?

A: I have enjoyed the growth of Daryl Impey, having known him since he was young, and having the pleasure of racing in a team with him as well. He is not that young anymore, but still has lots of room to improve, I hope that he goes a long way, especially in the team that he is in now, Team Radioshack. Another rider who has improved rapidly is Arran Brown, he has immense talent but perhaps his ambitions will grow and we may see him one day at the highest level of the sport?

Q: Which events are you most looking forward to in 2010?

A: I am hoping to do some Mountain bike events in 2010, for a change and a bit of a challenge, but I prefer the tougher events of which there aren’t that many anymore on the road. Some tours, or very hilly races? This year we have a few planned and perhaps a few overseas travels to keep our racing level up to scratch!

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: There have been a few small incidents, luckily not huge or bad, but I think every South African is affected in some way unfortunately! Even when the electricity substation down the road gets vandalized causing a power surge that fries all of your appliances, and then nobody takes any responsibility for that! It is just b___s__t that that type of thing happens. Not to mention all of the violent crime that takes place in our society!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: We have not really considered emigration, but I had spent some years racing in Belgium and got to see a lot of Europe. It is great how things just work, and everybody does the right thing. I was also in Switzerland this year on a MTB trip. It is great place with so much infrastructure and everybody out doing some sort of activity, sporting or outdoors! There they do the right thing and obey the laws because it is the right thing to do, not because they will get fined. The mentality is just so different to ours. That is the type of society that I would like to live in. But will need loads of money to get a start in Switzerland!!

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I don’t think that this is easy as there are so many problems to fix. But I think that they should make laws that are simple, and then enforce them, don’t come up with fancy things that only target certain people. Make this country a law-abiding country without any corruption. That is a big task to start with..

Q: Favorite South African cycling event and training route?

A: My favourite training route is the ‘Trees’ route in the south of Johannesburg. It was where I started riding many years ago, and I still really enjoy the trips we take trough there (it is between Walkerville, Daleside, Meyerton, and Henley on Kilp).

My favourite event is a difficult one. I am tending towards some mtb events of which I haven’t done too many of. But on the road, I have a soft spot for the races we used to do in Lesotho. I would like to see them back on the calendar again. In a non competitive aspect, my favourite is my Big Sky Ride through Lesotho, and second to that the Tour de Tuli, (used to be Tour de Kruger), I hope to be on that one again this year!

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Johannesburg?

A: Living in JHB has its benefits, that being you are close to everything, and there is a lot to find in terms of shops and foods etc, and everyone is here! However, I could easily live in the sticks somewhere, near the mountains or the bush! I am not a fan of traffic!!

Q: As a father of two young children, which restaurant to you consider to be the most kid friendly?

A: Our favourite restaurant is in Parkview, Franco’s Trattoria, it is the best Italian place you will ever find. The food is great, and it is family run, and they are super people. We take our kids there and they have a great time, as well as many other people with small children. The restaurant does not really cater for children, but they are very accommodating!

Q: Who in Johannesburg makes the best breakfast for after those long training rides?

A: The best breakfast in town is a difficult one, I have not spent much time of late eating breakfasts after training rides, but gone straight home! But you don’t often go wrong at a Mugg and Bean. They cater well for cyclists, and we have spent many hours at these restaurants in the past!

General

Q: Do you have any rituals that you follow before a big race?

A: I don’t have any rituals, but do enjoy drinking a beer or two before a big race!

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: The wins in the Rugby World Cup have united our Nation and have been inspirational to all South Africans.

Q: Who would you consider as South Africa’s greatest cyclist of all time?

A: This one is difficult, as it is hard to choose. It was before my time, but Alan Van Heerden was probably one of the best that ever came from South Africa. He was an unbelievable character and who knows what he may have achieved had there not been sporting sanctions in those days!

Also Robbie Hunter has put South Africa on the map in Cycling at the highest level today, and he is definitely the best on the peloton from SA. I have the pleasure of knowing him and spending some time training with him these days!

Q: What was the last album that your bought?

Q: Been a while, but the Parlotones, (a year ago already!)

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: I would like to read about Daryl Impey again in a few months time after he has found his feet at Radioshack. He is in great company and after he has some races under his belt, (especially the classics) I would like to hear about his experiences!

We’d like to thank Nic for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him and Team Medscheme every success for the 2010 season.

Daryl Impey

Izimvo is honoured to introduce professional cyclist Daryl Impey.

Daryl, at the age of 24, has recently signed with Lance Armstrong’s new team, Team RadioShack. Not only will Daryl be riding alongside the seven-time Tour de France winner but he will also be managed by Armstrong’s long-time team manager, Johan Bruyneel.

Back in April, Daryl suffered two broken vertebrae and a fractured jaw as a result a horrific crash at the Tour of Turkey. The manner in which Daryl always remained positive during his incredible recovery has been a true inspiration. After two months back on the bike, Daryl has made a full recovery and is looking stronger than ever.

Website: http://www.darylimpey.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/darylimpey
Location: Johanessburg

Daryl was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Easy, this is my friend. Daryl Impey (most say he is a cyclist)

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I take a box of Ouma rusks overseas each time I leave SA.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Coming back to SA is the best place for me to relax with my girlfriend, family and friends. Most of the time a braai at home does the trick.

Professional Cycling

Q: To what do you attribute the popularity of South African cycling over recent years?

A: I think when Rob won a stage at the tour, many riders (including myself) saw it was possible. Also MTB is growing more than Road due to the fact that our roads ae too dangerous to ride on.

Q: You recently suffered a very bad fall during a final sprint at the Presidential Cycling Tour in Turkey. Do you feel that the matter, in which it seemed that you were pushed by a fellow rider, was handled correctly?

A: The matter was dealt in the best way it could, it was handled according to the rules.

Q: Congratulations on your recent signing with Radioshack. What about living in Spain are you most looking forward to?

A: Thanks! Riding for Radioshack is going to be great for me and my career. The move to Spain wasn’t easy from Como, I need to learn a new language and make new friends, that being said I’ve weighed up the “pro’s” and “con’s” and Spain has so much more to offer. It has great weather for starters and most of my english riding friends stay in Girona. I’m looking forward to adding Spanish to my vocabulary.

Q: Which young local rider impresses you the most and do you think that a South African riding for a South African team could ever win the Tour de France?

A: I had a camp earlier this year called “Base Camp” and I had some juniors with me. It was aimed at young riders only and I was impressed with JC Nel who is still young but so eager to race. He has already won a race overseas this year. Winning the Tour de France is possible for any nation, it just depends on budget, management and most importantly the riders.

We have talent here in SA, it’s just sad we have no system in place yet for youngsters trying to make it overseas.It is not so easy to convince SA sponsors to have a team racing in Europe.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes my brother has been hi-jacked while riding and in his car. It makes you more alert, thats for sure. We know in the back of our minds we could be a statistic but we also have got used to it.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Well for me it would be yes. I would purely emigrate because of my passport issues. Visa’s are the worst. I would probably end up living in Italy or Spain.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I would take Taxi’s off the road.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Sun city, Sabie and Cape Town.

Living on the Road

Q: Which is your favorite of the many cities that you get to race in?

A: I still think the Amashova has the best scenery for a race, although I never get a chance to do it now that I’m racing overseas.

Q: What do you find yourself doing on the days off during a long stage race?

A: Relaxing by the pool or watching some DVD’s. Most of the time I’ve got chores in the house as well.

Q: How do you find traveling on a South African passport?

A: An absolute nightmare,every Embassy I go to I am first treated as a criminal until proven innocent. I have to give so much personal info in order to get one. Europeans just jump on a plane. We give the access in SA without visa’s, but it’s not returned, explain that?!

General

Q: Do you have any routines that you like to follow before a big race?

A: Most of the time, 20 min before leaving the hotel, I have my bags packed and I just chill on the bed in my cycling kit listening to my music. I dont like to rush and go, I need to chill before heading to the bus. 20 min before the start, I knock an Espresso back and sign on.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: When Bafana scored a goal earlier this year vs Brazil from the penalty to make it go to extra time.

Q: Which cycling personality have you most enjoyed meeting?

A: Ah thats a difficult one. There loads like Rob Hunter, Malcolm Lange, Doug Ryder and Nic White. They’ve steered me in the right direction and they all have totally different personalities.

Q: Which South African bands are in the music collection that you travel with?

Q: They not a band but a group called Household Funk. They make their own music, parties and put it together brilliantly. Check them out at www.householdfunk.co.za

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Anyone who can teach me why my ball fades to the right each time I play golf. Seriously!

We would like to thank Daryl for taking the time to answer our questions and we look forward to a long and very successful career from this Jeppe Old Boy.

Donovan van Gelder

Izimvo is honoured to introduce the Cybercoach, Donvan van Gelder.

Donovan has been competing in swimming, cycling, running and multisport events since 1996.

His illustrious career includes highlights such as 2003 SA Duathlon and Powerman Champion, 2001 Half Ironman winner and 1998 SA Olympic squad member for Triathlon. Donovan has over 200 individual race victories to his name.

Today, Donovan is known as the CyberCoach. With clients from every discipline, age and fitness level, Donovan’s results as a coach include SA Triathlon Elite Woman Champion , SA Triathlon Junior Champion and SA U16 Road Race Cycling Champion.

Website: http://cybercoach.co.za/
Email Address: cybercoach@mweb.co.za

Donovan was kind enough to answer the following questions for us.

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Donovan van Gelder, 38 and I am CyberCoach. I am introverted extrovert. Hard to get to know but once you do, it is hard to shut me up.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I do everything left before right. Things like putting on shoes etc. I wouldn’t say I am superstitious but I started doing this back in my soccer playing days as a pre-match ritual and it has just become a habit.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Reading.

Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of being a personal coach?

A: The satisfaction that one achieves in achieving a goal is multiplied because I get to travel the journey with every client.

Professional Sport in South Africa

Q: Do you feel that there is enough governmental support for professional athletes from sports other than soccer, cricket and rugby?

A: I think that professional athletes should be taking care of themselves as much as possible with sponsorship etc. They are ‘professional’ after all but I also understand that sponsorship money will go where the media is and the spectator value of the big team sports will obviously grab the lion’s share.

I think the government support should rather be focused on reducing the barriers to entry of all sports for youngsters so that we can unearth potential World class athletes who might never have been able to realise their potential. Once they have achieved and are marketable, it should then be up to them to make a sustainable living from the sport.

Q: Your professional career highlights include 2003 SA Duathlon and Powerman champion, 2001 Half Iron Man Champion and being part of the 1998 triathlon Olympic squad. Which of your performances are you most proud of and why?

A: I am more proud of the fact that I have been competing for 24 years and still enjoy the training and am still excited by racing. I am most proud of the fact that I am able to compete across a number of different disciplines and can generally hold my own against specialists.

If I was forced to single out an event I would narrow it down to the two you mentioned. The Powerman because I worked hard in training for that and I felt in command of the race tactically from start to finish. SA Duathlon champs which was about 5 weeks later was more of a surprise because that win went against the form book and I surprised myself and my competitors.

The one thing I must add though is that every win is special. It is a feeling that you never get bored with.

Q: In your experience, to what extent does natural talent count towards becoming a professional athlete?

A: You obviously have to be genetically predisposed to the activity but I believe that hard work and mental strength will beat extreme talent more times than not. When all that comes together though we see the big dominators like Usain Bolt.

Q: What does the typical day of a professional athlete entail?

A: Well, that would obviously depend on the time of the year and what sport but a professional athlete’s days are pretty simple and monotonous: train, eat and rest. The less distraction in an athlete’s life the better they will be able to train and assimilate the training.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Not that I can recall.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I toyed with the idea of relocating to the Netherlands but that was for sporting reasons. My family has origins in Holland and I am very comfortable with the language and the culture etc.

It is always funny to me how being away from something always makes us realise how much we like it.

I am proud of my Dutch heritage but I will always be a proud South African. We have so much here that it would take something extreme for me to want to leave permanently.

I am quite militant about people who have left and then feel they still have the right to comment on things from afar. Maybe they are trying to convince themselves that they have made the correct decision? My feeling is, if they left with no intention of returning then they have also given up the right to pass judgement. Things will only be fixed from this side of the ocean.

Oh, and they should also stop supporting our winning sports teams. If you have adopted a new country, you should also support their losing teams! :)

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: Probably fire all the politicians. I remember a quote, not sure who said it, “The desire to be a politician should automatically exclude one from entering politics.”

Look at Nelson Mandela, he was no politician but probably the best leader of a country the World has seen.

Seriously though I would blow the budget on education. Educate the youth and they will grow into adults who will generally make well thought out decisions.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: There is so much! We have so many attractions that we take them for granted. It will help to take a foreigner to as much as possible in order to get a glimpse of our spectacular country through their eyes.

Life in Durban

Q: As a sportsman, what are the benefits of living in Durban?

A: The weather. Winter has probably the most perfect training weather of anywhere that I have been. Cool, not cold. No wind and no rain.

Q: Which restaurant in or around Durban is your favorite for carbo-loading?

A: I am not much of a diner. I eat for fuel mostly. I enjoy places like Stokers up in Kloof more for the atmosphere than the food.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: Eish! Probably a trip to World Triathlon Champs. When I started triathlon you were a veteran when you were 40. Not like nowadays with the differentiation between ‘elites’ and ‘age-groups’. I have difficulty in thinking of myself as a vet in cycling where the category is 30+. So when I am 40 I will officially consider myself worthy of racing in the age groups and will therefore be keen to try my hand at the World Champs, which I believe are in Beijing in 2011.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: 4X100 freestyle Olympic Gold.

Q: Would you like to see multisports such as the triathlon or duathlon introduced at schools?

A: I would like to see sport in general emphasised more at schools. I prefer that kids don’t specialise too early but I do think playing sport teaches important lessons. Some of the most important being how to deal with losing and winning and that there is virtue in hard work and self-discipline.

Q: If you had to pick one South African as a mentor, who would it be and why?

A: I have never been very good in taking instruction so I don’t think that a mentor would do me much good but one of the South Africans that I admire most is Nelson Mandela for his grace.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I am fascinated by people. So the more variety you have the better.

We would like to sincerely thank Donovan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success both as an athlete and a coach.

Andrew McLean

Izimvo is truly honoured to introduce professional cyclist, owner of the Cycle Lab, co-host of Supersports’ Supercycling and leader in the South African cycling industry, Andrew McLean.

At the age of 45, Andrew, a household name in South African cycling, dominates the veteran’s tour and often makes headlines for upstaging South Africa’s elite professionals.

Andrew’s long list of achievements include being a 4 time winner of the Giro del Capo, 2008 Vet Road and Mountain Bike Cyclist of the year and 2007 SA Road and Time Trial Championship winner.

Website: http://www.cyclelab.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewmclean
Location: Johannesburg

Andrew was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Mighty Mouse who is obsessed with all disciplines of Cycling, He has built a Brand [Cycle Lab] in the cycling industry. Despite his age, his fear of failure drives him to believe in ; Pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I love touring on my Harley Davidson with my wife.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Touring on my Harley with no phone or plan.

Q: Which victory do you consider to be the highlight of your cycling career?

A: Winning the Vets World Road Race in a younger age category along with winning the Giro del Capo four times. (The Giro is a South African international stage race.)

Cycling in South Africa

Q: Did you ever imagine that the Cycle Lab would become as successful as it has and what do you think is the biggest contributing factor to this success?

A: Yes, I am the eternal optimist. Good People and hard work as well as a supportive family.

Q: International cycling has been tarnished with some of its biggest names being found guilty of doping. For the most part, this appears not to be the case for local cycling. Is this assumption correct and what are the local governing bodies doing to keep the sport clean?

A: Drug Free sport are doing a good job in South Africa. I would however like to see; a lot more testing, and not only cyclists, all top sportsman.

If you are found to have cheated- No second chance, banned for life.

Q: Which young local up-and-coming rider are you most impressed by and do you think that a South African riding for a South African team will ever win the Tour de France?

A: Reinhardt Janse van Rensberg, mainly because he has come through our Toyota Supersport academy.

Yes, it is certainly possible, but it is still a long way off.

Q: Which local cycling event is your personal favorite?

A: The Absa Cape Epic.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: My wife was mugged while riding her bike at 8am on a Sunday morning on a busy Fourways road. Yes it did, however time heals and we have now almost forgotten about the incident.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Yes, Mauritius.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: Crime!!!

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The Kruger Park, Garden Route and the Wine farms around Cape Town.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Where in Johannesburg do you most enjoy having lunch after a tough race or training session?

A: Primi in the Design Quarter, Fourways.

Q: In your opinion, what is the best venue in Johannesburg to host functions for small groups. i.e. a team dinner?

A: Methos private room in the Design Quarter.

General

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Is a cycling magazine considered an educational book???

Q: Which cycling personality have you most enjoyed meeting?

Q: Lance Armstrong.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Jonty Rhodes. He is the ultimate role model!

We’d like to thank Andrew for taking time out of his busy schedule and wish him every success with the Cycle Lab and all his cycling endeavours.

I’d like to end of with a great quote mentioned in Andrew’s interview.

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong