HotChillee today announced that two of its star young development riders will be heading to Durban to take part in the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic on 18 October. Nicholas Dlamini and Shameeg Salie have both competed in Europe as part of the HotChillee development programme. 

Nicholas Dlamini rides for the MTN-Qhubeka feeder team based at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Potchefstroom. Shameeg Salie, who has ridden for several clubs and teams in the Western Cape, most recently completed a stint at Lights by Linea. Both riders have represented South Africa at an international level. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Dlamini said: “This is my first time riding the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic. I’m really excited to ride in one of South Africa’s premier road races together with Shameeg.” 

Stephen Roche, HotChillee ambassador and winner of the 1987 Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Championship Road Race, said: “I have ridden with Nicholas and Shameeg in Europe and South Africa. Both demonstrated early talent and having improved massively are now demonstrating world class potential.” 

Shameeg Salie takes a stage at LONDON-PARIS 2015

Roche continued: “Nicholas showed exceptional class at the recent UCI World Championships in America – I have big hopes! Shameeg won the Climbers and Sprinters Jersey at this year’s LONDON-PARIS, with mechanical misfortune preventing him from taking the General Classification.” 

British pro and Team Sky rider, Ben Swift has been mentoring the riders and said: “I have been really interested in seeing what HotChillee have been doing with their development rider programme. Having the opportunity to ride with the young talent in Cape Town has been phenomenal, and having them compete with the best at the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic is a great opportunity and a very good test.” 

Sven Thiele, founder of HotChillee, said: “It is still extremely challenging for young emerging African talent to break through into the world pro cycling scene.” 

“At the moment we’re overlooking talent but having the likes of Tsogo Sun join our founding partners Oryx Stainless Group, numerous corporates, individuals and mentors who fund, develop and assist the young riders means this is another great step forward,” Thiele concluded. 

Nicholas Dlamini in action at the Cape Rouleur

Kevin McCallum, who has followed the programme closely as Chief Sports Writer at The Star, commented: “I’ve followed this programme since its inception. Creating world class development cyclists is about providing opportunity, motivation and infrastructure. An understanding where the riders come from, where they go home to and how that’s managed together with their sport is true development.” 

Nicholas Dlamini 

Attended UCI World RR Championships U23 (2015) 
2^nd SA National ITT Championships U23 (2015) 
2^nd SA National TTT Championships (2015) 
1^st Margate Classic (2015) 
1^st Cape Rouleur (2015) 

Shameeg Salie 

1^st One Tonner (2014) 
2^nd SA National Track Championships U23, 3^rd Overall – Omnium (2014) 
1^st Sprint Champion LONDON-PARIS (2015) 
1^st Climb Champion LONDON-PARIS (2015) 
2^nd Cape Rouleur (2015) 

For more information visit www.hotchillee.com.