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Kombo Bere

Lightning fast Kombo aims to become top name in South African cycling

Date: 26 June 2015 By: Isabel Venter

Since he is as fast as lightning, one will rarely see this young man without his bicycle.

Kombo Bere is still attending school, but has grand dreams of becoming a professional cyclist. His natural talent, once he is on his bicycle, is something to behold. When he is not racing, he will also show you a trick or two (or three) if you ask. This daring young man relishes wheelies, bunny hops and obstacles, and one would think that Kombo probably started cycling before he could walk.

Originally from Cape Town, this 17-year-old has been cycling since the age of 15. Shortly after his bicycle skills were discovered there, his family moved to Louis Trichardt during 2013.

During this time, Kombo has made quite a name for himself in local cycling circles - off-road and on-road - and is widely regarded as one of the town’s accomplished racers.  “Louis Trichardt is a great town, with really friendly people … I really enjoy living here, because it’s extremely quiet,” said Kombo.

Young Kombo is not sure from which parent he inherited his cycling abilities. “I’m actually the only one in my family who does sport so passionately,” explains Kombo. His father is a professor at the University of Venda, and his mother is a stay-at-home mom who looks after his younger brother.

When his family moved here, Kombo enrolled as a student at Louis Trichardt High School. Balancing his school work with his passion for cycling is something that he takes seriously. “Balance is crucial, and I have a great relationship with most of my teachers … this really goes a long way.”

Kombo follows a strict cycling programme that has been written by the Sports Institute of South Africa and cycles for a few hours almost every day. Before a race, however, he will do more exercises to prepare. “Boiled eggs before a race are not optional,” he chuckles.

And then there are the funky and brightly coloured glasses that he wears with every race. These are not only a fashion choice, but also a talisman. “They are my lucky glasses,” says Kombo.

Added to this is also Kombo’s gear. He recently swopped his old Momson bicycle for a brand new Scott, which has earned him a jealous stare from many a cyclist.

At the beginning of this year, one of Kombo’s personal heroes, professional mountain biker Phil Buys, approached him. This not only saw Kombo signing a sponsorship deal with Scott Factory, but he now also receives training from Phil himself. “To race and travel with him is a dream come true!” says Kombo.

Comfortable on both a road and a mountain bike, Kombo says he still prefers mountain biking. It is one of his life goals to become a pro like Phil and represent South Africa as an elite cyclist. 

 

 
 
 

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

 
 

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