Instead Tshoko relied on her perseverance, and the input of the Life Cycling Academy’s Pick n Pay Ascends Excellence Programme, to overcome negative sentiments like being told that it wasn’t "proper for a black lady to cycle", and remained focused on her dream.
And in addition to winning gold in the Western Province Road Championships and the Western Province Time Trial Championships, Zanele was also crowned the Western Province Cycling Association’s Female Cyclist of the Year in 2007.
"My parents believe in me and that is all that matters," says Zanele, who is currently training to participate in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, and hopes to turn professional within the next two years.
Meanwhile, organisers have announced a list of prime spots along the Cycle Tour route for spectators to watch Zanele chase the women’s elite cyclists, as they seek glory in the 2008 event.
The Start, Hertzog Boulevard: If you live in the suburbs around the city centre, take your bicycle into town. If you travel by car, park in any of the surrounding side streets and walk to the start area. There’s an awesome vibe and it’s the only time you will ever see so many cyclists together. Everybody say WHOOOPLAH!
Newlands Forest Area: Accessible from the east side of the M3, as well as the pedestrian subway at the "Parks and Forest" area. There is one refreshment station and you will be treated to some fast riding by the still fresh and excited cyclists.
Paradise Road (Near Paradise Motors): This point is accessible from Main Road, Claremont and is a good place to view the cyclists as they speed down Paradise Road and start climbing up Edinburgh Drive.
Edinburgh Drive (Up To Top Of Wynberg Hill – Outbound): The steepest gradient of the Cycle Tour will give you the chance to cheer and inspire the cyclists as they struggle up the first climb of the route. If you are keen to spot your boet or your best buddy, then this is undoubtedly the best vantage point. (This is also great place to take your skottle and cook your breakfast.)
Main Road / Steenberg Road (Muizenberg): This easily accessible vantage point allows you to see the cyclists as they speed towards the sea.
Kalk Bay And St. James: Enjoy breakfast at one of the many restaurants in the area and toast the cyclists as they flash past.
Fish Hoek: The traffic circle and Main Road in the centre of town always attracts many supporters.
Glencairn Beach: Pedestrian access to the grassed area (Glen Ridge side) with large lawns opposite the beach. Or make your way to the Glencairn Hotel / Southern Right or Dixies restaurant.
Simon’s Town Main Road: Access is preferably on foot for local residents. Jubilee Square has been a firm spectator favourite for years and always has a great vibe.
Scarborough: Gain access to Main Road on foot or view from pubs and restaurants along the road.
Noordhoek Farm Village: Local residents must preferably access this area (Main Road) on foot, or relax at any of the pubs or restaurants on the roadside while you watch the cyclists speed by.
Hout Bay (Corner Princess And Main / Chapman’s Peak Drive): If you live in Hout Bay and haven’t managed to escape the madness early on, take a stroll down to Main Road (M65) and give the cyclists that final energy boost before they hit the dreaded Suikerbossie.
Suikerbossie: It may not be the toughest hill on the route, but most participants dread this climb. They are tired and need all the encouragement you can give. Suikerbossie – all the way from the bottom circle to the top before Llandudno – is perfect vantage point for locals.
Camps Bay Beachfront: Join the beautiful people for a few hours and relax at one of Camps Bay’s many beachfront restaurants or on the beach. A pedestrian bridge allows you to cross the cycle stream to the beach.
Sea Point: Thrills, spills and crashes are aplenty at the sharp left turn from Victoria Road into Queens Road! A pedestrian bridge allows you to cross the road here.
Promenade & Finish Line: Make your way to the Promenade to watch the cyclists breaking into their final sprint to the finish or witness all the emotion and high drama, typical of the Cycle Tour finish line.
Be a Responsible Spectator: Don’t litter, ignore any baboons that may cross your path and do not feed them! Keep food out of sight. Please don’t throw cigarette butts anywhere as the Cape’s hot, dry weather provides the perfect conditions for fires.
Unless you are camping on your front lawn you may not make fires along the route (this includes open and gas fires). Do not remove or break rocks, pick plants or feed any animals. When you drive out to support the cyclists along the route, be careful where you park your car, as not to cause any damage to the fynbos.
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