The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
AS a young boy Bright Chipongo loved to test his skills by trying to outpace other cyclists while on his way to Mutare Boys High School. Most of the cyclists he outpaced back then where security guards but today the 29-year old is making life tough for professional cyclists in the United States where he is on the books of Mikes Bikes.Recently Chipongo took his fine form back home and won the inaugural Tour de Machipisa. Although he was supposed to be resting after a gruelling season Chipongo could not resist the temptation of racing in the streets of Harare’s, Highfield suburb.
“It’s always a good feeling to win although I wasn’t expecting a race at this time of the year as I am on off season,” he said.
Chipongo credits his sensational rise to his love affair with the bike.
“My bike is my best friend I spend quality time with my bike and when we race things just happen,” he said.
“I fell in love with cycling when I was bought a mountain bike to use when going to school. As the love affair between myself and the bike grew I started racing against security guards.
“In 2002 I decided to take the sport seriously and began to take part in local competitions.
“When I started things were very tough, but I want to thank my mom and my family for the support they gave me to get this thing going. They believed in me with the little we had till I got a sponsor.”
Chipongo doesn’t give much away on the “sponsor” but those close to him revealed that a well wisher liked what he saw in the cyclist and recommended him to US based clubs.
“It was always my dream to race overseas and by the grace of God I met the right people and got the sponsorship I needed to go out there and showcase what I have,” adds Chipongo.
“I went there in 2015, it was an awesome experience. The racing is so different, I did about 30 races in 2015, but it was very hard, I had no wins. I was learning.
“In 2016 I won the Mt Diablo Hill climb in Walnut Creek, California and also had some podium and top ten finishes.”
As he slowly finds his groove in the US the talented Chipongo, who has represented the country at the Africa Games and the Africa Continental Championships, has his eyes focused on the Tokyo Olympics.
“I want to get to the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020. It would also be good to get a feel of the Tour de France but you need to get a contract with the world tour teams which are the biggest teams in the world.
“But I am not one to never say never, if an opportunity comes I will go for it,” he said
