Dániyal Matthews of Team Siata managed to secure the elite men’s title in the 2025 South African Road Championships on Sunday, 9 February 2025. This win marks the first rider of color to win in this event – making it a pivotal moment for the cycling community in South Africa.
In a demanding 165 km course in Midvaal Gauteng, Matthews finished the race in 3 hours, 45 minutes and 28 seconds (03:45:28)– edging closely ahead of Casper Kruger of Team Honeycomb pro Cycling, who completed with a similar time, followed by Daniel Loubser 28 seconds later.
About two weeks earlier, Matthews endured a crash during the Gauteng provincial Championships but, was able to soldier through recovery and achieve a remarkable performance.
Matthews forms part of Team Siata, a non-profit organisation that thrives on nurturing young and motivated riders across many age groups ranging from under 11 t=right through to Elite. This organisation aims to create oppurtunities in various aspects of development and organized mentorship
Matthews experience has been nothing short of milestones that have earned him traveling rights across the world while representing South Africa.
“This victory is not just mine but belongs to everyone who believed in me and supported my journey. Surmounting the obstacle at the Gauteng Provincials made this win even more significant. I’m proud to be part of Team Siata, an organization that genuinely touches hearts and transforms lives,” said Matthews.
With the Champion title to brag about, Matthews motivates a new era of cyclists from different backgrounds, thus inspiring the true meaning of diversity, perseverance and resilience in the sporting community as a whole.
