The Spotlight Academy is what the name states, our aim is to enable the strongest riders from local development academies the opportunity to shine and a platform that will allow them to be noticed internationally.
We ensure that they are granted the means to race significant races such as the Cape Epic, Wines2Whales and Marathon Championships. The Spotlight Academy provides these riders with the support needed to grow as athletes and as individuals.
The dominant goal is to allow underprivileged riders from South Africa to be the best in the world. We know they are capable.
The academy currently has two exceptional riders showing great potential, with a work ethic and commitment that we are proud of and believe will result in them achieving considerable success. Halalisani Ntebele, and Siyanda Gumede are both 24 years old and hail from Kwa-Zulu Natal.
These riders are offered the opportunity to work at The Coopetto (bicycle services and repairs). This equips them with knowledge regarding how to work with customers, how to deal with general work and the lifestyle challenges that come with trying to fit it all in.
The Spotlight Academy is actively seeking a title sponsor to partner with the academy.
We have started the year formidably, having achieved the goals that we set out to and both the managerial team and the riders remain focused, committed and determined to perform to the best of our abilities.
We are grateful to the brands Factor Bikes and VanH who have come on board for 2024 and beyond and we now look forward to welcoming another brand(s) who share our ethos on board.
Vision
The Spotlight Academy would like to create opportunities for riders who do not have the support to reach their full potential.
Mission
To grow the sport of cycling in underprivileged communities by spotlighting talented riders.
Values
Provide our riders with the best support and tools possible to reach their personal goals.
Strive to encourage and motivate others within the areas that our riders come from to grow cycling within these communities.
| Rider 1: Halalisani Ntebele 24 Years Old KZN Best Results: Cape Epic Green Jersey Winner W2W Green Jersey Winner Tankwa Trek – Amatuer Jersey Winner @halandebele | Rider 2: Siyanda Gumede 24 Years Old KZN Best Results: Cape Epic Green Jersey wearer and Stage Winner @siyandamthobeleni |
Please keep an eye on all The Coopetto Social Media channels to follow the riders progress throughout the 2024 season.
About the Founder
Timo Cooper raced professionally for 5 years, before shifting his focus to various roles within the cycling industry, as a coach, a team manager and a mentor.
Timo is passionate about sharing his knowledge with up and coming athletes and has a particular interest in assisting development riders. His vision is to grow the sport of cycling in South Africa and to make riding and racing a bike more accessible in communities in which it is currently not the norm.
The idea to start the Spotlight Academy was born through experience while working within the MTB development community.
“During this time I met some amazing individuals and I knew that this is where I have to grow the sport. Over the past few years, I’ve been trying to figure out how I can give back and what is missing in the current structure. I realised that there was a gap above the Development Academies. Some riders in these academies show true talent but they may not be strong enough to get into professional teams.
This is where my idea comes in. To give these riders an extra stepping stone to reach their full potential by giving them the tools and support they need to reach their goals.”
