Business School Academic Conquers Tough SA Cycle Race

Graduate School of Business and Leadership lecturer Dr Pfano Mashau showed his prowess on two wheels when he completed the 2017 Amashova Durban Classic Cycle race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

Competing in the demanding race for the first time, Mashau said pushing through cramps and other challenges involved in cycling 106 km was not easy but the triumph of finishing the event made it all worthwhile.

‘I crossed the finish line in four hours and 30 minutes which I was very happy with. It was tough going at times with the first 50km full of inclines, plus it was a hot day,’ said Mashau.

What started as a casual pastime and a stress escape from his PhD studies which he has just successfully completed, has turned into a passion for Mashau. To prepare for Amashova, he participated in the 2017 aQuelle Tour Durban in April and also in two other 100km races.

‘I have always enjoyed cycling with other people and exploring different routes. Cycling is fun and is good relaxation, similar to jogging. I will keep taking care of my bicycle and enjoying cycling until the next race,’ said Mashau.

On the academic front, Mashau recently participated in 11th American-African-European (AAE) Summer School and ARTEM International Conference at the ICN Business School in Nancy, France. He will present his work on entrepreneurship at the upcoming Global Trends in Management, IT and Governance in an E-World (E-MIG 2017) International Conference in Mauritius later this month.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo