As a 32-year-old officer with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), I have dedicated my life to service, fitness, and the pursuit of excellence. The National Metropolitan Police Games held recently provided me with the perfect platform to combine my passion for cycling with my career. I competed in multiple categories of the event, which tested my stamina, skill, and perseverance.
Representing the JMPD in the cycling category was both an honour and a responsibility. Alongside other officers from across the nation, including the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), and the Durban Metropolitan Police Department (DMPD), we demonstrated not just athleticism but also the strength and resilience of the police force.
The 10km Individual Time Trials kicked off the cycling discipline on Monday, 16 September. This event was a test of pure speed and control, with every cyclist striving to clock the fastest time on the course. For me, this category was particularly important because I wanted to achieve my personal best.
I finished the 10km race in 19 minutes and 38 seconds, a personal record validated by my Strava data. This result was not just a victory for me; it was validation of the countless hours of training I had put in, focussing on form, endurance, and technique. First place was thrilling and set the tone for the competition.
After the excitement of the individual time trials, the very same day, we faced the 20km Team Time Trial, which brought a new dynamic to the competition. In this race, teamwork was just as important as individual skill. The JMPD Cycling Team, led by Chief Superintendent Mogomotsi Mashigo, performed brilliantly. Our team secured the 1st position, a feat made more significant by the stiff competition we faced from the EMPD, TMPD, and DMPD.
This victory was particularly satisfying because it demonstrated that the JMPD Cycling Team is not just a group of strong officers but a cohesive, well-trained unit capable of executing complex strategies under pressure. The camaraderie we shared as we raced, the constant communication, and the determination to outpace our competitors resulted in an outstanding performance.
Day two, Tuesday, 17 September, brought one of the most physically demanding events of the Games: the 4km Hill Climbing Time Trials. Hill climbs require more than just raw power; they test a cyclist’s ability to pace themselves, maintain momentum, and fight through fatigue as the incline becomes more punishing.
Once again, I found myself at the top of the leaderboard, completing the climb in first place. The effort was intense, but the feeling of reaching the summit ahead of my peers was immensely rewarding. This event was not just about strength; it was a mental battle, where every push of the pedal was a challenge to keep going when every fibre of your body was screaming for relief.
The final event in the cycling discipline was the gruelling 50km bicycle ride on Wednesday, 18 September. The course took us through the scenic yet demanding Muldersdrift area, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and dedicated cycling infrastructure. As we pedalled past nature reserves, the vast stretches of natural bushveld, and the iconic Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, the beauty of the surroundings was a stark contrast to the intense physical strain we were under.
This race was about endurance. Keeping a steady pace over such a long distance while fending off competitors is as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess. I stayed focused, trusting in the preparation I had done with my team.
By the time we reached the final kilometres, I could feel the finish line pulling me forward. With my fellow officers from the DMPD, EMPD, and TMPD trailing behind by a solid four minutes, I crossed the line comfortably in first place, securing yet another win for the JMPD Cycling Team.
The triumphs I experienced during the National Metropolitan Police Games were not the result of luck or chance. They were the culmination of years of training, hours spent on the road perfecting technique, and countless sacrifices made along the way. The leadership of Chief Superintendent Mashigo and the support of the CoJ Cycling Team were integral to our success.
Our team’s success was built on mutual trust, an unrelenting work ethic, and a shared goal of being the best. Each member of the JMPD team pushed the other to be better, faster, and stronger. Whether it was during gruelling training sessions or in the midst of competition, we knew that we could rely on one another. This sense of camaraderie is what makes cycling for the JMPD so special.
As I reflect on the events of the National Metropolitan Police Games, I am filled with a sense of pride, not just for myself but for the entire JMPD and the CoJ Cycling Team. Our performances showed that we are capable of competing at the highest level, and the future of our team looks brighter than ever.
The Games may be over, but our journey is far from finished. We will continue to train, improve, and push ourselves to even greater heights. The JMPD Cycling Team is not just a group of cyclists; we are a family, united by a shared passion and a common goal.
I am Officer Thabiso Makhetha, and though you may not know me yet, I can assure you, the future of the CoJ Cycling Team is secured. We are ready to take on any challenge that comes our way, and we will continue to represent the City of Johannesburg with pride and distinction.
SOURCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.
