Ballito local Joshua Johnson Cycling with Shiptech

Josh Johnson is not your average teenager. Tearing up the dirt, racing along the streets and racking up prestigious cycling titles across South Africa... these are just some of the things that this 13 year old has been up to in the last five years. As Shiptech Petroleum, we could not be prouder to sponsor this ambitious young champion as he blazes a trail for others to follow. Josh was raised in Zambia, where his passion for the bike was nurtured from the tender age of four. Eventually, lush forest trails turned into scenic cycle routes and a hobby turned into National Championships. Five years ago, the Johnson family settled in Ballito on the KZN North Coast, and Josh has been riding his heart out in the competitive arena ever since. The podium results speak for themselves: U13 KZN Mountain Bike Champ in 2019 and 2020 and the U13 KZN Road Cycling Champ in 2019 and 2020, and more recently, the SA Cup Title in the Western Cape. There’s no doubt about it, this young man has a future destined for greatness. But a handful of impressive local titles isn’t enough for this brave go-getter. Josh aspires to compete internationally one day soon and cites Dutch cyclist, Mathieu van der Poel, as one of his greatest inspirations. Currently, he is training for Race To The Sun; a 160km gravel and mountain bike adventure race from Hartbeespoort to Sun City in May 2022. As a locally-owned and proudly patriotic South African business, we are inspired by the courage, determination, and appetite for success that we see in young Josh. He is bold in his actions and inspiring in his efforts. Sponsored by Shiptech, Josh doesn’t just wear our name on his sleeve, but our values in his heart. Much like Shiptech, Josh is committed to leaving a legacy that inspires and uplifts others. Rather than a corporate sponsorship, we see this relationship as a partnership; as we work together to showcase the potential of, and fuel the future for, young riders in South Africa.