He’s 17 and Racing Elites—Now He’s Heading to Italy for a Trial

A South African junior cyclist is chasing a European breakthrough — and the biggest hurdle isn’t talent. It’s access.In this episode of Active Hobo, Faraz Khatieb shares his origin story: how his dad and brother pulled him into cycling, how his father became his coach and mechanic, and why racing in Europe is a completely different game. Faraz is leaving **26 February** for an **Italy-based trial** with a European team — with Belgium racing on the cards — and he’s doing everything he can to turn a one-month opportunity into a full-season contract.You’ll also hear the real behind-the-scenes reality young riders face: the costs of joining teams, the pressure to perform with limited support, and how community fundraising can make (or break) the dream.What you’ll hear in this episode:- How Faraz got into road cycling (and why he had to “wait his turn”)- Dad-as-coach: training structure, recovery days, and race prep- Why Europe racing demands race craft, nerve, and positioning—not just fitness- The sponsorship problem: how talented riders get stuck behind paywalls- The fundraising push to make the Italy trial possible