Former Laudium resident Yasmina Nagdee has carved out an inspiring path in South African women’s cycling — a journey defined by determination, discipline and podium finishes at some of the country’s most competitive races.
Nagdee’s story begins right here in Laudium. She spent her childhood in the community, attending Himalaya School before briefly relocating to Cape Town in 1988 and 1989. She later returned to complete her matric at Laudium High School and lived in Laudium until her marriage in 2000, when she moved to Johannesburg.
While cycling would only enter her life years later, the foundation of discipline and determination was laid early on.
In 2011, inspired by friends who had taken up cycling, Yasmina decided to give the sport a try. Armed with a bicycle that was unknowingly two sizes too big, she began riding around the neighbourhood. What started as curiosity quickly turned into commitment.
She soon participated in smaller races before tackling major events such as the Amashova Durban Classic and the 947 Cycle Challenge. Though challenging, she posted impressive times for a novice — and for a naturally competitive athlete, that was all the motivation she needed to improve.
Yasmina joined the New Horizons Cycling Club, at the time one of the largest non-white cycling clubs in the country. In an era when cycling was still largely dominated by white riders and women of colour were underrepresented, the club offered diversity, community and high-performance training.
With a properly sized bicycle and growing confidence, her bike-handling skills improved dramatically. Working within the cycling industry deepened her knowledge of the sport, and discovering scientific training methods — particularly training with power — proved to be a turning point.
Encouraged by a colleague and certified coach who took her under his wing, Yasmina transitioned from social riding to structured, high-intensity race preparation. She became a licensed rider and began competing in the ladies’ veterans category.
The early races were tough. Being dropped during competitive events tested her resilience. But instead of stepping back, she doubled down — building race fitness, refining her programme, and sharpening her mental strength.
2016 marked a major breakthrough when she secured second place in the 947 Cycle Challenge (Ladies Vets category) — a race that has since become one of her favourites. Over the years, she has achieved four podium finishes at the 947, the most recent being another second-place finish in 2024.
Her momentum continued:
• 2017: Second place at Gauteng Provincial Championships
• 2018: Silver medal at the South African Championships
• Five podium finishes at the Gauteng Championships
• Five podium finishes at the South African Championships
In 2024, she claimed the top step of the podium at the Blue Diamond Classic in Cullinan — a particularly tough race contested in strong winds.
Most recently, at the South African Championships in Midvaal, Yasmina made a last-minute decision to compete fully, knowing that future championship dates will coincide with Ramadan, making participation difficult. Leaving everything on the road, she once again secured a silver medal.
While Yasmina thrives in competitive racing, she admits her heart lies in long-distance tour riding. Among her most memorable experiences were the Johannesburg to Durban tours, but the standout remains a charity ride from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town in support of Cansa Active — a cause close to her heart.
Currently riding with Cipressa Cycling and ICG, Yasmina remains passionate about growing women’s cycling. She encourages newcomers to join clubs and ride in groups, emphasising the importance of community support in development.
“Cycling has taught me consistency, dedication, discipline and self-belief,” she reflects.
From the streets of Laudium to national championship podiums, Yasmina Nagdee’s journey is one of grit and growth. As more women take their place in the peloton, she looks forward to riding alongside them — leading not only by example, but by inspiration.
