Doug Ryder

Background

About Doug Ryder

Douglas Ryder (OLY) is the founder and Team Principal of Team Qhubeka, Africa’s only UCI (International Cycling Union) World Tour Team. As a professional cyclist, he represented South Africa at the 1996 Olympics. He captained the national team from 1993 to 2002, and competed in multiple World Championships. Doug’s determination to showcase African cycling at a global level inspired him to start, in 2007, Team MTN Microsoft, which has now evolved into Team Qhubeka. His dream was realised when the team competed in their first Tour de France in 2015 and won its first stage on Madiba day, Nelson Mandela’s birthday. More successes followed including taking the coveted yellow jersey in the Tour de France with Mark Cavendish and winning the U23 World Championships with Samuele Batistella. The team has competed in seven Tours de France and continues to provide a platform for riders from Africa, to compete at the highest level of cycling. Doug Ryder and Team Qhubeka have been acknowledged by institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the IOC and the UCI for their contributions in advancing African cycling and in racing for a greater purpose. Doug’s passion to make a meaningful contribution to society has seen him partner with the Qhubeka Charity, which moves people in Africa forward, with bicycles. Qhubeka has distributed over 100 bikes to communities in South Africa and neighbouring countries. Through collaborations created by Doug and the team, Qhubeka has partnered with numerous corporates and esteemed organisations such as the ASO, organisers of the Tour de France. The team also won the prestigious “Beyond Sports Award’, which acknowledged their impact to effect meaningful change in the world through sport. Doug Ryder is also a Laureus Sport for Good ambassador and is currently based in the Netherlands. Specialties: Sales management, team management, public speaking, sponsorships and events