Mohamed’s story: keeping up with the kids
In the world of professional cycling, the yellow jersey is reserved for elite athletes. But for Cycling UK, the real champions aren’t on the podium: they’re in our neighbourhoods, riding through our streets.
For most people, cycling isn’t about competition; it’s about connection. That’s why Cycling UK’s Real Yellow Jersey campaign was created: to recognise and celebrate the everyday champions like Mohamed.
Originally from Sierra Leone, Mohamed came from a large family with 16 siblings. He moved to the UK in 2002 and settled in Manchester, where he now lives with his wife and five children.
A turning point with his bike and his family
Growing up without a bicycle, Mohamed never learned to ride. As his own children grew up, he watched them cycle while he ran along behind them in the park. His older sons had previously tried to teach him, but the attempts ended in friendly family laughter rather than success.
The true turning point came when his youngest daughter took matters into her own hands at Webster Primary School in Manchester. Spotting a poster for parent cycling sessions organised by Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival partner Cycle with Sumayra, she told her teacher that her father couldn’t ride.
Mohamed recalls: “And then my daughter put my name through at the school, you know, she tells the teacher, ‘my dad cannot ride a bike’ and the teacher was so surprised. She calls me saying, ‘we heard about you, your daughter said you can’t ride a bike. Is that true?’ I say yes, I’ll do it for her.”
The sessions took place on the school playground during regular school hours. Though other male participants gradually dropped out, Mohamed persevered as the only dad in the group, under the guidance of instructor Sumayra and the encouragement of fellow participants.
His daughter and her classmates even watched him practice from their classroom window.
Sumayra recalls Mohamed’s determination during the course: “Mohamed was one of my star pupils! He rocked up every week, big smile on his face, ready to learn. And every week he just progressed at a really fast pace. He was just like the life and soul of those sessions.”
The benefits extended further than just a bike
When Mohamed successfully mastered balancing and pedalling, he sent a video to his children as proof, prompting them to host a celebration for him at home.
I feel very proud. And mostly I did it for my kids, for my daughter Mohamed Sesay, Real Yellow Jersey winner 2026
And the benefits extended far beyond family rides, in a time of rising costs for everyone, cycling regularly meant that Mohamed could cancel his gym membership and start commuting to work by bike, providing a cost-effective and enjoyable way to get to work and stay healthy.[JS1.1]
He now regularly takes his daughters out on weekend rides in local parks. “Oh, it’s so good! When I was riding a bike, I really enjoyed it. I mean, I will encourage anyone out there, you know, that cannot ride a bike, to practice, learn how to ride a bike. It’s very good.”
Shining a spotlight
The Real Yellow Jersey award shines a spotlight on individuals using cycling to tackle some of society’s toughest challenges – from climate change and air pollution to mental health and social exclusion.
Winning a Real Yellow Jersey award is a moment of tremendous pride for Mohamed. Looking to the future, he hopes to train as a ride leader to help other adults and children discover the joy of two wheels.
“I feel very proud. And mostly I did it for my kids, for my daughter.”
