Cycling’s a ray of hope for youth
Inaugural event in Mitchells Plain to develop young talent
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28
A2015 SPIRING young cyclists took part in the first Sport Trust Community race in Mitchells Plain yesterday. About 100 youth from the city, the West Coast and Boland participated in the race.
The inaugural race, in association with Nedbank and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, took place at Caradale Primary School in Rocklands.
Carol Crawford, spokeswoman for the Trust, said 12 schools and one development club were involved in cycling development programme.
“The objective of the community races is to promote and encourage cycling in the communities and provide developing cyclists with further opportunities to compete in various competitions around the area of Western Cape.”
Yesterday’s 2.4km race was open to cyclists in categories from under-10 to under-18. Also racing on the day were category One and Two teams from Western Province cycling.
The under-10s completed one lap of the 2.4km square circuit, the u-12s two laps, while the under-14s and under -16s cycled for 20 minutes on the track, before finishing with a sprint lap. The under-18s cycled for 30 minutes and also completed a sprint lap.
Crawford said as part of the programme, cyclists scored points in competitive school league races and community races.
Those who do well would move on from using mountain bikes to road bikes, “depending on funding”, she said.
“This programme assists disadvantaged schools by introducing the sport of cycling to teachers and learners. It provides the learners with the key fundamental principles of cycling.”
She said key principles included road and safety skills, maintenance of bikes and providing opportunities to participate in school leagues and community races.
Head of the sponsorship and causes marketing department at Nedbank Tobias Badenhorst said: “This initiative aims to empower and improve the livelihood of young people, allowing them to embrace their dreams.”
Eden Deerling, 14, from the De Doorns Development Club said: “Cycling gives me something to focus on. I just love it.”