Dutch cyclist lends a hand

WHILE tens of thousands of cyclists are still licking their wounds over the abandoned Cape Town Cycle Tour, a team of obviously disappointed Dutch cyclists have not forgotten the primary reason they undertook the 13 000km trip from Europe to the southern tip of Africa.

Spearheaded by passionate and determined mechanic and bicycle store owner Janke van der Veen, some of the more adventurous team members tackled much of the original tour route on Sunday despite the weather gods wreaking havoc.

But before their epic ride they achieved the original goal of their trip. On Friday, at an emotional welcoming ceremony in Cape Town, a promise made and a dream years in the making was fulfilled.

It all began back in 2004 when Van der Veen closed shop in Utrecht, Netherlands, to relocate to South Africa for a year to share her skills and make a difference in the lives of a local community.

Among the residents of that community was a 13-year-old boy who had never been on a bike. The youngster was encouraged to ride and immediately fell in love with cycling.

He was identified as having potential, joined a riding academy, started excelling and the rest, as they say, is history. His name was Songezo Jim.

Jim went on to become South Africa’s first black rider on the international professional circuit. He made further history by racing and completing the prestigious Vuelta a España 2015 and the Giro d’Italia 2016 Grand Tours. The European-based 26-year-old recently joined Team Kuwait-Cartucho.

Last year he founded the Songezo Cycling Academy in Masiphumelele, not only introducing kids to cycling but also providing an alternative future for youngsters in a troubled community.

Jim and Van der Veen have maintained a close relationship.

“When I left Masi I promised the community that I would one day be back,” explains Van der Veen.

“I love South Africa, I love Cape Town and I love Masi and its people. When Songezo mentioned his academy I knew I wanted to be part of the dream.”

Van der Veen mobilised support, and a 14-strong team landed in Cape Town last week. They were warmly welcomed at an emotional function in Masi on Friday, where 15 new bicycles were handed over to the kids from the academy.

Excitement was high as a young team from the academy was to join the Dutch team at the start line for their first Cape Town Cycle Tour. Sadly the wind had other ideas.