Lorraine Primary’s new mountain bike track unveiled
Sponsors, supporters all play part in development of off-road circuit, complete with training facilities, pavilion and more
The long-standing tradition of producing top cyclists is back in full motion at Lorraine Primary School following the unveiling of its 6,000m² mountain bike trail.
Strong winds were no match for the school’s energised pupils as they zipped across the completed track on Wednesday after several months of construction.
Built inside a fully enclosed area, the track was finally heralded by rousing cheers with multiple-event SA cycling champ Anriette Schoeman on hand to christen it.
The off-road cycling circuit alongside a pump track, a first at an Eastern Cape school, began taking shape in July, with design input from Schoeman and elite rider Marco Joubert.
The facility, at full completion, will comprise a cross-fit training facility, marquees, a parking bay, pavilion and bar.
Under the watchful eye of successful athlete and coaching pair Schoeman and Alex Cooper, who is also deputy principal, enthusiastic junior mountain bikers from grades 1 to 7 put the large ramp at the track to the test.
“The problem is not getting them on the track, but to get them off it,” Cooper said.
“I am happy seeing how the pupils are enjoying it. It will improve their cycling skills.”
He touted the youngsters for national and international success akin to alumni such as the Bosman brothers, Bradley and Ceejay.
“Our school has a 40-year history of creating national cyclists and SA champions.
“We are set to carry on this tradition.”
Schoeman, who clinched the 94.7 Cycle Challenge four times while triumphing 16 times in the Knysna Cycle Tour alongside Cooper, echoed her longtime coach’s remarks.
“They might be the next Burry Stander, Allan Hatherly or [Swiss cross-country cyclist] Nino Schurter.
“You never know their ability or potential until they are exposed to something like this.”
She applauded the efforts of the track design team.
“Sometimes availability and keenness count more than ability.
“The guys, some of whom weren’t downhill racing, offtrack or MTB specialists, put their heads together and researched a lot about what works for the pupils.
“I’m excited about what is coming. [The school] is still improving the track ... it will be spectacular.”
Cooper said the school took on a massive cost to develop the track.
“It was not only the track but the entire venue, including the grounds, fencing, structures, toilets, change-rooms and pavilion.
“Its maintenance is also expensive.”
He said the track would undergo consistent upgrades and improvements.
“It is an ongoing process. “Our cycling sponsors, Klinicare Group of Pharmacies, Thule and Seaman’s Renault, contribute toward the cost of building the structures and track.”
Klinicare’s representative, Eve Hammond, a front shop team leader at the Lorraine Gardens pharmacy, praised the endeavour.
“Lorraine Primary is part of our community, and Klinicare has been part of cycling events and festivals [in Nelson Mandela Bay] for many years.
“When Alex Cooper approached us with the idea of building the trail, Klinicare owner Deon Schoeman immediately said yes.
“We wanted to be the first to sponsor them and to make it happen.” Klinicare, which funds the cycling kits and supplements at the school, sponsored a mega-sized ramp at the track.
Lorraine Primary’s coaching staff, who have been hard at working getting cyclists ready for The Herald Cycle Tour, will continue an established winning culture after the school won several competitions last year, including the Saica Peda Mountain Bike and Trail Run at the 3Rivers Trails at Crossways.
Cooper said the new track was the culmination of a dream.
“To have the assistance of [Schoeman] is phenomenal.
“Joubert will [join] our coaching complement soon,” he said.
“Kobus van Heerden, credited for mentoring [among others, former 30km Bay by Bike MTB Race champ] Ashleigh Mayhead, started this dream 15 years ago.
“At the time, Lorraine Primary was the only school seriously involved in cycling.”