Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Bellville cyclist makes his own history
WHILE South African cycling star Daryl Impey made history to become the first cyclist to win back-to-back titles at Australia’s Down Under race, Bellville Technical High School’s Matthew Fortuin was in a class of his own at the African Continental Track Championships in Pietermaritzburg last weekend.
Matthew, 17, a member from Kinetic Cycling Club in Ravensmead, bagged two gold and silver medals in the junior men’s category at the championships.
When not competing, the youngster from Bellville was on the sidelines cheering his teammates on after South Africa dominated the annual competition.
Matthew competed in four cycling disciplines and kicked off his campaign in the Omnium Race which is an individual competition that consists of four events where he came out on top overall.
The former Goeie Hoop Primary School pupil followed that up with another gold in the Madison round with his teammate Jonathan Bouwer. He then went on to win a silver medal in the Scratch round (endurance race) and ended the competition on a high with a second silver in the Points round.
Matthew said it was an honour to represent South Africa.
“Despite making a few mistakes, I am chuffed about my performances. It is never easy to compete at international level but I made the most of it,” said Matthew, who believed it was important to balance school and sport.
Matthew is not only a great sportsman but a leader who has been on his school’s RCL for the past three years.
“This opportunity
has
made me grow as a leader and helped develop my leadership qualities,” said Matthew, who is gearing-up for the SA Track Championships at the Bellville Velodrome in March.
On the academic front, Matthew plans to study education at the University of Cape Town next year.
Acting deputy principal Johan Nel described him as a great leader who he has known since 2015.
“This is a great achievement for him,” Nel added.