Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Kinetic cycle club has energy
Veterans look forward to Cape Cycle Tour
A RAVENSMEAD-based trio are raring to go for the 41st edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour after competing in the event for more than two decades.
Norman Stanfliet and Ashley Young will compete in their 23rd Cycle Tour, while Shannon van Heerden will compete in her 22nd tour. They ride for Kinetic Cycling Club in Ravensmead.
They are part of a 70-member group that will participate in the world’s largest individually-timed cycle event.
The 109km competition will start at the Grand Parade and finish in Green Point on March 2.
Van Heerden said taking part in the tour for more than two decades was a dream come true.
“The first time I did the Cycle Tour was nerve-racking because I had no idea what was waiting for me. Cycling gives me a sense of freedom. I enjoy the beauty of Cape Town and an opportunity to ride between farms,” said the former Bonteheuwel resident who says she will never forget the Cycle Tour that she completed in 2000.
“I found out that I was two-months pregnant. The doctor said I could still take part, but to take it easy. I was determined to finish it. What amazed me was that I did the Cycle Tour the following year without practising.”
She is motivated by club chairperson O’Ryan Bruintjies.
“He lost the use of his left arm seven years ago in a motorbike accident. This did not stop him from cycling and doing what he loves. He is not only a role-model to me but to many cyclists at Kinetic,” she added.
Bruintjies said the Cycle Tour was a highlight on the calendar for most of the cyclists at Kinetic.
“Every year our riders attend this event. They either do it for fun or to improve on their personal best times. We are proud of all them, especially Norman, Ashley and Shannon who have competed in the Cycle Tour for more than two decades. They are inspiring the youth by showing them that after competitive racing, you can still enjoy cycling for years to come,” he said.
Established in 2000, the club’s juniors made headlines last month after they medalled at the African Continental Track Championships in Pietermaritzburg. Carl Bonthuys scooped gold in the elite category, Matthew Fortuin bagged two golds and a silver in the junior category, and Jonathan Bouwer walked away with three gold medals in the junior category.
“They started their cycling career at Kinetic. The club managed to put in the necessary support for them to perform despite limited resources. Funding is always a challenge, but we are fortunate enough to have committed cyclists and passionate parents. To have nine SA champions and three African champions at your club is something special,” said Bruintjies.