One More Lap: Bellville Velodrome’s Emotional Farewell

Last night the iconic Bellville Velodrome staged its final international track cycling event before the track is demolished to make way for a new indoor arena with 10 000 extra seats. Teams from Belgium, Switzerland, a Great Britain invitational side, South Africa and the SA Federation lined up in front of a packed house for a night simply billed as “one more lap”.

The atmosphere was electric. Thousands of spectators – young and old – filled the stands, cheering and blasting air horns as the racing unfolded. South African rider Gustav Roller produced a gutsy ride in the elimination race to finish third behind two Swiss riders, drawing huge support from the home crowd.

The 1 500 m was blisteringly fast. A Belgian rider stopped the clock in 1:32 to set a new South African record, with Ethan Kulsen (SA national squad) second and James Swart (SA Federation) third. European strength was even clearer in the madison, where Belgium claimed first and second and Switzerland took third. Great Britain won the match sprint ahead of Daniel le Roux (SA) and Belgium, while Switzerland claimed the keirin title.

The evening closed with the 10 km race. Before the riders rolled out, a specially written farewell song was played and many in the crowd were visibly moved. The race itself then exploded into life to the strains of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”.

Organiser Chris Willemse showed once again that South Africa can successfully host major track events. The large number of children in attendance was especially heartening – the kind of experience that helps build a future generation of riders. At 34 years old, the Bellville track delivered one final, memorable night.

Belgium finished first overall, followed by Switzerland and Great Britain. Yet the lasting image will be of South African riders in national colours racing in front of a passionate home crowd. For many youngsters seeing track cycling live for the first time, a spark may well have been lit. One thing is certain: it was a show, and the people of Cape Town had a night to remember.

Pro riders at track international: Meet Daniyal Matthews & Gustav Roller

When the gates open at Bellville Velodrome on 13 November, South African cycling fans will have the opportunity to cheer on two riders who represent both the future and the present of South African cycling. Daniyal Matthews and Gustav Roller, teammates at Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team, will proudly wear South African colours at the Track International.

While they race together throughout the year on the road, both riders also bring impressive track credentials to Cape Town.

Daniyal Matthews: From African Track Champion to National Road Champion

Cape Town-born Daniyal Matthews has built one of the most impressive all-round résumés in South African cycling. In 2023 he was part of the South African squad that won the African Team Pursuit Championship, demonstrating his pedigree on the velodrome.

Matthews has also enjoyed success on the road. His breakout result came when he claimed the South African National Road Race Championship, one of the country’s most prestigious titles.

Now racing professionally for Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team, Matthews continues to compete internationally while remaining one of South Africa’s strongest endurance riders.

Career Highlights

  • South African National Road Champion. (2025)
  • African Team Pursuit Champion (2023).
  • Represented South Africa at elite international road and track competitions.

Gustav Roller: South Africa’s Rising Star

At just 19 years old, Gustav Roller has already established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in African cycling. Roller has been dominant on both road and track from a young age, winning national titles across multiple age groups and setting numerous South African records.

His biggest achievements came in 2026 when he captured four African Championship titles, winning the Points Race, Elimination Race, Madison and Team Pursuit.

Roller also claimed South African elite titles in the Omnium and Elimination disciplines and has gained valuable international experience racing in Belgium before joining Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team.

Career Highlights

  • Four-time African Elite Track Champion (2026).
  • South African Elite Omnium Champion.
  • South African Elite Elimination Champion.
  • Former South African Junior Road Champion.

Teammates on the Road, Teammates for South Africa

The partnership between Matthews and Roller extends beyond the velodrome. Both riders race for Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team, one of South Africa’s leading continental squads. Their shared experience racing together on the road brings an additional level of teamwork and understanding as they represent South Africa on home soil.

For spectators, it is a rare opportunity to witness an established national champion and one of Africa’s brightest young stars competing together in international competition.

Be There to Witness World-Class Racing

The Track International at Bellville Velodrome will feature South Africa’s best riders taking on international competitors in one of the country’s most historic cycling venues.

Come support Daniyal Matthews, Gustav Roller, and Team South Africa as they take to the boards in front of a home crowd.

Bellville Velodrome
Friday, 13 November
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: R200

Fast. Tactical. International. Don’t miss your chance to see two Tshenolo teammates chase glory in South African colours. 🇿🇦🚴‍♂️

About the author:

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

👉 Join the MAX VELO Masters Community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.

Eastern Cape Talent Heads to Bellville for the Track International

The Eastern Cape has a proud history of producing tough, talented cyclists, and on 13 November the province will be well represented when Zane Salzwedel, Hayden Salzwedel, Rhys Burrell and James Swart line up at the Track International Meeting at Bellville Velodrome.

For Eastern Cape cycling supporters, this is an opportunity to see four riders who have already made their mark on South African cycling and who continue to raise the profile of the province on the national and international stage.

Zane Salzwedel

Zane has emerged as one of South Africa’s most promising young endurance riders. One of his standout achievements was representing South Africa at the UCI Junior Track World Championships, competing in both the Team Pursuit and Madison events against the world’s best juniors.

Known for his calm approach and strong engine, Zane continues to develop into a rider capable of performing at the highest level.

Hayden Salzwedel

Following closely in his brother’s wheel is Hayden Salzwedel, making this a special family story for Eastern Cape cycling. Hayden gained international experience when he represented South Africa at the 2026 UCI Junior Track World Championships, competing in the Scratch Race, Points Race and Individual Pursuit.

The Salzwedel brothers’ presence at Bellville highlights the strength of cycling development within the Eastern Cape.

Rhys Burrell

Few young South African riders have built a track racing résumé as impressive as Rhys Burrell’s. A major career highlight came when he was crowned African Champion in the Individual Pursuit, adding to an already extensive collection of national and continental titles.

Burrell combines world-class pursuit ability with success on the road, making him one of the country’s most versatile talents and a rider every Eastern Cape supporter should keep an eye on.

James Swart

James Swart brings valuable experience and speed to the Bellville track. One of his standout achievements was representing South Africa at the UCI Junior Track World Championships, where he competed in the Madison, Sprint, Keirin and Team Sprint disciplines.

His ability to compete across multiple track events makes him an exciting rider to watch whenever he takes to the boards.

Eastern Cape Pride on South Africa’s Biggest Stage

From the Salzwedel brothers’ family connection to Rhys Burrell’s continental success and James Swart’s international experience, the Eastern Cape contingent brings a wealth of talent to Bellville.

When the racing starts under the lights of the historic Bellville Velodrome, Eastern Cape supporters will have plenty of reasons to cheer. These riders are not only racing for results, but also flying the flag for a province that continues to produce some of South Africa’s finest cycling talent.

Come and support Eastern Cape’s stars as they take on the nation’s best at the Track International Meeting on 13 November. 🚴‍♂️🔥

About the Author

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

👉 Join the MAX VELO Masters Community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.

Sprint Showdown Set for Bellville!

Raw speed, tactical brilliance and explosive power. The Sprint Competition at the Cape Town Track International will feature the Match Sprint, Keirin and a 400m, showcasing some of South Africa’s fastest riders.

Leading the charge is South African national team rider Daniel le Roux, who recently made the exciting switch from endurance racing to sprinting. Already an accomplished track cyclist, Daniel is now turning his attention to the high-octane world of pure speed, where every pedal stroke counts.

Lining up against him is Josh Wentzel, representing the SA Federation Team. Known as one of South Africa’s most talented young sprint prospects, Wentzel has built a reputation for explosive acceleration and fearless racing, making him a serious contender whenever the gates open.

With national pride, bragging rights and sprint supremacy on the line, expect close racing, tactical battles and breathtaking speed under the lights of the historic Bellville Velodrome.

🔥 Don’t miss the action at the Cape Town Track International on 13 November at Bellville Velodrome. Come experience world-class track cycling and witness South Africa’s fastest riders go head-to-head on the boards! 🚴💨🏁

About the Author

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

👉 Join the MAX VELO Masters Community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.

World Championship medalist Tuur Dens races in Cape Town!

Tuur Dens will represent Belgium at the Cape Town Track Cycling International on Friday 13 November, 7–10pm. The experienced Belgian track specialist (born 2000) is a two-time UCI Track World Championship medalist in the Scratch race (silver in 2021 and bronze in 2023). He also has European medals and has represented Belgium at the highest level, including the Olympic Games. He currently rides for Team Flanders–Baloise.

Key highlights:

Silver medal in the Scratch race at the 2021 UCI Track World Championships

Bronze medal in the Scratch race at the 2023 UCI Track World Championships

Multiple European Championship medals and Olympic experience

Tickets are R200 each. Book yours now from Chris or Annerika. Full details are on the event poster.See a true world-class track rider in action at Bellville Velodrome!

About the Author

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

👉 Join the MAX VELO Masters Community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.

Meet the Rider: Tim Shoreman (Scotland)

When the riders roll onto the Bellville Velodrome for the Cape Town Track International, one athlete bringing both road racing firepower and growing track pedigree is Scotland’s Tim Shoreman.

Representing Scotland, Shoreman has established himself as one of the country’s most versatile endurance cyclists, combining success on both the road and track. His ability to produce sustained power in pursuit-style events makes him a rider that South African fans should watch closely.

From Scottish Champion to International Contender

Shoreman’s breakthrough year came in 2023 when he claimed the Scottish National Road Race Championship, adding the Scottish Circuit Race title in the same season. Those victories cemented his reputation as one of Scotland’s leading endurance riders.

While many riders specialise in either road or track, Shoreman has successfully developed both disciplines. His strong aerobic engine and tactical awareness have translated well to the velodrome, where he has continued to deliver impressive results.

A Rising Force on the Track

On the track, Shoreman’s progression has been rapid. He won the Scottish Madison Championship in 2024 before capturing the Scottish Individual Pursuit Championship in 2025, showcasing his ability against the clock and his strength in endurance events.

His performances earned selection to the elite British team for the 2026 UEC European Track Championships, where he recorded a top-10 finish in the Individual Pursuit against some of Europe’s best riders.

Why Fans Should Watch Him in Cape Town

The Individual Pursuit is often called the “race of truth” on the track. It rewards riders who can deliver sustained power, hold a perfect line and judge their effort to perfection.

Those qualities define Shoreman’s racing style.

Whether he’s competing in pursuit events or contributing to Scotland’s endurance squad, Bellville spectators can expect a rider who races with determination and isn’t afraid to push the pace.

With a national pursuit title, international championship experience and a reputation as one of Scotland’s toughest competitors, Tim Shoreman adds further international quality to an already exciting Cape Town Track International field.

About the Author

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

👉 Join the MAX VELO Masters Community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.

Don’t miss Ethan Kulsen in action at the Cape Town Track Cycling International!

South African track cycling star Ethan Kulsen will proudly represent the Green and Gold at the Cape Town Track Cycling International on Friday 13 November, 7–10pm.Born in 2005 and the son of former Springbok cyclist and coach Elrick Kulsen, Ethan has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of South Africa’s most exciting young track talents.

Three career highlights:

Silver medal in the Men’s Scratch Race at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games (Trinidad and Tobago), where he also served as a flag bearer for Team South Africa.

Multiple gold medals at the African Track Championships as a junior, including gold in the junior scratch race, team pursuit and Madison (with additional medals across the 2022 Abuja and 2023 Cairo championships).

South African National Champion titles, including the elite kilometre time trial (2025) and team sprint (2025), plus earlier junior national titles in the kilo, points, elimination and keirin.

Tickets are R200 each. Book yours now from Chris or Annerika. Full details are on the event poster.

Come support Ethan and the rest of the South African squad as they take on international competition on home soil. See you under the lights!

About the Author

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

Join the Max Velo Masters community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.

MAX VELO ENDURANCE RIDE

Max Velo hosted an endurance group ride with Track Cycling SA club on Saturday 7 Nov from Devonbosch on the Bottelary road, Western Cape.


A strong contingent of masters athletes joined our youth squad for the 78 km route.

The goal was simple: keep a solid tempo, ride as a bunch, and get everyone to the finish together through good pacing and communication. We did exactly that. The group stayed together the whole way and finished the distance as a unit. Big credit to everyone who showed up and rode smart. Squeezy nutrition kept the legs turning over nicely too.

Our next group ride is on 28 November and in Paarl.

About the Author

Jaco is a Masters Track Cyclist, coach at MAX VELO Coaching and organiser within the South African track cycling community. He specialises in helping busy masters athletes maximise performance through structured, evidence-based training.

Join the Max Velo Masters community and receive the 7 Principles for Endurance Performance free, plus ongoing coaching insights to help you ride stronger, longer and faster.