First taste of international racing for Nikalau

6 riders from South Africa competed at the Next Generation meeting in Appeldoorn, Netherlands, from 10 to 12 January 2025. One of them was Track Cycling SA club member, Nikalau Volsteedt.

We spoke to Nikalau about her experiences at her first international competition.

What was it like to compete on a wooden velodrome as opposed to the concrete one in Bellville?

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Nikalau in a sprint qualifier at Appeldoorn

“I could not believe how smooth it felt. I could race a gear that is 2-3 inches heavier than usual.”

How much opportunity was there to race?

“I rode both sprint and endurance events over the course of the three days. Six events in total. On Friday I rode 3 keirins. On Saturday I rode a points and elimination race. Finally on Sunday a scratch race”

What was your favourite race?

Nikalau (centre in SA kit) surrounded by all of the major cycling nations

“My favourite race was the elimination race. The bunch racing was exhilarating. It was so much fun to be in a bunch with all the other countries. So happy I didn’t crash in this race since there were a few close calls. I got 19th in this race which is more than I hoped for. I gained loads of experience out of all the races. Forever grateful for that.” (Editor’s note – Nikalau’s positioning was great in this race, but there were some neutral laps at a crucial stage when a rider suffered a burst tire. She unfortunately found herself boxed in when the racing restarted. A neutral lap on the track is still at a high pace. It only means that nobody is eliminated during neutral.)

What was the highlight?

“The highest point for me was entering the velodrome on the first day of racing. The atmosphere was surreal. It was amazing seeing all the countries knowing that I’ll soon be racing against them.”

Do you have advice for young riders?

“Take your time trying new things and have fun while doing it.”

Are you looking forward to any races?

“For now my focus is on the SA track champs in April. Maybe try and qualify for the African champs.”

Nikalau Volsteedt (Centre) secured first position at the Jeanné Nell track Classic in Bellville after returning from Appeldoorn. Fellow Appeldoorn participant, Hannie Vreken (left), was second. Up and coming rider, Catalina Rose Lamers (right), was third.

Credits: Photos provided

8 good reasons to try out track cycling

Track Cycling SA club provides structure for riders from other disciplines to experience the joy of track cycling. Here is why we recommend considering track cycling.

  1. Beginner sessions – Track Cycling SA club helps new riders to get started in a supporting environment.
  2. Access to bikes – New riders start on the club’s bikes. There is no barrier to entry.
  3. Structured training – We have free training sessions at the velodrome.
  4. Fun and excitement – Riding on the banked walls is exhilarating. The atmosphere is lively. There is a huge sense of achievement.
  5. Camaraderie and community – Track cycling involves training and racing with others, which can create strong bonds and a sense of community.
  6. Improved skills – Better bike handling skills and race craft.
  7. Physical benefits – Improved fitness. Increased strength and power. Enhanced anaerobic endurance.
  8. Safe environment- No cars, no pedestrians, no wind, no rain, and no dark. First Aid level 2 and Guardian approved club staff. Structured training.

Track Cycling SA club offers free track intro sessions at Bellville velodrome. Bikes and coaching are provided. Our next one is a Women’s track day on Sunday, 19 Jan. Pre-bookings close on Tuesday, 14 Jan.

Paarl Boxing day sports 2024

The Paarl Boxing day sports was first held in 1898 at the Faure st stadium in Paarl. This year this prestigious event saw more than 100 riders from under 11 to veterans compete.

Track Cycling SA club had a strong scholars contigent at meeting.

The women’s events saw racing between Anya du Plessis (elite) and the 3 juniors that are going to Appeldoorn (Ned) in January. They are Mianette Theron, Hannie Vreken and Nikalau Volsteedt. The under 17 rider, Catelina Rose Lamers, rode up to the junior category. Anya put in a dominant performance and showed why she is a Protea track cyclist. She won all 3 of her races convincingly.

Nikalau Volsteedt warming up

The junior men saw a strong field with Matt Sym, Gustav Roller, Zaine Salzwedel, Morgan Jones and Sparkle Schultz competing for top honors.

The elite men racing was top class with Gustav Basson who apply his trade in France mixing it up in all of the races. Ethan Kulsen, Gert Fouché, Nolan Hoffman, Rhys Burrell, Matthew Lester, Daniyal Matthews, Jason Bruintjies, Hanno Geldenhuys, Josh Louw and Theuns van der Bank were also there.

The elimination race podium. L to r: Gustav Basson, Josh Dike and Ethan Kulsen

However the top rider of the day was the Gauteng rider, Josh Dike. He won both the points race and the elimination race.

Top rider of the day, Josh Dike.

The highlight of the day was the 25-mile race. 34 riders started and the race was run at a blistering pace from the gun when Matthew Sym attacked. Josh Dike then later took a lap on his own, but Gustav Basson gave chase and also took a lap on his own. Dike attacked again just before Basson caught the bunch. He took Gustav Roller and Daniyal Matthews with. The trio took a lap, but at that stage Gustav Basson was also on his way to take a 2nd lap with Sparkle Schultz and Zaine Salzwedel in tow. Salzwedel dropped off back to the main bunch, but Schultz took the lap with Basson. Dike was not taking chances with in a sprint and gained half a lap before Basson and Schultz bridged. He took a solo ride to a dominant victory.

Sparkles Schultz (left) was the first junior in the 25-mile and 4th overall

The 25-mile podium l to r: Gustav Basson, Josh Dike and Daniyal Matthews.

25-mile results:

  1. Josh Dike 2.5 laps up on main bunch
  2. Gustav Basson 2 laps up
  3. Daniyal Matthews 1 lap up
  4. Sparkles Schultz 1 lap up
  5. Gustav Roller 1 lap up
  6. Faraz Khatieb in main bunch

Full results:

Paarl Boxing Day Track Challenge – 261224 Results-1Download

The 7 times 25-mile winner, Nolan Hoffman also competed. It was his final race as a professional. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Try out track for Women

Track cycling is a fast and exciting sport, but many people don’t know how to get into the sport. One such example is Track Cycling SA club member, Kerry Jonker. She was already an accomplished road cyclist at professional level, but started quite late on the track.

She only did her first race at Bellville velodrome riding one of the clubs bikes in 2021. She duely won a race from a very long sprint on that evening! Subsequently she went on to earn her Protea track cycling colours by representing South Africa internationally in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Kerry Jonker at Adelaide velodrome in 2024

The bike is usually the barrier to entry because it is designed for velodrome use with a fixed gear and no brakes. Riders pedal slower to come to a stop. Track Cycling SA club takes away the barrier of investing in a fixed gear track bike by offering free track introductions to women and scholars. Free access to bikes are provided at these sessions.

The next Womens track day is on Sunday 19 Jan 2025.

Track Cycling SA club has level 2 first aid, UCI level 1 coaching and The Guardian clearance at our track days.

It is a safe and welcoming environment to try out track. The only warning is that it can be too much fun and that one will get hooked on pedaling fast and turning left!

BOOK EARLY TO SECURE YOUR PLACE

Sunday Fun day

Track Cycling SA club invited all the new scholars from last week to join a free Sunday Fun Day session at Bellville velodrome. The session was hosted by Duncan McIntyre. At the end of the session we were seeing riders doing 1 lap sprints while controlling their bikes at speed.

These sessions happen every Sunday except for race weekends or if the velodrome is hosting another event.

Sparkles ready to take it a step up

The young Sparkles Schultz from Track Cycling SA club attended a month long UCI training camp in Paarl during November.

Sparkles covered more distance than ever in the month. He was introduced to group training and also learned how it is to stay away from home for a substantial period.

Sparkles (3rd from right) with the UCI continental training group.

The camp set Sparkles up for the next three track events namely the Western Cape Grand Prix, the Eddie Kulsen GP and Paarl Boxing day.

Successful “Try out track” at velodrome

12 new riders tried out track at a free session hosted by Track Cycling SA cycling club.

The event took place on Sunday, 24 Nov, at Bellville velodrome.

There were 7 riders ages between 14 to 17 and 2 under 10 riders. There were also 3 veterans who joined.

Here are some pictures of an enjoyable and fun skills session at the track.

The next track day is in Feb 2025 and will focus on girls and women’s participation.

“Try out track” session for future stars

Track cycling is the ideal cycling discipline to develop bunch riding skills, speed and power in a safe environment.

Some of the best professional riders in the world including past world champions have a track background.

Locally there are many success stories such as that of TrackCyclingSA club member, Sparkles Schultz. He started out on the track two years ago at Bellville velodrome. He was only 15 years old. He recently went on a training camp at the UCI centre in Paarl. He was chosen because of his performances at track cycling nationals and the Bellville velodrome league series.

Sparkles Schultz right

Nikalau Volsteedt is also a rider who progressed rapidly after her track cycling introduction. She joined TrackCyclingSA on the velodrome as an under 17 rider. She won the national championship in the junior elimination race in March this year. She is from a MTB background, but quickly adapted to the velodrome with the support of the club.

Nikalau Volsteedt

The track bicycle is usually the barrier to entry for new riders since these are the only bikes allowed on the slopes of the Bellville velodrome. They have a fixed gear and no brakes. Riders slow down by pedaling slower. TrackCyclingSA club removes the barrier by providing free access to bikes for 13 to 17 year old scholars at our “Try out track” days.

The next session is on Sunday, 24 Nov. Pre-booking is essential to secure a bike. This is the last one for the year! Don’t miss out!

Building for the future

TrackCyclingSA cycling club will host a track introduction for scholars on Tuesday, 5 Nov from 6pm to 8pm at Bellville Velodrome . The session is open for Under 13 to junior riders.

The cost is R500 and includes club membership until end of this year, use of a bike and learning to ride.

The session is aimed at kids who already ride bmx, mtb or road bikes and would like to pursue track cycling. The goal of the club is to provide a platform to learn from now through to the South African champs taking place at the end of March.

Club membership will allow the use of a bike at club training sessions. This is a great opportunity for young cyclists do develop bike skills and race craft.

Pre-booking only. Closes at end October 2024. Please mail jaco@trackcyclingsa.co.za to book.