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:
- Josh Dike 2.5 laps up on main bunch
- Gustav Basson 2 laps up
- Daniyal Matthews 1 lap up
- Sparkles Schultz 1 lap up
- Gustav Roller 1 lap up
- Faraz Khatieb in main bunch
Full results:
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.