Extract from our candid interview with Protea cyclist, Kerry Jonker.
Tune in for the full interview with Protea Cyclist, Kerry Jonker:
Life lessons summarized from the interview with Kerry:
Pursue Opportunities Early and enjoy the journey: Kerry emphasized the importance for young cyclists to enjoy the sport. She encouraged young athletes to slow down, enjoy the process, and not rush into professional sports without considering other life goals and education.
Balance and Efficiency: She advised against overtraining and highlighted the importance of efficient training, suggesting that quality often trumps quantity.
Resilience and Adaptability: Kerry shared her experience of overcoming setbacks, such as injuries, and stressed the importance of following proper medical advice and planning a proper progression for recovery.
Value of Sport Beyond Competition: Kerry highlighted how sport builds confidence, discipline, and attention to detail, which are valuable life skills beyond just achieving accolades.
Community and Support: She stressed the importance of having a supportive network and listening to advice from trusted individuals like coaches and family.
Inclusivity and Challenge: Kerry encouraged young girls not to be intimidated by male-dominated sports and to see training with boys as a challenge that can make them stronger.
These insights reflect her thoughtful approach to both her career and personal development.
We had an insightful chat with the Voice of the Bellville velodrome, Coen Pretorius. We asked him about his journey from novice road cyclist to national track champion. We talked about his role as MC and touch on schools MTB and track cycling.
School MTB and track cycling – Is there opportunity to connect?
Amongst our discussions it became clear that school mountain biking (MTB) and track cycling can indeed complement each other. Here’s how they can work together to enhance a cyclist’s skills:
Power and Start Techniques: Track cycling, with its focus on explosive power and quick starts, can significantly improve a mountain biker’s ability to launch effectively at the beginning of a race. As mentioned in the transcript, riders like Bianca Herbst have shown improved starts in MTB events after training on the track.
Endurance and Stamina: While track cycling emphasizes short bursts of speed, it also builds overall endurance, which is beneficial for the longer, more sustained efforts required in mountain biking.
Technical Skills: The precision and bike handling skills developed on the track can translate to better control and maneuverability on the varied terrains of mountain biking.
Mental Toughness: Both disciplines require a high level of mental focus and resilience. The strategic thinking and quick decision-making in track cycling can enhance a rider’s ability to navigate the challenges of MTB courses.
Cross-Training Benefits: Engaging in both sports allows young athletes to develop a well-rounded skill set, reducing the risk of burnout and overuse injuries by varying their training routines.
By participating in both school MTB and track cycling, young riders can enjoy a more comprehensive development of their cycling abilities, benefiting from the unique strengths each discipline offers.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s northern suburbs, the Bellville Velodrome stands as a monument to the pursuit of speed, precision, and athletic excellence. Renowned throughout South Africa and beyond, this world-class indoor cycling facility has, for decades, provided a stage for cycling enthusiasts, amateur riders, and elite athletes to test their mettle, break records, and chase dreams. The Bellville Velodrome is not just a venue—it is an ecosystem designed to nurture talent, foster community, and propel the sport of cycling forward into a new era of innovation and achievement.
A Purpose-Built Arena for Champions
At the core of Bellville Velodrome’s appeal is its meticulously engineered track, designed to the highest international standards. The smooth, concrete surface delivers the perfect balance between speed and thrill, allowing cyclists to push their physical and mental boundaries with confidence. The velodrome offers year-round protection from the elements, ensuring that training and competitions can proceed uninterrupted—rain or shine.
The velodrome’s dimensions meet stringent specifications, making it the ideal venue for a wide range of cycling events, from local club races to prestigious international tournaments. Whether you are a sprinter honing your explosive acceleration or an endurance rider building stamina, the Bellville Velodrome provides the optimal environment for high-performance cycling.
Events That Inspire
One of the Bellville Velodrome’s hallmarks is its vibrant calendar of competitive and community events. The velodrome regularly hosts national championships, track cycling classics, leagues, and grassroots development programs. These gatherings not only elevate the standards of competition but also foster a sense of camaraderie among cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Spectators, too, are drawn to the adrenaline-charged atmosphere that fills the stands during major events. The seating arrangement guarantees excellent sightlines of the entire track, immersing fans in the action and encouraging the next generation of aspiring champions. The velodrome’s electrifying ambiance during race nights has become legendary, making it a must-visit destination for sports lovers and families alike.
Innovation and Athlete Development
The Bellville Velodrome is more than a venue—it is a catalyst for athletic transformation. By embracing technology and collaborative coaching, the facility stays at the forefront of global cycling trends. Performance monitoring tools, such as power meters and telemetry, are integrated into training regimes, enabling riders to fine-tune their techniques and pursue marginal gains that make all the difference at the elite level. The South African national team annually attends a training camp at the velodrome in December. Several international teams have attended January training blocks at the facility. These include France, Germany, Great Britain and more.
Youth development is a core priority. The velodrome runs robust training clinics, talent identification programs, and school outreach initiatives to ensure the pipeline of South African cycling talent remains strong. Experienced coaches and former champions mentor emerging riders, sharing wisdom, experience, and a passion for the sport that echoes through every lap.
A Destination Beyond Cycling
While cycling is at the heart of the Bellville Velodrome, its appeal extends beyond the realm of two wheels. The versatile arena is equipped to host a variety of indoor sports, concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings. This adaptability cements its status as a cornerstone of the local sporting and cultural landscape, drawing diverse audiences and fostering a spirit of inclusion.
The facility is easily accessible, with ample parking and convenient connections to major transport routes, making it an ideal choice for regional, national, and international events. Its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and leisure attractions further enhances the visitor experience, ensuring that time spent at the velodrome is both productive and enjoyable.
Testimonials From the Community
The Bellville Velodrome has garnered praise from athletes, coaches, and visitors alike.
“Here the support for cycling is heaven on earth.”
“I tried out track once on a loan bike. The coaching and professional assistance got me instantly hooked. I bought a track bike 2 or 3 weeks later and will never part with it.”
Such testimonials underscore the velodrome’s reputation as a nurturing ground for personal and professional growth, where every visitor—athlete or fan—is welcomed as part of a larger cycling family.
Why Choose Bellville Velodrome?
For athletes seeking the pinnacle of indoor cycling facilities, the Bellville Velodrome offers an unbeatable combination of technical sophistication, expert support, and a thriving community. Its commitment to excellence is reflected not just in the quality of the track, but in the holistic approach to athlete development and the promotion of cycling as a lifelong passion.
By choosing Bellville, cyclists gain access to a facility that has produced champions, hosted unforgettable events, and inspired countless individuals to pursue their own limits. It is a place where dreams are forged, records are broken, and the spirit of cycling is celebrated every day.
Conclusion
In a world where athletic performance is continually being redefined, the Bellville Velodrome stands tall as a beacon of possibility. It invites cyclists, coaches, and fans from all walks of life to join a tradition of excellence and innovation. As the premier high-performance indoor cycling facility in the region, it promises not only the best in sporting infrastructure but also an inspiring journey for anyone with a passion for speed, strategy, and self-improvement.
Experience the thrill, embrace the challenge, and become part of the legacy—at the Bellville Velodrome, where every lap tells a story and every rider has the chance to become a champion.
