Two Years of Engagement, One Final Outcome
Between November 2024 and April 2026, I engaged in continuous, good‑faith communication with the City of Cape Town regarding the future of the Bellville Velodrome — South Africa’s only Olympic‑sized, fully roofed cycling track and the only indoor velodrome on the African continent.
Over this two‑year period, I consistently highlighted the velodrome’s national sporting importance, its role in youth development and community safety, and its value as a high‑performance training venue for current and future South African athletes. I also proposed practical, low‑cost operating models and offered constructive solutions at every stage.
Despite this, the City confirmed at a stakeholder meeting in April 2026 that the cycling track will be permanently removed when the facility is handed to a private developer in January 2027. The velodrome will be converted into a 15 000‑seat events arena, and Olympic‑standard track cycling will no longer form part of the site’s future.
A summary of the engagement timeline
• November 2024 – June 2025: Initial correspondence with the Mayor raised concerns about possible sale or closure. I outlined the velodrome’s strategic importance and proposed a sustainable maintenance model. The matter was acknowledged but no commitments were made.
• July – August 2025: The annual use licence was not renewed, placing training and events at risk. The City restricted access due to OHS issues and prohibited formal competitions. I engaged Cycling South Africa and proposed collaborative solutions. Limited access was restored, but uncertainty remained.
• August 2025 – January 2026: The velodrome was closed for renovations with no clear timelines. I documented the impact: riders unable to train, youth and women’s programmes collapsing, and national‑level athletes losing preparation time. I requested a meeting and proposed a non‑profit operating model based on international best practice.
• April 2026: At a City stakeholder meeting, it was confirmed for the first time that the cycling track would be demolished under a 60‑year development lease agreement. This was an extension of the one awarded in 2009. The City stated that high‑performance Olympic‑standard facilities fall outside its mandate and that its focus is on grassroots community amenities.
What this means for South African track cycling
I welcome the City’s investment in refurbishing the Vygieskraal 500 m outdoor track. Outdoor tracks are essential for grassroots development and community access. However, they are internationally recognised as feeder facilities — not replacements for enclosed Olympic‑standard velodromes.
With the loss of Bellville, South Africa will no longer have a roofed, Olympic‑sized track for high‑performance training, national events, or international competition preparation. This is a significant setback for the sport, for athlete development, and for future generations who will not have access to the same opportunities.
My position going forward
Although I am deeply disappointed by the outcome, I remain committed to constructive engagement and to building a sustainable future for track cycling in the Western Cape and South Africa. The focus now shifts to:
- strengthening youth and community programmes i.e. Learn to race time trails on the road hosted at Steynsrust Hill, Somerset West
- maximising the potential of Paarl and Vygieskraal
- developing a long‑term high‑performance pathway in the absence of an indoor velodrome through Track Cycling SA club
- ensuring that the history and impact of the Bellville Velodrome are properly recorded
For two years, I advocated with transparency, evidence, and respect. While the final decision is not the one the cycling community hoped for, the work to protect and grow the sport continues.
Jaco Scholtz Track Cycling SA Somerset West, Cape Town
