Bellville Velodrome: The Premier Destination for High-Performance Indoor Cycling 

Unleashing Potential, Inspiring Champions 

Introduction 

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. 

Helpline: Find out more about track cycling.

We hosted the Chalk-Air women’s team

Today we hosted the Chalk-Air women’s team at the Bellville velodrome. 6 women from the team joined us for a “Try out track” session. It was the first time ever on a track bike for four of the riders.

The session started with learning to start and to stop. We then proceeded with a game of “follow the leader” where the instructors from the Bellville velodrome track community guided the riders to get used to riding faster and slower.

This was followed by each instructor taking a rider around the track for 4 laps.

Everyone was now ready for more and a 10 minute warm-up followed. This was then followed by 2 x half lap all out sprints to activate the legs.

We finished the session with 2 groups of 3 riding paceline and changing in the bends on every lap.

All of the riders finished the day with big smiles and are looking forward to structured training at Bellville velodrome.

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:

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!