Tag: Cycling

Balls to the Wall – episode 5

The significance of clubs in cycling

In this episode of Balls to the Wall, Jaco Scholtz discusses the significance of cycling clubs in South Africa, particularly in track cycling. He reflects on the history and development of club championships, the importance of community engagement, and the upcoming events that foster youth participation and competition in cycling. The conversation emphasizes the role of clubs as foundational elements in nurturing talent and promoting the sport.

Key take outs:

  • Cycling clubs are essential for the development of track cycling in South Africa.
  • The Track Cycling SA club championship has been a consistent event for 12 years.
  • Community engagement is vital for the success of cycling events.
  • Youth participation is encouraged through learn-to-ride programs.
  • The championship handicap format allows for fair competition across different age groups.
  • Social events after races help build community spirit.
  • Investing in clubs is crucial for the future of cycling in South Africa.
  • Upcoming events aim to attract more participants from various regions.
  • The atmosphere at events is both competitive and social.
  • The success of young riders showcases the effectiveness of club training.

Ready to ride with purpose

Don’t miss out on our online coaching plan for cyclists who dream big! We only have 8 spots open for our September cohort. Receive a month-long strength training program worth R300 when joining before 5 September 2025.

Big dreams realised:

Keanu Pieterse – multiple SA scholars track champion

Pierre van Zyl – SA masters track champion

Danie van Onselen – SA masters track champion and provincial tt champion

Leon Michaelides – SA masters track champion

Donna Marriot-Lowry – SA masters track champion

Mihlali Mashiloani – SA u17 track champion

Imtiyaaz Schultz – SA junior track champion

Contact us to find out more.

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.

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.

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.

Higher power for longer in 4 weeks

Vo2 max intervals may be beneficial to athletes who already have a solid aerobic endurance base and who have reached a power plateau. Vo2 max training may give a competitive advantage in events which require higher power demands such as track endurance events, hill climbs and criteriums.

The stimulus of VO2 max intervals can improve power. The VO2 max program below is ideal to help athletes to cycle at a higher power for longer within 4 weeks. It starts with short VO2 max intervals to boost power and then works up to longer intervals to sustain it.

4-week VO2 max power training plan

The above 4-week VO2 max power plan is ideal to be applied after an endurance cycle such as per any of the below two plans:

4-week aerobic endurance plan ( 5-6h per week)

4-week aerobic endurance plan (6h – 7.5h)

The future looks bright at Bellville velodrome

The third round of the Western Province track league took place on Fri, 2 August, at Bellville velodrome. This event was back to back following the one on Friday, 26 July.

It was the second track event at Bellville velodrome under the new LED lights which replaced the existing 30-year old lights that that were at end of lifespan.

This upgrade solidified the Bellville velodrome as the top indoor cycling facility in Africa.

The program was fast and action packed. Racing started at 7pm and ended at 9.30pm. There was racing for category A to E and riders from under 11 up to 75 – 79 competed.

There were several highlights. Here is our top 5:

10km scooter scratch (30 laps scooter and 10 laps scratch) in 11min59s at 50kmh. Carl Bonthuys winning.

The Western Province elite team pursuit squad in action and closing in on 50kmh.

Imtiyaaz “Sparkles” Schultz first cat A win with a long sprint in the 8 laps scratch race.

The Cat D kids racing at 40kmh in their scooter scratch.

Cat E kids start list growing with 2 more riders joining in.

Here is the leader board:

WP track league #3 on 2 Aug 24 – resultsDownload
WP track league 2024 points table after after 3 of 4 eventsDownload

The next event is planned for Friday, 30 August, 2024. Follow WP track on Whatsapp for event updates.

Follow TrackCyclingSA on Facebook for news and updates about track cycling in South Africa.

Photos courtesy of Marc Pentz photography.

125th Paarl Boxing day

The 125th Paarl Boxing day track cycling challenge took place at the Faure street stadium, Paarl, on Tuesday 26 December.

This track cycling event started in 1897 with the open 25-mile race being the most prestigious event on the program. The winner of this races gets their name engraved on the Minnaar trophy that dates back to 1908.

90 riders participated this year ranging in categories from under 11 scholars to masters.

The elite field saw the professional rider, Jonas Rickaert, from Belgium lining up on the start line along side the top local track riders. He took top honours by winning the 25-mile and was also awarded the top rider of the day trophy.

Jonas Rickaert wins the 25-mile race. Photo Marc Pentz

Here are the results of all the races.

Track league goes back to the 80’s

The WP track league kicks off on Saturday, 20 May’23, at Bellville velodrome. The loadshedding schedule has been consulted and there is no impact on the event.

Entries close on 17 May’23. Click here for league and event details.

The maximum gear ratio is limited to 90-inches. This encourages rides to use leg speed. It is a fun way to get going again on the track after a break since the track nations in April.