Development stars ready for BMX World Champs
Pietermaritzburg – A group of enthusiastic young BMX racers will be
able to line up alongside the world’s best at the UCI BMX World
Championship in Pietermaritzburg thanks to a collaboration between Cycling
SA and the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation to fund a development
team to the prestigious event.
The eager riders came from across the country, and were chosen by their
instructors as the rising stars from each of the regional development
programmes.
“We had nothing in place six years ago for these novice BMXers, so we came
from ‘Ground Zero,” said BMX veteran Sharlene McGilvray who is a driving
force behind the project. “To be able to get the funding to enter a team
of talented riders from the development programme is really exciting.”
McGilvray added that this was a fantastic opportunity to remove kids from
crime ridden street corners and the possibility of getting involved with
drugs by focusing their attention on the sport. “We would also like to
inspire the development paddlers by introducing them to our Gauteng world
beater Sifiso Nhlapo,” she said.
“I only got involved relatively recently,” she added, “But we seem to have
made a difference!”
McGilvray indicated the many lessons have been learnt during the formation
of the development programmes.
“In Pietermaritzburg, we didn’t to take into account that bike donations
would be translated into personal mobility for the beneficiaries, not just
sport kit for training and competing,” said McGilvray.
Giba Gorge near Durban is a successful centre of Development Excellence
for BMX riders.
"The Giba Gorge BMX development riders have come a long way over the past
year, and it has been great to see their progress,” said Jason Nichol,
manager of the successful centre of Development Excellence Giba Gorge.
“These kids ride with zeal, and it’s thanks to BMX parents and young
riders who have donated kit and bikes to get these kids turning wheels and
racing”.
“We started with six lads and a sponsor in Omnico/Mongoose, who provided
the whole team with new bikes and helmets last year,” said Nichol. “This
was awarded on merit as the kids have worked hard, and accomplished super
results.”
“Our stars have a new team sponsor in the form of Ilanga Newspapers. Now
the team has the backing and resources to take their training to the next
level,” said Nicol.
“All six riders now train under the watchful eye of Sydney Webster. This
ensures professional programmes and individual attention through physical
coaching and mental preparation. This has progressed the team from novice
to expert classes. They are working their way into the Elites,” he added.
“It is great to see the kids, sharing their dreams, their aspirations and
having an absolute ball just simply being kids,” Nichol points out. “It is
through sport and environments like these where true transformation takes
place naturally. We want them to learn accountability and self-discipline,
respect, and what it means to be to be dedicated.”
“These boys cannot believe that the UCI BMX World Champs will be near
their home town and that they will have the experience of racing with the
worlds best next month. Three years ago they didn't realise the sport of
BMX existed, and now the whole team will be competing at the highest
levels. The stuff of dreams!” he added.
The UCI BMX World Championships takes place at the Royal Showgrounds in
Pietermaritzburg from 29 July to 1 August. More information can be found
at
www.bmxworldchampspmb.co.za
The South African Development team to the UCI BMX World Championships:
Akhona Jim WP, Rhulani Chauke GP, Richard Ditsela GP, Tumelo Dlalisa GP,
Bayanda Ganyaza WP, Themba Hlophe GP, Michael Luswazi KZN, Gavin Mabasa
GP, David Mahota GP, Xolisa Makubalo WP,
Aldane Marais KZN, Sfiso Mjila GP, Lunga Mkhize KZN, Wanga Moshani WP,
Sambulo Ndlovu KZN, Nana Ngcobo KZN, Scelo Nkomane KZN, Thami Nkumbule GP,
Menzi Radebe KZN, Boy Radebe KZN,
Phakamani Radebe KZN, Sizwe Tshabalala GP, Anita Zenani WP.
Profile: Boy Radebe - 16 Expert
My father works at the quarry at Giba Gorge and he got me to come try
cycling “BMX”. I love BMX more than soccer. It gives me quite a challenge
through competition and it keeps me very excited because I want to win
without getting an injury. This year I’ve started very well and I got a
medal at the recent SA BMX Nationals at Giba Gorge this year. The worst
injury I’ve had is a cut in my leg, I got five stitches practicing trying
to jump. My goal for the future is to race SA BMX nationals and Worlds
this year in Pietermaritzburg.
Profile: Michael Luswazi - 16 Expert
I live just down the road from Giba Gorge in a place called Tshelimnyama.
Ian Wilson found me along Giba dirt road and asked to come ride MTB, but I
chose BMX. I love BMX. I’ve had bad injuries but I won’t quit. BMX is my
talent, it’s my game, I get very excited when I get a good result because
I know that it is very good for me and team. Racing BMX gives me
confidence, especially racing with other big guns of BMX in South Africa
as they give me a lot of experience. My best result was this years’ SA
champs where I got a medal in the expert class.
My goal for the future is to see myself riding with a world number and
able to race next Olympic Games.
Profile:
Phakamani “Speedy” Radebe
I was
also invited by Ian Wilson into Giba, and the first thing I choose is BMX,
it keeps me happy especially when people come tell me that I’m riding
well, I love BMX. BMX is a good and challenging sport for me I’ve had
tough time practicing and racing but I love it. It’s a great experience
for me and is good exercise for my body. My best race I‘ve had is last
year at SA’s I got two medals. My goal for the future is to be able to
race SA champs, World’s in PMB and Olympic Games.
ENDS
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The Giba Gorge Ilanga development team, from
left : Sicelo Nkomane, Sambulo Ndlovu, Michael Luswazi, Boy Radebe, Menzi
Radebe, Phakamani Radebe. |
Jason Nichol/
Gameplan Media |
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