Gearing up for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, which takes place on Sunday 13 March, children from the Imbewu Cycling Club in Lavender Hill are excited to do their first cycle tour while others will be tackling their second.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the world’s largest individually timed cycling event.
Charles Lewis, founder of Imbewu, said the children who are aged from 10 to 21 have been cycling for only six months and are very passionate about the sport.
“Last year I took 10 riders to the Cape Town Cycle Tour and they did very well. Everyone completed the race in under four hours. During the week we practice four days after school.”
He added that 15 children want to participate in the Cape Town Cycle Tour but it depends on how many sponsored entries they receive.
“It also costs R1 500 to rent a bike.”
Jose Jacobs (19), a matriculant at Crestway High School, who had been cycling for only six months, completed his first Cycle Tour last year in an impressive three hours and 20 minutes.
“I see cycling as a fun activity. The group trains on week days and weekends. During the week we practice four times after school and on a Saturday, we cycle for 80 km while on Sunday’s we train 100 km. I feel very excited when I’m on the bike.”
Dianthe Bull (10), a Grade 5 pupil at Prince George Primary, said joining the cycling club has opened up opportunities to see new places.
“I’ve been cycling since last year and I like riding the bike. I experience things that I never experienced before and go to places I’ve never been.”
She excitedly added that she also likes mountain biking at Tokai Forest and Constantia.
“Every Friday and Saturday we cycle for 40 km. It feels very exciting and I would love to ride in the cycle tour.”
