The 2012 SA Track Cycling Championships will be held in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal from Thursday 26th – Monday 30th April. In terms of a venue, it will be the first time that the Pietermaritzburg facility will host a major cycling event in about 20 years!
While this may raise eyebrows for many discerning track cyclists on one end of the scale, it has actually generated an immense amount of excitement and is reflecting the passion for the discipline within the KZN cycling community.
There was no guarantee that the championships could be held at the Bellville Velodrome due to their ensuing development project, and was hence officially unavailable. What was at first notice a disappointment for the Track Cycling Commission has now changed to that of keen interest and excitement.
The Msunduzi Municipality have generously pledged over R1 million into cycling in the capital city for multiple discipline events. BMX and MTB events will be held at the same time making this a truly great gathering of cycling stars and cycling enthusiasts. Track cycling is set to receive R250, 000.00 to run the championship event in Pietermaritzburg. This provides essential funding to upgrade all the facilities, including the ablution facility, and to erect temporary pavilions for the event.
Event organiser Alec Lenferna has been instrumental in forging the partnership with the Msunduzi Municipality. Alec and his team have been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure the successful running of these events. Credit must also be given to KZN Cycling for their enthusiasm in embracing this opportunity. Masters Track World Champion, Mike Adey ‘s drive and passion to make this event a success is an inspiration to all.
CyclingSA together with Msunduzi Municipality acknowledged that the facility is in dire need of an upgrade, established what needs to be done, and the municipality have already carried out a lot of work on the track to get it into shape for this prestigious event. Top officials will ensure that the necessary minimum standards are met in order to host a national championship.
“One can compare the preparation of this track to that of the announcement that South Africa were to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup,” said Johan Smith, Track Commissioner and member of the event organising committee. “There was a lot of uncertainty as to whether the country could pull off such a feat. The same can be said of the Pietermaritzburg facility – we are all committed to delivering a first class event and are full steam ahead to make this happen.”
For so long, Pietermaritzburg has suffered a Track cycling drought in this exciting cycling discipline – the community is positive that an event of this nature and the upgrade to the facility will bring about a new wave of anticipation and in turn increase an interest in the sport.
Ke Nako (we can).
For further information, please contact Mike Adey on m.adey1308@gmail.com
