The organisers of the Powerade Dome2dome cycling spectacular on Sunday, September 17, have confirmed that the official beneficiary of the event this year will be the exciting new development club, Cycling News Chiawelo, which has attracted strong interest from youngsters in Soweto, and is coached by the SA national team manager, Tony Harding.
"This is great news for the youngsters and, thanks to the organisers, they will also be receiving free entries to the race, plus there will be a special bonus of R 1 000 if one of the club members wins the U16 category,"
commented Harding, who has been the driving force behind the development club.
He has also called on his close friend, Robert Hunter, SA's leading pro, to help and encourage the Soweto group at the club.
Just a few days ago, Hunter could be seen on the streets of the West Rand riding with them, chatting and giving them tips in his typically down-to-earth cyclist to cyclist manner.
"I really enjoyed chatting to the kids and, if I can serve as an inspiration to them, I am very honoured, "said Hunter, as he jumped back into his car after the ride, en route to yet another international race.
His enthusiasm was clear when he commented "Tony Harding tells me that some of these kids have got real talent, and I saw a bit of that during our ride.
I'm really looking forward to see how they've improved when I get back for the Powerade Dome2dome race in September."
Assistance from Cycling SA and team sponsors, Colorpress, has meant that that the kids can be taxi-ed regularly from Soweto to Cycling News headquarters in Ruimsig to be coached by Harding, who uses the members of the Colorpress/Cyclingnews team to provide actual examples of competitive riding techniques and direct inspiration for the youngsters.
Some of the kids have been in the programme for five months already. Now the club team can look forward to doing battle in one of the country's most exciting events, the Powerade Dome2dome cycling spectacular, and also know that the future of the programme looks that much more secure with financial help coming from the event.
While Hunter, wearing the colours of his European Pro tour team, Phonak, will undoubtedly be up at the front of the peloton, he will have done his part to encourage and inspire the youngsters who will be following him on the same road to cycling success.
With Harding's continued support plus the input from the members of the young Colorpress/Cycling News team, and the support of prestigious races such as the Powerade Dome2dome, it is clear that these Soweto youngsters have been given a great chance to fulfil their cycling ambitions.
Cyclists can join Hunter and the rest simply by entering on-line at www.cyclelab.com and following the instructions.
For more information on what is rapidly turning into one of South Africa's top races visit www.poweradedome2dome.co.za.
No comments:
Post a Comment