14 Jul 2014 PPA sponsors 4th Oudtshoorn Youth festival
The fourth Oudtshoorn Youth Cycling Festival, organised by the Southern Cape Cycling Association, took place from Monday 30 June to Thursday 3 July and included provincial teams from Western Province, Eden (SWD), Boland, Free State and the Northern Cape. The Pedal Power Association, who supports sports development and upliftment in a safe environment, donated R15 000 towards the event to boost youth participation in cycling.
“We are delighted that the PPA could assist as a sponsor for the annual Youth Festival,” said Steve Hayward, chairman of the Pedal Power Association. “It is important for young cyclists from all over South Africa to have the opportunity to compete in cycling events in a safe environment whilst interacting with Pro riders that are sure to encourage them to take up professional cycling.”
SWD cycling, host for the event, exposed the 120 young cyclists to various cycling disciplines which also gave provincial coaches the opportunity to identify new talent. “There is a big need for competitions like these to prepare our young cyclists for the road ahead. There are no other events in which they can compete as a team and learn the skills needed to compete at a higher level.” Hayward explained.
Age categories that were catered for included, boys and girls U10 to Juniors U18, as well as an U16 and Junior Interprovincial Racing section. The Oudtshoorn Youth Festival sees the provincial teams competing against each other in 5 different cycling events that included a road race, criterium, team time trials, MTB Cross Country and a MTB Marathon. Although the event is oriented at teams, competing individual riders were welcomed and contributed points towards their provinces. All the podium finishers, irrespective of riding for a team or not, received a medal for each event at the prize giving at the end of each day.
“The standard of riding demonstrated by some of the youngsters were phenomenal and it is clearly evident that after four very successful festivals, that this development and transformation initiative is working and reaping the benefits,” said Corné Bence, chairman of the Western Cape Cycling Association.
“Some of the youngsters were phenomenal and it was clearly evident that this development and transformation initiative is working and reaping the benefits.” said Bence.
The over-all results were:
- Eden – 657 points
- WP – 258 points
- Free State – 232 points
Eden, which included the Kranshoek district, was winners in all of the age categories and was congratulated by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr. Fikile Mbalula.
“SWD Cycling worked very hard to put together a top notch event and we are glad to report there were no serious injuries,” Hayward concluded.