Bottelary development riders are now being coached at Devonbosch, which is sponsoring the storage of the bycicles and providing free access to the GOAT mountain-bike trail.

A highly successful Bicycle League season, featuring cluster and district events, culminated in the recent thrilling Western Cape Regional Final at Devonbosch.

Twenty schools from four districts competed in a spirited contest, showcasing both individual and team talent.Schools competed in teams, with the top five riders per school, across all categories of the same gender, combined to determine overall standings.

Gene Louw and Eversdal primary schools emerged victorious in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, earning 850 and 830 points, respectively. Mikro (750 points) and Appelwood (598 points) primary boys secured second and third place.

An intense battle in the girls’ competition resulted in Bruckner de Villiers Primary of Ida’s Valley and Mikro Primary tying in second on 740 points.

Corlia de Wee of Ida’s Valley Primary took gold in the sub-junior girls – 2011/2011 category (according to their birth year). Rodene Dampies of Bruckner de Villiers Primary was the runner-up in the same category.

The Sub Junior Girls (2012/2011) who had a podium finisg were Rodene Dampies of Bruckner De Villiers PS (second place), Corlia De Wee of Idasvallei PS came first, and Geraldine Stuurman – St. Vincent PS (third place).

Sponsored by the EduInnov8 Foundation and led by Cycle2Ride skills development NPO, the Bicycle League isn’t just about racing; it’s about transformation.

“To keep the sport open to all skill levels, courses are designed to be beginner-friendly yet exciting,” explained Meurant Botha, programme director of Amarider.

“Scheduling events midweek makes it easier for schools and learners to take part, just like any other school sport.”

Endorsed by both Cycling South Africa and Schools Cycling South Africa, the Bicycle League provides a vital development pathway, preparing riders and teams for official Schools Cycling South Africa (SCSA) provincial and national competitions.

Over the past three years, cycling development in the Bottelary Hills region has seen remarkable progress, with weekly coaching provided to more than 45 learners from five schools.

During the short-track series, rural schools competed using single-speed BMX bikes. As part of the programme’s evolution, 10 stand-out riders from Bottelary Hills have been selected to compete in the 2025 Western Cape School MTB League, riding multi-speed mountain bikes donated by the WAWWA Foundation, giving them a competitive edge at the provincial level.

Professional cyclist and former South African national champion Jaco Venter leads weekly training, helping the riders sharpen their handling skills, build endurance and develop confidence.

Jaco Kotze, founder of Cycle2Ride, believes that sport can be a game-changer: “In rural communities many kids lack opportunities for social and emotional development, which affects their education. Being part of a cycling community gives them something to belong to – it’s about hope and inspiration.”

Other programmes, such as Prochorus Cycling Project, Ida’s Valley and Aitsa Aftercare in Kylemore, share the vision that cycling initiatives can empower youths beyond physical activity and support personal growth.

• For more, visit www.thebicycleleague.co.za or email info@thebicycleleague.co.za.

Meurant Botha, The Bicycle League programme director of AMARIDER sharing his vision.

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