At the provincial cycling level, history was made when Owen Botha, a Pietermaritzburg resident and experienced cyclist, was elected as the new chairman of KwaZulu-Natal Cycling.

According to Botha, the decision, which generated a lot of enthusiasm in the local cycling world, was taken earlier this month.

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Botha, who is also chairman of the local, popular Shova Msunduzi Cycling Club, said on Monday that it will not all be plain sailing. As the new chairman, he will have to face a number of challenges.

“On July 13, I was unanimously elected by the cycling clubs of KZN as the new president of KZN Cycling. The challenge will be to take this sport to the next level,” Botha said.

He is also convinced that as an experienced cyclist, administrator and chairman of the local cycling association he can better tackle the problems.

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I started competitive cycling at the age of 11. I have been a competitive cyclist as well as a cycling manager. I am the president of Shova Msunduzi Cycling Club. I also have a UCI management license, the governing body of cycling in Switzerland. So I have been in this game for years and know exactly what is expected of me.

Botha also indicated that cycling has undergone great development.

Cycling in general has increased since the Covid pandemic. Many people have realised that their health is important. Pietermaritzburg has many cycling facilities available within a short distance of most residential areas. We have seen an increase in women buying bikes and joining the various cycling clubs in and around Msunduzi and uMngeni.

“It is encouraging that in the coming weeks and months many cyclists and clubs from the City of Choice will be going out of town to take part in various competitions.

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“KwaZulu-Natal will host many great cycling events in the coming months, such as the Illovo Sugar, the Eston Mountain Bike Race, the Burg Wheelers Gravel Growl and South Africa’s oldest cycling classic, the Amashova.

“The Amashova is world famous and is definitely the highlight of the KZN cycling calendar. This event attracts participants and visitors from all over South Africa,” Botha said.

The new KZN Cycling chairman also shared his thoughts on the old local velodrome, the Sax Young Cycling Track in Alexander Park.

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The Msunduzi cycling community is very blessed to have the Sax Young Cycling Track and PMB BMX Track available for all residents to use. Both facilities are in excellent condition thanks to the support of the Msunduzi Municipality, the business community and local cycling clubs who all play a role in maintaining the facilities.