Bicycle League Fills Critical Gap at Grassroots Level

A highly successful Bicycle League season, featuring cluster and district events, culminated in a thrilling Western Cape Regional Final at Devonbosch near Stellenbosch, where 20 schools from four districts competed in a spirited contest, showcasing both individual and team talent.

Schools competed in teams, with the top 5 individual results per school, across all categories of the same gender, combined to determine overall standings. Gene Louw and Eversdal Primary emerged victorious in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, earning 850 and 830 points, respectively.

Mikro (750 points) and Appelwood Primary (598 points) secured second and third place in the boys’ category. An intense battle in the girls’ competition resulted in Bruckner De Villiers of Idas Valley and Mikro tied in second on 740 points, and Eversdal taking the win with 830 points. Independent riders from non-participating schools were also welcomed, ensuring broader inclusivity.

Sponsored by the EduInnov8 Foundation and led by Cycle2Ride skills development NPO, the Bicycle League isn’t just about racing—it’s about transformation. In rural areas and informal urban settlements, where opportunities can be scarce, this program is changing lives by unlocking talent and providing young riders with the chance to chase their potential.

The League uses a qualification system to manage fair program growth and scale across cluster, district, and regional events, capping the rider load per category at 40 riders. The top five riders in each category receive a podium medal at each event.

A total of 25 localised events were hosted across various districts this season, with the top riders qualifying for the finals. Based on the ShortTrack/XCC format, the League incorporates short, non-technical courses and brief race times, ensuring that cycling remains community-based while providing multiple local participation opportunities before district and regional knockouts.

“To keep the sport open to all skill levels, courses are designed to be beginner-friendly yet exciting. Plus, scheduling events midweek makes it easier for schools and students to take part, just like any other school sport,” explains Botha.

“Within the program, new organisers can gain hands-on experience in race management, operating smaller events without the pressure of major outcomes,” says Botha. “Basic timekeeping systems teach the critical link between accurate registration and results, while exposure to event permitting and safety regulations equips organisers to manage larger-scale competitions.”

An open-source event management software system and training program assist local organisers in operating events through a centralised system with real-time support. All registrations and entries are done via the League’s online portal.

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.

Geographic clustering ensures fair competition while fostering demographic balance. Over the past three years, cycling development in the Bottelary Hills region has seen remarkable progress, with weekly coaching provided to over 45 children from five schools.

During the short-track series, rural schools competed using single-speed BMX bikes. As part of the program’s evolution, 10 standout 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 these young riders sharpen their handling skills, master gear selection, build endurance, and develop confidence in group rides. They’re not just learning to ride, they’re setting goals and training with purpose, as part of a team.

Jaco Kotze, founder of Cycle2Ride, believes that sport can be a game-changer for young learners. “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 programs, such as Prochorus Cycling Project, Idas Valley and Aitsa Aftercare in Kylemore, share the vision that cycling initiatives can empower young people beyond physical activity and support personal growth.

The top three development teams were Prochorus, St. Vincent PS and Idasvallei Development Team.

Devonbosch has rendered additional support to the Bicycle League cycling initiative by providing sponsored storage for bicycles used by the Bottelary Hills development team and access to the GOAT mountain bike park for coaching by Jaco Venter.

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