After overcoming years of severe back pain and surgery, Captain Gerhard Claassen turned to cycling as a source of healing. Today, that healing has earned him selection in an elite national mountain biking team.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa (02 September 2026) – A veteran Eastern Cape police officer has proven that physical adversity and demanding operational duties are no barrier to sporting excellence.
When Captain Gerhard Claassen began experiencing severe back pain that eventually led to three operations, he could easily have allowed it to change the course and outlook of his life for the worse. Instead, he took up cycling ten years ago as part of his rehabilitation after his third back procedure.
Captain Claassen, who still serves on active operational standby duties at the Jeffreys Bay Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), realised it was vital for him to stay healthy. Staying active through cycling offered him an essential release and helped take his mind off an incredibly stressful work environment.
What began as rehabilitation soon became much more. Claassen did not remain a casual cyclist for long; he soon began pushing his limits competitively. He recently secured his place in the 2026 SAPS National Mountain Bike Team following a stellar performance at the SAPS National Mountain Bike Championships.
The gruelling four-day competition took place at Lake Eland in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, from 24 to 27 August 2026. Competing in the highly competitive 55–59 age category, Captain Claassen excelled across four demanding events, bringing home a total of four medals:
- Silver Medal: Prologue (6 km lap)
- Silver Medal: Hill Climb (6 km)
- Silver Medal: Cross Country (4 x 5 km laps)
- Bronze Medal: Marathon (40 km)
The Eastern Cape’s cycling prowess was further cemented when Captain Claassen and Detective Warrant Officer Donavan O’Reilly from the KuGompo SAPS Detectives (formerly Fleet Street SAPS) were named as the only two cyclists from the province selected for the elite 2026 SAPS National Mountain Bike Team.
The national team is scheduled to represent the SAPS at the upcoming Seweweekspoort Mountain Bike Challenge on 3 October 2026.
According to SAPS, the Eastern Cape riders achieved these milestones through personal grit and determination, funding the entire tournament out of their own pockets without financial assistance from the department.
They are looking forward to proudly flying the SAPS and Eastern Cape flags at the national event in October.
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Cindy’s Book on "The Weight of Hope" is Set to Make Christmas Extra Special for Those in NeedFor Captain Claassen, cycling became far more than just a new lease on life after years of hospital visits. Beyond earning him national recognition and inspiring countless others along the way, it proved to himself and the world that a full life is entirely possible after physical adversity.
Sources: South African Police Service
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