The historic appearance in Oudtshoorn is being seen as an important step towards greater opportunities for young para-cyclists.
Oudtshoorn, South Africa (01 October 2026) – South African para-cycling has taken an important step forward.
For the first time, junior para-cyclists competed at the Cycling South Africa Youth Championships, with eight young athletes taking part in the event in Oudtshoorn.
The milestone gave the riders an opportunity to experience formal national-level competition, taking part in high-level time trials and road races alongside some of the country’s young cycling talent.
And for SASAPD para-cycling code convenor Lizelle Cronje, the weekend was about much more than results.
“It was a great opportunity for our riders to gain formal cycling experience,” she said.
The eight riders included two athletes from the Western Cape and six from the Free State.
Cronje said the young cyclists embraced the occasion, despite stepping into an unfamiliar environment.
“I am so proud of them all. They stepped into a new world and took on every challenge.”
Part of that experience was simply seeing the scale of a major youth cycling event, from the number of competitors to the high-end bicycles on display.
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Cronje hopes the appearance will be the beginning of more para-cycling participation at major events, with the ultimate goal of developing athletes capable of competing at the Paralympics.
“I want to see more para-cycling involved in events like these,” she said.
The historic weekend in Oudtshoorn may therefore be remembered as more than a first.
It could be the starting point for a new generation of South African para-cyclists chasing a much bigger dream.
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