Future of cycling rests in Durban
Plans are in the pipeline for Durban to host good top-quality cycling events across all of the disciplines.
DELEGATES and members of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and Cycling South Africa, as well as Durban Municipality Sports Department, met to discuss the sporting opportunities that cycling brings to Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last week.
President of the UCI, Mr Brian Cookson, outlined the UCI’s ideas and visions of globalising the sport of cycling.
When chatting about the opportunities and possible future for cycling in Durban, Mr Cookson said: “I am very impressed with the city of Durban. It’s a beautiful place with a great climate. I think Durban can host all sorts of really good top-quality cycling events across all of the disciplines. I would like to see some road racing here – perhaps a WorldTour event eventually – maybe even the World Championships one year in the future. The track here is a great track with potential for more international events.”
He said he would like to also bring more mountain bike, BMX, trials and perhaps the new Urban World Championships, which combines BMX Freestyle with Mountain bike Eliminator to the city.
“All of those things I think Durban has potential for, as well as the rest of South Africa,” he said.
Cycling South Africa President, Mr William Newman, said that Durban was certainly one of the cities that the National Federation could work with in terms of creating more opportunities for riders.
“The globalisation of the sport idea is about getting it into new areas. The Durban city officials are very excited to hear this, and there are already partnerships in Europe who are keen to get involved,” he said.
Newman added that despite the fact that Durban would not be hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games, this would not stop the development and nurturing of riders to ensure that they are prepared for the Games, regardless of where the Games are held.
“The plans for development of the city won’t stop either. Providing and improvement of facilities is still very much needed. Cycling South Africa will continue to work with the City of Durban to ensure that cycling is at the forefront of their programmes. We continue to work with them to show them the benefits of the sport of cycling,” he said.
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