Lonehill cycling champ heads to Denmark

Lonehill community members are rallying together to support 80-year-old cyclist Karel Dolak’s dream to compete in the World Championships in Denmark this August.

Dolak, a local cycling legend, is famous for his impressive 88km rides, which he previously took to the Cradle of Humankind.

He has now been invited to participate in the championships, which are overlapping with his 81st birthday, and he could not be more proud.

Read more: World Bicycle Day celebrated

“I am so excited about this and don’t have the words to describe it. I train every day so that I can be more prepared for the competition and hopefully come back home victorious.”

The community has come together to support his trip by raising approximately R75 000 so far. While their goal is R80 000, an additional R10 000 would provide a helpful cushion for any unexpected expenses or emergencies that may arise.

The funds will cover his accommodation and transport, among other important needs.

Dolak appreciates the support from the community because it also fuels his competitive spirit and determination to win.

“For this competition, I will be using my son’s bike because at least his is a bit lighter than mine. He is currently in Scotland.”

Dolak broke all stereotypes and defied traditional beliefs when he took up cycling in his 60s. According to him, he had always been a lively and energetic person, firmly believing that staying fit was the key to staying youthful.

Also read: If you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle, take note

His daughter, Nadia, gives the credit to Karen Furstenberg, who assisted him to take his cycling passion to another level.

“She got my dad signed up for the races which he won without training programmes, or supplements, but with just the total love of cycling. Karen then pushed my dad and started organising the sponsors, etc to get him to the Cycling World Championships.”

Furstenberg got to know Dolak through his son, who is also a cyclist. Afterwards, he suggested registering Dolak for the provincial competitions, as Dolak had already participated in numerous races and shown great potential.

“All of a sudden, he became the Gauteng champ. He never had any training, he does not follow any strict diets, but does cycling from his heart. He does it with his old, heavy bike which puzzled a lot of his competitors, but he did it anyway, and won.”

His cycling race in Denmark will be on September 1.

Furstenberg said, “It is so incredible to see how his life is changing at the age of 80, that was so unexpected. It is also amazing how he is so incredibly strong.”

Details: Contact 083 307 6928 to support Karel Dolak.

Related article: South Africa’s motorcycle sales on the increase