Victory for Hoërskool Randburg cyclist at track champs
Erik explained that there were a lot of challenges he faced on day one of the South African Track Championship including a wrong wheel which he needed to swap before the race.
Hoërskool Randburg Grade 10 learner Erik Breedt (16) participated in the South African Track Championship in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). During this five-day tournament, he achieved third place in the sprint (1 500m), third place in the points race (10 000m) and second in Team Pursuit.
He explained that he didn’t think he did badly considering that he’s only been riding track for about eight months now.
“All the guys I was competing against have been doing track for more than five years so they know way more than I do in the sport but I’m happy I was there. I learned so much – it’s crazy how much I learned.”
Erik pushed himself and competed in almost all the events including the Scratch Race where he was fifth, Individual Pursuit and other races.
He added that the key moment that influenced the outcome of the races was his knowledge of riding.
“If I knew more tactics I could’ve placed better but also if I could read the race better I would know where to do what. This was an important event for me because I wanted to show that I’m strong enough to wear the South African champ jersey and it was also important because I needed to know how I place against the rest.”
Erik is passionate about cycling he also owns a bicycle maintenance business (Erik’s Bike Maintenance). He loves the sport and was introduced to it by a friend from primary school.
“Nicholas le Grange – he and his dad Herman are the main reason why I’m on the bike and Herman also still helps out where he can and I appreciate him.”
He added that for the first national event, he is proud of his performance and cannot complain about anything.
Preparing for the track championship he spent lots of hours on the bike getting used to it and working on his positioning.
When asked how he balances sports and school he said, “To be honest, I don’t know. I’m a busy person. I also do swimming and I sometimes don’t get to do my training but I somehow always get through it and my coaches always help me out.”
He added that he is preparing and looking forward to the cycle lab Mountain Bike Series (MBS) that will kick off on April 20, the South African Track Omnium Champs and a bit of fun in an upcoming cross-country marathon race.
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