The Balwin Foundation (BF) is set to launch the Balwin Youth Cycling Academy at the Thaba Trails in Johannesburg south, opening up new opportunities for young people between the ages of 16 and 35.

The academy will train youth to ride, repair, maintain bicycles, and build and manage bike trails. Participants will also gain practical skills that could lead to careers as professional cyclists, mechanics, trail builders, race organisers or members of professional cycling teams.

The initiative is part of the foundation’s three core pillars: Education and training, sports development, and charity and outreach. Cycling is one of six focus sports under its sports development programme.

Creating careers beyond the classroom

BF co-managing director Ryan Kalk said the academy aims to expand access to careers in the sporting world.

“What we want to train them on in cycling is to learn to ride a bike, learn to fix a bike and learn to build trails,” said Kalk. “Then, we want to give them the opportunity and the skills to hopefully gain employment in the cycling world.”

He explained that opportunities in cycling go far beyond racing.

“There are various roles within cycling teams, various roles in terms of mechanics, and also roles at venues and events. It’s about expanding the opportunity for youth in that 16 to 35 category in the cycling space,” he said.

Kalk added that the message to young people is that there are careers outside of university.

“University is not for everyone. This gives people the chance to understand that there are careers outside of the traditional. You can learn a new skill, gain employment from that skill, and even take those skills back into your community.”

Why the Thaba Trails?

The academy will be based at the Thaba Trails, a well-known cycling venue situated alongside the BF’s property development and sports centre in the south of Johannesburg.

Kalk said the location was a natural fit.

“The Thaba Trails is right on our doorstep. Wendell Bole has been there since 2011, building, fixing and maintaining the trails and running multiple cycling events. We want to impact the communities around where we develop. Having the trails here makes this a perfect partnership.”

The academy will specifically target the surrounding communities in Johannesburg south. Applicants will need to register online by scanning a QR code or visiting a link, after which they will go through an interview and vetting process conducted by the coaches.

“We want to benefit the community. This is for the locals, by the locals,” Kalk said.

“You don’t have to have a bike. You don’t even have to know how to ride. We will teach you from the beginning.”

World-class coaching team

The academy will be led by respected figures in the cycling community, including Bole and Marc Fourie.

Bole is a well-renowned track cyclist who holds multiple records and has been deeply involved in trail development and event hosting at the Thaba Trails for over a decade. Fourie is an internationally accredited mountain biking skills instructor and level 2 cycling coach.

Fourie explained that the programme is designed to accommodate complete beginners.

“If a rider has never been on a bike before, we start from that point. We teach them the anatomy of the bike, what each part does, and then progress them step by step until they are confident enough to ride on the trails,” he said.
Training will include mechanical skills and trail-building knowledge.

“It’s not only about riding. It’s about understanding how bikes work, how trails are built and how features impact the rider. From there, it opens up vocational pathways they can pursue through the academy,” Fourie added.

A safer path through mountain biking

Bole believes mountain biking is a safer alternative to road cycling, particularly in light of recent road accidents involving cyclists.

“Mountain biking and trails in a protected area are the way to go,. At Thaba, we have fencing around the park and a controlled environment. If someone has a fall, help is close by,” he said.

Drawing from experience, Bole shared how safety had shaped his journey.

“A few years ago, a friend was killed next to me on a road ride. That frightened me off the road. Now, I train exclusively on mountain bike trails. Parks like Thaba are ideal to introduce beginners and especially ladies to the sport.”

He added that the academy will go beyond cycling skills.

“We want to teach people how to ride properly, how to set up their bikes correctly, and how to become mechanics, soigneurs or race organisers. These are elements never taught anywhere else.”

First aid and life skills

An important part of the curriculum will be first aid training.

“I think it’s incredibly important. I was in a road race last year and someone ended up in hospital. I had a first aid kit and could treat them until the ambulance arrived. Every rider should know basic first aid,” said Bole.

Fourie confirmed that first aid will form part of the progression through the programme. He also highlighted the wider benefits of cycling for young people.

“International research has shown that school grades, concentration and focus improve through cycling, especially for riders who struggle with ADHD or other distractions. It’s not just about riding. It’s about life skills, mental preparation, grit and determination,” he said.

Seeking community and corporate support

The BF, a registered NPO and PBO, is calling for funding and corporate partners.

“The more funding we get, the more youth we can assist,” Kalk said.

He also highlighted that teaching young people to cycle could have immediate practical benefits.

“Many children walk to school. If we can teach them to ride and give them access to bikes, they can get to school and education facilities quicker and more safely.”

Opening doors for Johannesburg south

With experienced leadership, coaches and a focus on community upliftment, the Balwin Youth Cycling Academy is set to open real pathways for young people in the community.

It encourages those aged between 16 and 35 to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. Email thebalwinfoundation@balwin.co.za or call 011 450 2818.

Find the application form: Balwin Cycling Academy – Application Form.