Laerskool Selection Park’s cycling team participated in the Gauteng Primary Schools Cycling League, run under Schools Cycling South Africa, in Tzaneen on October 11 and 12.

The Gauteng team emerged as the overall winner among 112 participating schools. One of the local team’s members, Lian Style, finished fifth on both days.

He was ranked third in Gauteng when he competed. Lian’s coach and father, Brian Style, described his son’s performance as outstanding.

“All the top schools and riders in SA were represented over the weekend. He gave his everything, and left it all on the track,” he said.

He recalled Lian’s consistency throughout the year, training every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and attending conditioning sessions with Gerhard Ambrosius at the RPS Centre in Rowhill.

“The competition in Gauteng is fierce, and you have to be at your best at every race to make it into the Gauteng team.

“The last spot in the team was between him and a good friend, and they had to fight for that final position. He was happy to make the team, yet sad his friend wouldn’t be joining him at nationals,” Brian explained.

Laerskool Selection Park ranked 69th out of 112 schools at the event, thanks to Lian’s performance. Brian said his son’s commitment to training and passion for cycling played a major role in his success.

“The goal now is to make sure he maintains an academic average above 90% for all four terms. He’s achieved it for the first three, and now he needs to keep it up for the fourth,” said Brian.

“It’s beautiful to see how much passion these kids have for the sport, how hard they compete and the respect they show one another. They are a true example of what we can all aspire to be,” he added.

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