Johannesburg - Cycling SA (CSA) president William Newman has declared the African Continental Track Cycling Championships, which took place in Pietermaritzburg over the weekend, a big success.
“From the Confederation of African Cycling's perspective, this has been a hugely successful event. We are very impressed with the way things have panned out,” Newman said in a statement on Monday.
“The racing has been of a high standard, despite a relatively small entry and few nations from elsewhere in Africa.”
With valuable International Cycling Union (UCI) points on offer at the Championships, Newman, who also serves as the President of the Confederation of African Cycling's Track Commission, said the event had provided track cycling on the continent a welcome boost.
“The end-goal is to develop the discipline in Africa, and to give opportunities for Olympic qualification.
“Maybe South Africa will benefit this time around for 2016, but for the 2020 Olympics there should be many more nations scoring points and becoming eligible to compete at Tokyo 2020.”
Newman said he was pleased with strong showings from women cyclists from other African countries.
“I saw a few of the African women at the African Youth Games last year and they have now progressed to the elite level where they are now racing against elite ladies, who have been on the track for a long time, and yet they are also getting medals.
“We mustn't underestimate the African women, because they excel in athletics, so why can't they excel in cycling, specifically track cycling?
“It is our duty to continue to create opportunities for the women. I believe that women's cycling has to receive special focus, and we must continue trying to develop the discipline worldwide and specifically in Africa.”
Sapa