Cape Town – The national cycling body has defended itself after being harshly criticised by Western Cape ministers for letting “petty” internal politics derail the sport.
Cycling SA came under scrutiny after the Cape Argus reported that a rift between the sporting body and the Pedal Power Association posed a threat to the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.
The national body has warned that the Cycle Tour would not be sanctioned by the organisation if Pedal Power did not subscribe to changes in the body’s constitution, ultimately barring top riders from the event.
But Pedal Power said the changes were unacceptable because a mandatory R75 annual licence fee for all cyclists, even those taking part in fun rides, was nothing more than a “tax” and would cripple the sport.
Pedal Power has applied to the Western Cape High Court to have the issue resolved.
On Monday, Western Cape Transport MEC Robin Carlisle accused Cycling South Africa of running a “money-making racket” and trying to take over the Cycle Tour.
But the national body dismissed the criticism.
“(We have) no intention of taking over the running of the Cycle Tour, or any other events facilitated or owned by Pedal Power,” said the national body’s president William Newman.
He said the national federation needed funding to grow and develop the sport. He said the R75 licence fee paled in comparison with the annual membership fee of R250 charged by Pedal Power.
The national body’s income went directly towards creating opportunities in the sport, said Newman.
“Our para-cyclists have returned from two International Cycling Union World Cups with five silver medals and one bronze… an achievement all South Africans can be proud of.”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde, accused Cycling South Africa of not being involved in cycling safety and development of cycling lanes.
“There has been lobbying for cycle lanes all around the country, as well as safety campaigns, orchestrated by volunteers who make up Cycling SA affiliates,” said Newman.
He said that the organisation would stick to the changes made to its constitution, including the mandatory licence, as it would ultimately benefit the sport through building on the body’s strong relationship with the International Cycling Union.
“The statements made by politicians who have little communication with Cycling SA in order to obtain both sides of the story, are regrettable.” [email protected] – Cape Argus