Western Cape MECs have urged Cycling SA and the Pedal Power Association to settle their differences, warning that the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour was not something to be “trifled” with.
Last week, the Cape Argus reported that a rift between the two organisations could see the world’s biggest timed cycling race not being sanctioned by Cycling SA, effectively barring the country’s top riders from taking part in the event. But this could be avoided if the Pedal Power agreed to changes to the national body’s constitution.
The association has lashed out at the “illegal” changes, which would see all cyclists, even those taking part in fun rides, being forced to pay for a licence with the national body. Association chairman Steve Haywood called the licence a “tax” that would ultimately stunt the growth of the sport. An annual licence costs R75. The matter has been taken to the Western Cape High Court.
Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Alan Winde said the cycle tour was worth millions to the province and was a vital part of the country’s tourism industry.
“We can’t let the politics of a sporting organisation put such major events in jeopardy. At the end of the day, the event is not owned by Cycling SA, and the organisation doesn’t own the Pedal Power, so the show will go on. If they don’t want to be involved, that’s their problem.”
Winde said that while the Pedal Power was using its money to grow the sport through supporting local charities and hosting a growing range of cycling events, the same could not be said for Cycling SA.
“I have never seen them jump on the bandwagon of cycling safety. I haven’t seen them at meetings for the new cycling lanes. There has been no interaction.
“The social rider who cycles in maybe one or two events will ask,’ why must I pay this kind of money and where is it going?’ They are not going to see the benefits.”
Transport MEC Robin Carlisle, called the licensing fee a “money-making racket” that would exclude a great number of riders.
He argued that the Cycle Tour, which sees over 35 000 pedal along the Cape’s provincial roads, belonged to the people of the province and should not be at the whims of the national body’s internal politics and “petty” disputes.
“The (Cycle Tour), from the outset, has sought to be accessible and draw as large and wide a participating audience as it can. It is in the best interests of everybody that the warring parties resolve their dispute very quickly.”
Carlisle said the event would go ahead, and it was up to the national body whether it wanted to be part of it or not.
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