A trio of talented young club cyclists are hoping to make their communities proud at an upcoming tournament but are appealing for assistance with sponsors to reach their fundraising goal.

The community-driven Cyclethon Fundraiser is set to take place at Fish Hoek Beach on Sunday 12 July, bringing together cyclists, families, businesses and supporters to raise funds for Simon’s Town Cycling Club (STCC).

Talented trio

The cycling distances of the fundraiser will range from 5km to 50km categories.

The event will also assist three promising young athletes, Thauheer Pagel, Leena Delcarme, Zaheer Delcarme, who represent the Raceworx Cycling Team (RCT).

Leena attends Kleinberg Primary School in Ocean View and currently holds the title of South African National Cycling champion for u-11 girls, added RCT spokesperson, Malikah Appels.

She started cycling in 2023.

The group also hopes to secure funding to help the young riders to pursue their dreams in competitive cycling, added Appels.

Raceworx operates alongside the Simon’s Town Cycling Club, which provides structured training and development opportunities for more than 80 active members.

Founded by cycling enthusiast Michael Murphy, RCT was established to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented young riders from participating in the sport.

Through mentorship, training and support, the programme has already begun producing impressive results.

Development

The riders can also progress into the Raceworx Racing and Development teams, where they receive race support, sponsored equipment and mentorship.

Zaheer competes in the u-15 boys category.

“We are preparing for the cycle fundraiser by conducting rides from Monday to Thursday. When it comes to fitness, we are going to the gym on Fridays. We are looking forward to meeting new people and riding with new groups. Sponsorships are needed because it’s financially straining on our parents as we come from a community that struggles with gangsterism,” he said.

Several of their junior cyclists have secured podium finishes in their respective categories earlier this year.

Sponsors are encouraged to contribute R10 per kilometre completed, with all proceeds going towards supporting the development and participation of young cyclists.

Support

The initiative is driven by the belief that community support can play a vital role in helping young athletes achieve their potential, Appels added.

The campaign carries the message, “Together, we ride. We grow. We achieve,” highlighting the importance of unity and collective effort in creating opportunities for youth development through sport, she said.

The Cyclethon Fundraiser starts at 07:00.

For more information or to support the fundraiser, interested individuals can contact organiser Malikah Appels on 082 633 1449.

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