Altogether 15 riders of the Overberg BMX Club competed along with BMX riders from across South Africa in the South African National BMX Cup Series (Round 7 and 8) two weeks ago at the Zone 7 BMX track in Cape Town. The event culminated in the SA Championships on Sunday 29 September, showcasing skills.
The riders faced tough weather conditions and fierce competition, competing against some of South Africa’s best riders, but the Overberg BMX Club delivered an outstanding performance, with smiles all around.
Some of the club’s riders raced on Saturday for the South African National BMX Cups, Rounds 7 and 8, achieving amazing results. Notable performances from the novice and developing riders from Hermanus included Hosea Kloppers (Boys u-5) who placed first place, Llewellyn Claassen (Boys u-10) who finished third, Cole Harman (Boys u-9) who took second place and Aaron de Klerk, who raced in the Men’s 16+ Novice Cruiser category.
On Sunday the excitement ramped up even further as the event moved into the BMX National Championship. Rickus Müller, the club’s vice president, secured first place in South Africa for the 40-50 age group, while Ingrid Youell was crowned the top woman rider in 16+ Cruiser Ladies group in South Africa.
Two developing riders from Hermanus, L-Jay Olivier (Boys u-14) and Siyamthando Radebe (Boys u-16), received their SA numbers, ranking fourth and fifth respectively. The current expert riders who earned podium places include Jesse Rademeyer (Boys u-13) who ended in second place, Lyle Prinsloo (Boys u-12) in third, Tobias Groenewald (50+ Cruiser) fourth and Connor Haman (Boys u-11) in sixth. The club thanked Aaron de Klerk from Mount Pleasant, the Overberg BMX Club’s development manager, for doing a sterling job supporting and mentoring the developing riders.
The Overberg BMX Club is a community-driven initiative where members are passionate about BMX racing. They work together to maintain facilities and provide equipment, coaching, and support, ensuring all have the opportunity to succeed.
The club’s chairperson, George Kloppers, explained that many young riders, aged 16 and under, come from disadvantaged communities. “Through BMX racing they discover a positive outlet, a sense of purpose and a platform for both physical and mental development,” he stated. Kloppers thanked Overstrand Municipality for its support and the Western Cape and Overberg Cycling for helping the club grow the sport in the Overberg area.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie praised the riders’ skills, noting that the club’s success is reflected in its podium finishes at the 2024 South African BMX Championships. She congratulated all riders for their commitment and hard work, stating that sport in general, particularly BMX cycling, brings communities together.
The Overberg BMX Club will be hosting the WP Championships in Hermanus on Sunday 27 October.
Anyone interested in joining this exciting sport, supporting the club, or who simply just want to have fun, can attend practice sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 16:30.
For more information, visit the Overberg BMX Facebook page or contact George Kloppers on 082 729 4565.
