Three Raceworx Cycling Club riders are preparing for the South African National Youth Championships in September, fresh off strong performances at the Oudtshoorn Youth Festival 2026, where they scooped silverware after representing Western Province.

Zaheer Delcarme, 15, who attends Simon’s Town High School and competes in the u-17 boys category, secured second place in the Team Time Trial at the youth festival.

The riders represent Raceworx which operates alongside the Simon’s Town Cycling Club and provide structured training and development opportunities for more than 80 active members.

Training

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

Zaheer says he races with a positive mindset and strong determination and balances academics with training through careful weekly planning.

His training programme consists of six to ten hours per week, including structured interval, threshold and climbing sessions, a longer endurance ride on weekends, a skills or group ride for tactics and bike handling and at least one full rest day.

Goals

The goal is to build a strong aerobic base and sharpen race craft for nationals.

Thauheer Pagel, who rides in the u-19 men category, claimed first place in the Criterium at Oudtshoorn, competing in both the Road Race and Criterium despite strong competition.

He approached the event with a positive mindset and determination and is now fully focused on preparations for September.

“My training includes structured road sessions, indoor trainer work, running and strength and conditioning to ensure I arrive at the start line in peak condition,” he said.

Leena Delcarme, 12, who attends Kleinberg Primary School and competes in the u-13 girls category, had an outstanding festival, winning six gold medals and being awarded Overall Top Rider for u-13 girls.

She is the current SA National Championship second place holder and approaches every race with a positive mindset and a focus on learning.

Her u-13 training programme consists of four to six hours per week and includes skills and technique sessions, fun intervals, endurance rides and dedicated recovery.

The priority is building strong fundamentals and a love for the sport.

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