Go Luso Cycling
The team is variant in composition to facilitate pacing, attack tactics, sprinting, hill climbing etc.
ALREADY known to many for the annual charity ride from Johannesburg to Mozambique, Luso Africa sports and cultural association is the only Portuguese association of its kind that boasts a cycling division.
The growth of the club membership year on year was creating a greater desire for something more. Ideas, discussions and suggestions were thrown around, which resulted in a flame being ignited. The daunting cost factor of any further expansion in any direction was hampering the flame from burning brightly and the passion and commitment to the sport saw some of the club members getting involved to offer sponsorship. Alone they could not complete this, but with the contributions of Panda Sportswear, Headway Engineering, MMA Engineering, JayJay Meat Suppliers, O2 air conditioning, Discount Foods, Sasol Columbine, Takkies Biltong, John Morrison Panelbeaters and Gary Beneke Sports Performance, this expansion could be realised. It was this desire and commitment that gave birth to the Luso Cycling Pro Team.
Choosing riders was a matter of scouting for different talents and strengths.The team varies in composition to facilitate pacing, attack tactics, sprinting and hill climbing, among others. A very important component of the team is the manager and the coach. Frank Bezuidenhout (manager) has to have knowledge of the race/tour and know each rider’s abilities to ensure best results. During a race, if he sees something that he needs to correct, he requests permission to speak to the rider, approaches the rider and advises on what needs to be done. He is also responsible for all the team’s logistics. Gary Beneke (coach), a name respected and very often spoken, has vast experience given his history and participation in cycling over the last 40 years. He understands what it takes: “Big mentality and lots of training.” As the coach, he often rides with the cyclists during training sessions and checks their form and frequently follows them during events. Jill Bezuidenhout forms part of the team and is the assistant, helping when more hands are needed.
The team has to practise daily to maintain the muscle memory, build power of endurance, increase strength and perfect any technique.The team members have to work together to understand each other’s strengths and know when to apply different tactics to ensure the team’s ultimate goals.
At the beginning of each race the team, along with the manager and coach, decides on who will be the designated rider who will sprint to the finish line. All the other team riders are then in a “domestic position” – it is their duty to assist the designated rider to the finish line for a win.
The Luso Cycling Pro Team has many challenges ahead of it, with the next on the calendar being the Emperors Classic on April 10. Thereafter it is the Polokwane Capital Classic on April 17, aQuellé Tour Durban on April 24 and the Club ride to Durban on April 27.
Look out for the Luso Cycling Pro Team, as they intend to make their mark.
If you would like to be part of this fast-growing cycling club, there are rides for all. Although the foundation is a Portuguese club, the membership is varied and boasts a number of nationalities. Find them on Facebook @ Luso Africa Cycling or send an email to cycling@lusoafrica.org.
