Luke to break records in his next race
Luke van Zyl is determined to make a name for himself as he gears up for a provincial cycling race.
Luke van Zyl from Jukskei Park has just made it to the provincial team for junior road cycling champs set to take place in September and could not be more proud of himself.
He secured a spot in the provincial team for the first time last year when he crossed the finish line as number six in the time trial and seven in the road race.
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Luke is bursting with pride because these cycling champs are the only real opportunity to race against the best in the country in his age group.
“This year the selection for the event was different. I finished third in the road race for the Gauteng Provincial Championships. I finished third for both Emperor’s Palace and Die Groot Trap within the U17 category.
“We have 14 weeks until SA Junior Road Champs, and so far my coach is happy with my progress.”
He said what inspired him to start cycling, is his father who has always had his back since he started riding bikes at the age of four.
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“I started on mountain bikes but moved to road cycling about two years ago. Road racing is my favourite as the bikes are so fast and I have a lot of friends that ride road bikes.”
To ensure safety – especially when riding in heavy traffic or challenging terrain – the 14-year-old said he normally rides in a large group.
“We either have the road angels supporting our rides or my father follows me in his car to provide support and safety on my longer rides. We mostly ride inside the Cradle because it is a safer environment for runners and cyclists. During the week, I train on Zwift, or a Wahoo indoor trainer.
Doing interval training with his friend Josh, as well as being selected as a brand ambassador for Winspace South Africa, are cycling memories Luke will forever cherish, he says.
“The best advice I can give is to just ride your bike because you love it, and if it stops being fun, you are doing something wrong, or you just need a break.”
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