Ari Seirlis gears up for aQuellé Tour Durban

HAND cyclist Ari Seirlis, CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa, will compete in the aQuellé Tour Durban, presented by Bridge Fund Managers, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 29 April.

1. How many times have you competed in the aQuellé Tour Durban and why do you enjoy the race?

This will be my fifth. The route is fantastic, being able to smell the sea, the great views and the camaraderie with fellow cyclists. Although the uphills are tough, the downhills are lots of fun. So I’m looking forward to the event … and getting to the end!

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2. Why should hand cyclists enter the Tour Durban?

The road closures offer a safe environment to participate, the organisation is superb, the marshalling is excellent, and the roads are wide with plenty of space for everyone. Fellow cyclists are also always ready to assist handcyclists along if needed.

3. Bridge Fund Managers, presenting sponsor of the aQuellé Tour Durban, offer 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for hand cyclists – are you a contender?

I would love to be a contender, but sadly I no longer compete for trophies but rather for fun, so I’m leaving the prize money for the youngsters.

4. How did you get involved and why do you love the sport?

I entered the New York Marathon on the spur of the moment in 2005, without having ever used a hand cycle. I arrived to find a hand cycle inside a box in my hotel room, and put it together with the help of some friends. With the motivation of the crowd, I managed to complete the marathon and the opportunity to see the precincts of New York in a day was unbelievable. But I also love the opportunity to cycle Durban’s beachfront – the freedom and the fresh air.

5. The status of hand cycling in SA?

Hand cycling is growing in popularity and South Africa has some of the best competitors in the world.

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6. What tips do you have for hand cyclists?

I can’t profess to having any tips other than enjoy yourself. Getting good exercise and good circulation for people with limited mobility is important and I can’t see a better way than hand cycling.

7. What rendered you quadriplegic?

I broke my neck while modelling for a television commercial at Durban’s Waterworld in 1985. I was 23 and I thought that my life had come to an end. But with great family support, some friends and strategy, I have enjoyed the journey thus far.

8. As CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa what is your focus?

QASA provides projects, products and services to ensure the full capacity and integration opportunity for quadriplegics and paraplegics in South Africa. Obviously, the provision of skills development opportunities for the outcome of employment is a priority.

9. What are the major hurdles?

Quadriplegics and paraplegics have been isolated in most environments as a result of inaccessible public transport and inaccessible infrastructure. QASA has managed to provide strong lobby and advocacy in these areas and the Go Durban project for an accessible integrated rapid Transport system in the Durban area will be a big WIN for quadriplegics and paraplegics.

10. What do you get up during your leisure time?

You might be surprised to know that I ride an off-road motorbike, a Polaris side-by-side and do a number of off-road rally events, and then I enjoy the tranquility of fly-fishing.

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