Former Potchefstroomer sets new world record on Australian soil

A former Potchefstroom resident has   taken the velo-cycling world by storm with a new world record – a first for   women in this sport.

Adélia Neethling, who currently lives in Australia, completed the inaugural One Hour behind the Derny with 52.406 kilometres or 210 laps, which is a world-first and the best performance for women.

One rider is on a fixed-gear pushbike with no brakes, gears or a speedometer, following a rider on a pushbike with a 100 cc engine and a rider also known as a derny.

The main aim of the race is to complete as many 250-metre indoor laps in the wooden indoor velodrome as possible in one hour with the winner being decided on the number of kilometres (laps) completed.

  ‘This attempt is, for sure, not for the faint-hearted and tested my boundaries and limits to the end. It requires a fine balance of concentration to stay on the wheel and physical grit to chase the wheel, whilst speed varies due to the shape of the track that has both bends and straights every eight odd seconds.

Not a dull moment in the hour. If you don’t have your wits about you, a clip of a wheel can be fatal,’ stated Neethling on her Facebook page.

‘There is no timing board that shows the elapsed time. The only visual reference is a lap counter next to the track. It is a bit of blind riding,’ she added.  ‘Greatest of all, the blessing I received from my Heavenly Father above to be able to complete this and let the light shine. It was very special to have my mother from South Africa here to share the moment.’