Tshwane metro has expressed concern about disproportionate racial participation in the cycling sport in Pretoria.
“The weakness of the cycling competition is that it is dominated by one racial group,” said Tshwane metro mayoral committee member for sports and culture Nozipho Tyobeka-Makeke.
She was speaking at the first metro cycle challenge series event at the Wolwespruit MTB Park in Erasmuskoof on Saturday.
Most participants in this two-day event were white people.
Makeke said sport was important for various reasons including promoting nation building and social cohesion. She said to achieve this goal, sport events should reflect the diversity of South Africa.
However, Makeke acknowledged that the domination by a racial group of cycling was a social problem that needed to be addressed at societal level.
“We will engage various stake holders including schools and other stakeholders to promote cycling in disadvantaged areas.”
Cyclist Bendeon Myburgh said he enjoyed every moment in the race as he was fighting to be in a better position in the South African championships at the end of the year.
“Performing well at this competition is important to be able to start in the front row at the SA champs,” Myburgh said.
He said being put at the back of the other competitors made it tougher to beat good competitors ahead of you in the race.
The organisers said the Tshwane cycle challenge series would be an annual event.
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