Van Dyk brings handcycling to SA
2005-09-15
PARALYMPIC medal winner in wheelchair racing, Ernst van Dyk, recently showed that his talents can also bring him glory in the growing sport of handcycling.
Van Dyk, who started handcycling competitively for the first time this year, finished second at the Open European Handcycling Championships in Holland.
A critical error on the finish line cost the South African the title.
“The course was pretty boring as it was an 8,2km loop with long straights and four sharp corners. It was also as flat as a pancake,” says van Dyk, a strong climber.
“Nobody was able to break away so we got stuck in with a group of about 20 that ended in a sprint. I was leading all the way and when I saw I would cross the timing mats first, I thought I had it.
“Turns out the photo finish was set up about one metre further down the road and by that time a Dutch guy had about 2mm in front of me.
“We tried to protest, but a Dutch racer won on home soil - they were not going to budge,” explains van Dyk, adding that he is still happy with winning the silver medal.
The Paarlite competed in the time trial the following day and again came away with a silver medal.
“It was the first time I was racing in such an event and was not ranked. I was therefore among the first to start, which in a time trial is not good. We had to complete two laps and all along the route there are coaches who are in radio communication with their bikers.
“So everybody was reading my split times to my competitors and they knew exactly how fast to go whereas I was just going as hard as I could not knowing what was going on behind me.
“I still ended up with the silver and the good thing is that I’m now ranked and next time I should be one of the last starters feeding off the splits of the other racers in front of me.”
Although handcyling plays a big role in helping van Dyk prepare for his wheelchair racing, he also started competing overseas to help promote handcycling in South Africa.
“It’s a sport that is very accessible to disabled athletes. It’s not like wheelchair racing which entails a lot of technique.
“You can just get into the bike and start riding and with the many fun rides we have here in the cycling season, it is a great way of getting disabled cyclists involved.”
Due to the nature of handcycling, disabled athletes and able-bodied athletes can compete against one another on a level playing field.
Plans are underway to introduce a World Handcycling Circuit next year with each of the five continents hosting an event and van Dyk is set on making Paarl the home of the African event.
“I’m currently in the process of establishing the Paarl Rock Handcycling Challenge to be held here in March next year.”
The event which will include road races over 54km, 42km and 24km as well as time trials over 18km and 12km, will take place in the week leading up to the Argus Cycle Tour.
While competing abroad, van Dyk has extended invitations to most of the top overseas handcyclists and enthusiasts can look forward to some great action.
The different routes will however ensure that there is something for handcyclists of all fitness levels.
“By joining us, handcyclists will be able to train well for the coming season and by competing in the Argus Cycle Tour, enjoy the handcycling experience of a lifetime,” says van Dyk.
The organisers see the event as community-based and are looking for support from sponsors, organisations and individuals.
For more info, contact Ernst at efvandyk@mweb. co.za or Maranda Fourie on 082-515-9860 or visit www.cysky.co.za/handcycling.
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