OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Young cyclists from across South Africa converged on Oudtshoorn from 15 to 17 July for the South African Youth Cycling Championships, held as part of the annual Oudtshoorn Sport Festival.

The prestigious championship attracted some of the country's most promising young cyclists, who competed over three days in a variety of disciplines that showcased endurance, speed and teamwork.

Riders representing Gauteng, the Free State, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape competed in age categories ranging from U11 to U19. The events included MTB cross-country Olympic (XCO), MTB oval track racing, criterium racing, team time trials and road racing, and the regional teams also competed for the overall honours.

The championship delivered exciting, high-intensity racing and highlighted the depth of young cycling talent in South Africa while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The attention now turns to the South African Time Trial Championships, which will be hosted from 25 to 27 September, when many of the country's top young riders will once again compete for national honours.

Overall top riders by age category:

• U11 boys: John Nel Meyer, Eden

• U11 girls: Abby Buitendach, Gauteng

• U13 boys: Eli Miles, Eden

• U13 girls: Leena Delcarne, Cape Metro

• U15 boys: Zachariah Williams, Cape Metro

• U15 girls: Eldine Buitendach, Gauteng

• U17 boys: Anda Nqumse, Eden

• U17 girls: Liyabona Madikane, Cape Metro

• Junior men: Mihlali Mashiloane, Cape Metro

• Junior women: Linke Oosthuizen, Eden

Overall regional standings

1: Eden - 628 points

2: Cape Metro - 470 points

3: Winelands - 130 points

4: Gauteng - 96 points

5: Eastern Cape - 71 points

6: Free State - 20 points

7: West Coast - 13 points.

Team time trial winners:

• Junior: Eden Junior - 25:10.4

• U17: Eden U17A - 23:28.4

• U15: Eden U15 -18:33.9

• U13: Metro U13 - 18:33.9

• U11: Metro U11- 28:44.5.

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