On Monday, June 26, a group of KwaZulu-Natal event organisers representing most of the biggest cycling events in the province (both road and mountain biking) had the opportunity to meet with Cycling SA President William Newman. (See: KZN EVENT ORGANISERS SEEK MEETING WITH CYCLING SOUTH AFRICA)
The purpose of the meeting was to openly discuss the current issues that Cycling SA are experiencing as an organisation and to hear first-hand from Mr Newman the true facts and current details relating to the governing body of SA cycling.
The issues discussed included:
– Rider insurance;
– Financial operations;
– Cycling SA’s business model;
– Cycling SA’s staffing structures;
– Rider licenses
Both parties agreed after the meeting that there was an open, professional and honest discussion around these subjects.
The race organisers have received a commitment from Cycling SA that the official body will be reviewing several issues discussed and will be reporting back to the group within a set time period.
It was agreed by all that Cycling SA needed to review issues of sound financial management, corporate governance and better serving the riders of the sport. The meeting was constructive and thorough, and the race organisers believe Cycling SA recognizes that some key items need attention.
Cycling SA have agreed, in conjunction with the events, to put in place a process of addressing the issues which need action in the short and long term. Once the timelines have been agreed and finalized, and when are able to communicate further with respect to specifics, Cycling SA and the race organisers will do so.
KZN Cycling, the provincial body, stands alongside the event organisers in this regard, and as an affiliate of Cycling South Africa, are too working in the best interests of the sport to get the issues resolved.
The intentions of the group of race organisers and interested parties is always to ensure that the sport of cycling – mountain biking, road riding and all other facets of the sport – is well governed through widely acceptable business principles.
The race organisers represented included: Karkloof Classic, Sani2C, joBerg2C, Eston MTB, Berg & Bush, Sharks Trail Adventure, dusi2C, Tour Durban, Amashova, Hill2Hill and ROAG.
(While some of the above information is open ended and leaves some questions regarding specifics, TREAD will update with follow up information as provided)
Source: Tim Whitfield
