“It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” ~ Albert Einstein

Germiston Wheelers supports certain Charities close to its members hearts, as well as the development of amateur cycling in the area.


Charities supported

Germiston Wheelers Cycle Cub gives to charity during each year, in the form or donations of supplies, i.e. dog/cat food, blankets, basic kitchen food ingredients. We support 3-4 charities
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The three charities currently supported are the Alberton SPCA, Amcare and Elandsvallei Home for the Aged.


Giving back to cycling

Germiston Wheelers Cycle Club, in partnership with Germiston Rotary, organises the Germiston Classic Cycle Race every year. The primary objective to raise funds for charities in our area, as well as give back to the cycling community who support the event.

Previously known as the Carnival City Macsteel National Classic, the event was sponsored by Carnival City and Macsteel. Through their sponsorship, we were able to provide much needed support charities and NPOs.

Although the big event on our annual calendar is organising the Germiston Classic, we also get involved in other cycling projects, listed below:

  • Support of 5 development riders;
  • Criterium races;
  • Inter club races (provincial).

The race website is primarily geared to keep cyclists up to date with race specific information. This website will show, and tell stories of, the behind the scenes action of the race. It’s a race for cyclists, by cyclists, and our members put in a great deal of work to ensure the race goes according to plan, but they also have fun at the same time.


Development riders

The club currently has active 2 development riders, who race entry fees, transport to races, limited clothing and training is provided for by the club. Over the years, a few of our development riders have gone on to join teams that ride in the Elite category, alongside ex-members that also cycled for professional teams.

The club has a UCI Level 1 Coach that can offer coaching free of charge to club members. No out-of-the-box plans, but rather a customised plan tailored to each person’s needs.


Criterium Races

In 2016, the club hosted two successful criterium races, south of Alberton, on a 2.5Km circuit. The first event attracted 48 riders across all age categories, but only 1 female rider. The second event attracted 91 people, and was hotly contested across the 5 categories – this time with many more female riders.

Both times, development riders from Ekurhuleni Cycling Club (pictured far right, below) were sponsored by East Rand Cycling (the provincial affiliate). Images courtesy of Pedal Africa.

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The development riders event included youth age groups and beginners racing at the same time. Fun all round!

The club went one better in 2017, with a sponsored series of 6 races. Helivac were the sponsor (medically, as well as the title sponsor). We were able to host events at 4 different venues, namely our own Klipriver circuit (twice), the Vootrekker Monument circuit (twice), Melrose Arch circuit and at Hector Norris Park (the track).

The series proved to be successful with more than 230 different riders taking part across the 6 events. Riders of all ages, abilities (both male and female) took part in the events. We hoped this would continue in each winter going forward, with a mix of criterium races, a few time trials and hill climbs; something for the whole winter period.

Below are a selection of images from the events:

       
Events from the 2017 Helivac Criterium Series held at 4 different locations in Gauteng.

Interclub races (provincial)

Sadly the inter club racing has been neglected by both clubs and provincial unions, but when it was a regular feature on the calendar the club hosted one of the events on the popular Bosco/Circus loop, close to Daleside.