Maximum Velocity 1 (2 February 2005)

Track cycling is an exhilarating sport that test the skills of the riders and thrills spectators. Maximum Velocity is a track cycling event that was first held on Wednesday, 2 February 2005. The Bellville velodrome was pre-booked for the event through The Western Province cycling association (WPCA).

Intellibus stepped in to sponsor the event and helped the to put up a total prize fund of R4 000. Marketing started in November and six top teams from WP and Boland were invited to the team sprint. However the lucrative first prize of R1 000 caught the interest of more teams and helped to push the entries up to 11 teams. Other highlights included a mini match sprint competition, 1500m for all categories and points races for ladies, vets, juniors and elites.

The start list included track stars like Chris Willemse jr (CVT/CSC), Ashley Kulsen (Rhadsport), Wesley Cole (CVT/CSC) and Magdalene Nicholson (Yorkshire club in Paarl).  Top road riders, like the 2004 West Coast Express winner, Leonardo van Onselen (Richard Kane), also made an appearance.

Outriders chairman Mike de Kock and girl friend Kerry Phillips helped with the entry table on the evening. Little did they know that this event would attract a whopping 87 entries. Outriders cycling club volunteers assisted at the door and 190 spectators were accounted for. Add the VIP guest list to this and Maximum Velocity broke the 200 spectator mark on inception.

Top class racing was provided and the 1500m open was won in a brisk 1:52.53 by Chris Willemse. After this action the riders legs were warmed upped properly for the main event of the evening, the team sprint. The fastest two teams would progress to the final. CVT/CSC 1 and Rhadsport pushed each other to the limit and only split seconds separated these teams. Both teams went through to the final as they set the fastest times. The Outriders vets team had their fastest team sprint in a long time and set the 6th best time - not bad for the only vets team in this event!

Reniell Matthysen of the Paarl cycling club showed the elites what leg speed was all about. This junior rider walked away with the R300 cash prize in the match sprint final.  By this time tension was mounting for the team sprint final. Could Rhadsport repeat their surprise victory in the qualifying rounds of the team sprint or would CVT/CSC turn the tables? Both teams started fast and Rhadsport had a slight lead on lap 1. The first rider of both teams dropped off and still the team from the Paarl had a slight lead. The 2nd rider of both teams dropped off and the last CVT/CSC rider had to work hard to close the gap. He edged closer and the spectators were on their feet! Rhadsport crossed the line first and all recognized the fact that the team from the Paarl had earned this hard fought victory. Ivano Siebrits, Reginald Benjiman and Derwyn Benjamin went home with the winner’s cheque and with the knowledge that their hard training had paid off.

The last race of the evening was the open 80-lap points race with riders sprinting for points every 10 laps. This format is used internationally and judged by the big field that this race attracted we can safely say that this is the type of format needed for local riders as well. The race provided a spectacle of colour and speed as the 29 elite riders sped across the 42-degree embankments of the velodrome. Chris Willemse put in a great performance when he lapped the field and amassed a massive 46 points. This was enough to seal victory.

The riders confirmed that Maximum Velocity was a great success and that they would return for future events.