Neotel Track Festival draws top South African racers

The Neotel Track Cycling Festival, starting December 29 at the Faure Street Stadium in Paarl, will draw some of South Africa's top track riders for racing on the boards.

Neotel Team Captain Nolan Hoffman will race along with Garth Thomas, Chris Willemse Jr. and Abdelbasat Hanachi from the CSC squad; James Louter and Gadi Chait from Gauteng; and veteran cyclist Mark Strydom. Others who happen to be in the area training will attend like Jamie Ball, Jay Thompson, Arren Brown, Dean Edwards, Mike Thompson, James Louter and Liam de Roche.

"It is good to see that the track scene is being revived through a number of events and initiatives across South Africa. Track cycling is a very good starting point, especially for youngsters. If you look at some of the top riders in world, many have had their start on the track," said Hoffman.

"The Australian model is a key example, you have the likes of Stuart O'Grady, Baden Cooke and Bradley McGee all top professionals racing in the Pro Tour and these riders have come through an established track programme," said Hoffman.