The Power of Sport
Cycling’s Impact in Durban’s Townships
Worlds & Photos Dan Griffiths / Moonhead Media
The Power of Sport
Cycling’s Impact in Durban’s Townships
Worlds & Photos Dan Griffiths / Moonhead Media
Chapter 1:
Velosolutions – Uniting Communities Through Cycling
For over a decade, Velosolutions has been transforming communities one pump track at a time. With more than 800 tracks across 50 countries and six continents, the company’s mission is clear: make cycling accessible to all, promote healthier lifestyles, and create safe spaces that unite people through sport. In some of the world’s most underprivileged regions, their charity initiative, Pump for Peace, extends this mission even further, using cycling as a tool for change in places where opportunity is often scarce.
Last year, I had the opportunity to witness this firsthand at the Kasanje Bike Park in Uganda. I remember the wide-eyed excitement of the local children as they gathered around the newly constructed pump track. Seeing their joy and laughter as they raced each other, some for the first time on two wheels, reinforced just how important that moment was. It solidified how a simple pump track could bring hope and a sense of community to an area where opportunities are hard to come by. Built through a collaboration between Pump for Peace and Sam Mutton of the Musizi Joy Foundation, the bike park stands as a testament to this impact. It’s far more than just a recreational space – it’s a symbol of hope and community transformation. For many children and adults, it’s their first opportunity to experience the thrill of cycling in a safe, welcoming environment.
This project – and others like it in Lesotho, Kenya, Nepal, and beyond – reflects the profound, lasting change that cycling can bring when the right infrastructure and support are in place. Pump for Peace focuses on bringing pump tracks to the world’s most underdeveloped regions. Their purpose is simple yet profound: to use sport as a unifying force, promoting positivity and creating opportunities for growth. It’s a philosophy that underscores every track they build and every life they touch.
The Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships embody these values perfectly, blending high-stakes competition with community-focused initiatives. Beyond the racing, the event fosters global connections, inspires local youth, and highlights the transformative power of sport to unite people and create lasting change. Since its inception in 2018, the competition has grown into a global celebration of talent and diversity, uniting riders of all levels on an even playing field. This year, the World Finals arrived in KwaMashu, a vibrant township in Durban, South Africa, where the event’s mission took centre stage.
Chapter 2:
Pump Track Worlds – A Global Celebration of Pump Track Racing
It all began six years ago as an ambitious idea in Arkansas, USA, aimed to create a level playing field where grassroots riders, elite BMX racers, and mountain bike champions could compete. This vision of inclusivity and accessibility has since grown into one of the most exciting race series in cycling.
Each year, the series has expanded its reach, bringing the excitement of pump track racing to new corners of the globe. In 2019, the iconic rainbow jerseys were awarded for the first time in Switzerland, with Payton Ridenour and Tommy Zula claiming victory in a defining moment for the competition. Eddy Clerte and Aiko Gommers took the titles in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2021, while Niels Bensink and Christa von Niederhausern stole the show in Santiago, Chile, the following year. Christa made history in 2023 with her third championship win in Austria, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, all while balancing her career as a doctor back home in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Alec Bob’s victory in the men’s category marked the second time the USA had claimed a Pump Track World Champion title.
The rainbow jersey has become a highly sought-after symbol of success for athletes, representing the pinnacle of achievement in bicycle racing. This prestigious jersey is awarded to the World Champion of their discipline and carries immense significance across cycling disciplines, symbolising excellence, perseverance, and the honour of being the best in the world. As Ryan Gilchrist, the 2024 Men’s Champion, reflected: “World Champion is probably the best feeling of my life. The rainbow jersey has been on my bucket list since I was 10, so winning it on a mountain bike is incredible.”
What sets this series apart is its accessibility – anyone over 16 can enter a qualifier, regardless of background or skill level. Winners of each qualifier, which take place all around the world each year, receive an all-expenses-paid ticket to the World Finals, a rare privilege in racing. For riders from underprivileged backgrounds, this opportunity is often life-changing. It offers them a chance to compete on the world stage, showcasing their talents to a global audience and opening doors to possibilities they may never have dreamed of. Funded by Velosolutions themselves, this initiative underscores their commitment to breaking down barriers and making cycling more accessible to all.
In 2024, the series returned in full force, culminating at the World Finals in KwaMashu. This was no ordinary host location – it was the first time the Finals were held on a Pump for Peace track, highlighting the initiative’s mission to bring cycling to underprivileged communities. Hosting the Finals in KwaMashu exemplified this mission by placing a global event in a township setting, directly engaging the local community. It showcased how pump tracks can transform underserved areas into vibrant hubs of activity, inspiring the next generation of cyclists while celebrating the spirit of inclusivity. The event was a testament to how far the sport had come, blending world-class competition with the powerful social impact of Velosolutions and Pump for Peace.
Chapter 3:
Durban – A City of Contrasts
Durban, a coastal gem in South Africa, is a city of striking contrasts. On one side, you have towering skyscrapers and luxury malls symbolising economic affluence; on the other, just a short drive away, lie sprawling townships where poverty and limited opportunity are a daily reality. During my visit, the divide became even more apparent – from the sight of high-end sports cars parked in front of Gucci stores to the vibrant yet underserved communities striving for change within the townships. These divides, shaped by the legacy of apartheid, continue to influence daily life – but for initiatives like Pump for Peace and Go Durban Cycle Academy, they also represent a chance to bring communities together through the power of sport.
For the 2024 UCI Pump Track World Championships, this commitment was showcased in full through initiatives that extended beyond the racing itself. From riding clinics that inspired the youth to a Township Qualifier that gave local riders the chance to compete on a global stage, every aspect of the event reflected a dedication to uplifting the local communities. Velosolutions and Pump for Peace partnered with Go Durban to create an event that was as much about transformation as it was about racing. The World Championships became not just about crowning champions – but about fostering opportunities and uniting people through the shared love of cycling.
The townships of Durban, including Wentworth, Cornubia, KwaDabeka, and KwaMashu, have become vibrant hubs for cycling, with pump tracks offering safe spaces where kids can escape negative influences like gang violence and crime. The Wentworth pump track is a testament to this vision, transforming what was once a battleground into a meeting point. Among its future champions is an ex-gang member, who now helps guide kids and maintain the track, embodying the change it has sparked. Positioned between two historically feuding gang territories, the track has become a powerful symbol of peace and harmony, offering a safe haven where young riders proudly showcase their growing skills. Parents, grateful for a place where their children can escape negative influences, speak of the renewed hope and unity the track has brought. This local transformation reflects the broader mission of Pump for Peace and Velosolutions: using cycling to bridge divides, inspire positivity, and create lasting change.
When I first arrived in South Africa, I was overwhelmed by how different everything felt – from the bustling streets to the hectic energy of the townships. The stark contrasts in wealth and opportunity were immediately apparent, and it took some time to adjust. But as I spent more time exploring and engaging with the community, I was struck by the warmth of the people and the sense of togetherness that radiated from every corner of the townships. As I worked alongside the tracks, kids in the dozens would come rushing over, excited to learn about me and my camera and generally just hang out. They were stoked on life, and it was so apparent that these pump tracks were more than just places to ride – they were beacons of hope and belonging.
Chapter 4:
Township Clinics – Inspiring the Next Generation
In the week leading up to the World Championships, the spotlight turned to Durban’s townships, where Velosolutions, Pump for Peace, and Go Durban Cycling Academy came together to host riding clinics for local kids. Led by professional riders Niels Bensink and Khothalang Leuta, these sessions were about more than just learning technique – they were about demonstrating how cycling could open doors to new opportunities, build confidence, and inspire growth within the community.
For many township kids, cycling had always seemed out of reach. Bikes, gear, and even access to safe spaces for sport were luxuries they could only dream of. These barriers often meant that opportunities for recreation, let alone competitive sport, were simply nonexistent. But here, on the pump tracks, they saw a new world open up. Bensink and Leuta guided them through the fundamentals while sharing stories of their own journeys in cycling – stories that would no doubt be of inspiration.
For Khothalang Leuta, these clinics were deeply personal. Still living in a township herself, she knows firsthand the struggles these kids face. When she was younger, she would often walk miles to borrow bikes for practice, and it was that determination to keep riding that helped her build a better life for herself. “Winning is not just about being first; it’s about knowing you have done your best.” she shared – a sentiment that resonated deeply with the young riders. For the kids, her story was a guiding light, proof that they, too, could aim for something greater.
The week culminated in the Township Qualifier, a race that offered a special opportunity. For the kids, every lap around the track was met with encouragement from their community, amplifying their confidence and belief in what they could achieve. The top four riders earned tickets to compete at the World Championships alongside the best in the world, riding bikes donated by Rotwild and Velosolutions. For these young athletes, it was more than a competition – it was a chance to step onto a global stage, representing not only their townships but also the potential of what cycling could bring to their lives.
Chapter 5:
Finals Week – More Than Just A Race
The World Finals Week was a vibrant mix of competition, camaraderie, and culture. Riders from 16 countries gathered, bringing their unique backgrounds and shared passion for pump track racing to the heart of Durban. From local riders to seasoned BMX and mountain bike professionals competing internationally, the diversity of experiences creates an array of stories that add depth to the event each year. The week began with a welcome dinner, a joyful reunion for many who had competed together in previous years. It was a chance to reconnect, share stories, and embrace the spirit of friendship that defines the event.
The next day, riders experienced a cultural immersion unique to South Africa. A traditional Zulu cultural experience and an African safari gave them a taste of the region’s heritage and natural beauty. From the rhythmic sounds of Zulu drumming and dancing to the storytelling of their rich history, the cultural experience left riders in awe of South Africa’s layered traditions. The safari offered its own magic, with riders marvelling at the sight of the Big Five in their natural habitat, an unforgettable reminder of the country’s unique biodiversity. For many, it was a highlight of the week – a reminder that the Pump Track World Championships isn’t just about racing; it’s about coming together and creating lasting memories.
As practice sessions and seeding runs filled the following days, anticipation for the finals grew steadily. But before the big day, one particularly wholesome experience brought riders and the local community even closer. On the evening before the finals, riders grabbed their bikes and took to the streets of KwaMashu for a community ride through the township. The scene captured the excitement for cycling and the deep appreciation for the work Pump for Peace and Go Durban were doing in their community. It was a beautiful moment – so many people from different backgrounds coming together, united by a shared love for the sport.
By Saturday, the atmosphere in KwaMashu was alive with energy as local spectators and fans from around the world gathered to witness the culmination of a week of hard work and dedication. The fastest riders from across the globe, including the township qualifiers, came together to compete on the big stage. The fierce competition showcased the talents of riders from every corner of the world. But beyond the race itself, the event stood as a celebration of diversity and shared passion, with athletes joining together through their love of the sport and the positivity cycling can bring. Interactions between riders from vastly different backgrounds – sharing tips, cheering each other on, and swapping stories of their journeys – showcased how cycling transcends borders and builds a global community.
Finals saw riders leave it all on the track, delivering incredible performances in both the Men’s and Women’s categories. For the township qualifiers, it was a chance to compete alongside some of the sport’s top talent and proudly represent their communities on a global stage. In the Men’s final, Ryan Gilchrist of Australia claimed victory, clocking the fastest lap of the day at 17.028 seconds to edge out his compatriot AJ Donald. It was another accolade in an already exceptional year for Gilchrist, who was crowned King of Crankworx and E-Enduro season champion.
The Women’s final saw Sabina Košárková of the Czech Republic combine mental preparation and outright skill to defeat Switzerland’s Nadine Aeberhard and secure her first World Championship title. For both champions, their victories reflected not only their hard work and dedication but also the expanding opportunities within the sport for riders from different disciplines and opposite corners of the globe; as yet, two more riders claimed the rainbow jerseys.
The event celebrated far more than just its winners. It highlighted the endless positivity that cycling brings to communities around the world. Riders from 16 countries, representing various disciplines and backgrounds, coming together to embrace the excitement of competition and the bonds formed through a shared passion for the sport.
Chapter 6:
A Reflection on Progress
The 2024 Velosolutions World Championships marked a significant milestone for the sport and its ability to create meaningful change. It was the first time the World Finals were held on a Pump for Peace track, bringing the world’s attention to a township community and highlighting the profound social impact of cycling initiatives. This event exemplified how cycling can bridge the gap between grassroots talent and global competition, reinforcing its role as a powerful tool for uniting people and creating opportunities. It demonstrated the incredible potential of cycling to bring people closer together, transcend borders, and provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them.
For Durban’s township communities, the pump tracks are more than just places to ride – they are spaces of possibility and hope where kids can escape the challenges of their surroundings and dream of a brighter future. The partnership between Velosolutions, Pump for Peace, and Go Durban Cycling Academy has proven that sport can be a powerful tool for cultural transformation. You only have to look as far as Wentworth to see proof of this, where the ex-gang member uses his own story to inspire and mentor the kids – something that wouldn’t have been possible before. His presence symbolises the potential for change when communities rally around shared spaces and positive initiatives like these.
Looking ahead, the work of Velosolutions and Pump for Peace will undoubtedly extend this legacy even further, nurturing talent and creating pathways into the sport that wouldn’t otherwise exist and deepening the connection between cycling and community empowerment. Every year, the Pump Track World Championships continue to grow, both in scale and in its impact on communities around the globe, and is a constant reminder of cycling’s unique ability to break down barriers and inspire dreams.
In the words of Ryan Gilchrist, “To wear the rainbow jersey is incredible – but to share this journey with people from all over the world is what makes it truly special.”
