High five to a successful first year
DSVLEADout development cyclists exceed expectations
2020/01/20
Photo: left to right: Kerrighan Aries, Charlize Murphy, Benino Hans, Breyton Hendrick
The DSVLEADout development cycling team has exceeded all expectations in its first year.
Kerrighan Aries, Benino Hans, Breyton Hendricks and Charlize Murphy have all claimed victories and podium positions, and great things are expected of the highly promising Wadrick Pienaar.
The DSVLEADout programme complements our sponsorship of DSV Pro Cycling, our professional cycling team, and our #DSVActive programme, which encourages all our employees to lead healthy, balanced lives.
DSVLEADout is aligned with our CSR commitment which focuses on children, wellness and community projects, where there are tangible and sustainable results satisfying the “touch, see and feel” criteria.
The development programme began in December 2018 when Eden District Cycling was identified as a suitable region to support the search for cycling talent. The programme supports two riders on a continuing basis, although we have extended that to five riders this year with the support of the Eden District Sport Council.
DSV partners with LEADout Sport, a cycling academy whose mission is to identify a new generation of talented riders with the potential to participate in the top tier of cycling, and introduce them to sustainable development during their junior and under 23 cycling years.
The riders all live at home with their families in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, where they attend school. In fact, each rider must meet academic and sporting targets to stay with the programme, and additional academic support is provided where needed.
One of LEADout’s primary goals is to increase the number of junior cyclists registering as international professionals. The norm has been around 0,3%, and LEADout is proud that its ratio is around 30% - and we are holding thumbs that some of our DSVLEADout riders join the international circuit.
While our DSVLEADout riders have a greater than usual chance of making it to international competition, the fact is that most won’t and underlines the importance of education as a part of the programme.
Our team
Focus on Benino Hans
“It's a great opportunity to be part of the DSV cycling team and I'm very grateful for the financial and personal support. Two years ago, I didn't see myself in a team like this but DSV and my coach Barry Austin took my cycling to a whole new level when I competed in various races in Europe and learned a lot about international racing. What inspires me is to encourage myself to work hard in my sport and school. In 2017 I finished second at the South African U17 Championships road race. I also won Eden Academy Rider of the Year and the Eden Cycling Junior Sportsman of the Year.”
“It's a great opportunity to be part of the DSV cycling team and I'm very grateful for the financial and personal support. Two years ago, I didn't see myself in a team like this but DSV and my coach Barry Austin took my cycling to a whole new level when I competed in various races in Europe and learned a lot about international racing. What inspires me is to encourage myself to work hard in my sport and school. In 2017 I finished second at the South African U17 Championships road race. I also won Eden Academy Rider of the Year and the Eden Cycling Junior Sportsman of the Year.”
Focus on Charlize Murphy
“Being part of the DSVLEADout teams has helped me grow in my sport, and taught me discipline and consistency. I received my SA colours earlier this year and would like to represent SA at the Olympic track championships. I have also been appointed deputy head girl at school for 2020!”
“Being part of the DSVLEADout teams has helped me grow in my sport, and taught me discipline and consistency. I received my SA colours earlier this year and would like to represent SA at the Olympic track championships. I have also been appointed deputy head girl at school for 2020!”
Focus on Breyton Hendricks
“Being part of the team means a lot to me because there are exciting things to look forward to and new destinations to be explored. The programme has changed me mentally and physically. I am a lot stronger on the bike and off the bike, and my grades have got a bit better too! My aspirations are to go overseas to race and one day become a professional cyclist.
“My successes to date include the South African Track Cycling Championships where I won 2 silver and 1 bronze. I won my very first 3-day mountain bike race. At the South African Road and Time Trial Championships, I came 4th on the road and 10th in the time trial. I won the 1,500m race at the Western Cape Track Cycling Championships, and got 3 more podium finishes.”
“Being part of the team means a lot to me because there are exciting things to look forward to and new destinations to be explored. The programme has changed me mentally and physically. I am a lot stronger on the bike and off the bike, and my grades have got a bit better too! My aspirations are to go overseas to race and one day become a professional cyclist.
“My successes to date include the South African Track Cycling Championships where I won 2 silver and 1 bronze. I won my very first 3-day mountain bike race. At the South African Road and Time Trial Championships, I came 4th on the road and 10th in the time trial. I won the 1,500m race at the Western Cape Track Cycling Championships, and got 3 more podium finishes.”
Focus on Kerrigan Aries
Being part of DSVLeadout has allowed me to feel part of a team environment which has helped me develop knowledge and skills as to how the cycling industry really works. I have attended various races and events across South Africa which I would not have been able to do without the help of DSV.
My aspirations are to attend university and continue participating and be competitive in South Africa's major cycling events. I've been privileged enough to have many major successes as a youngster but my most recent success on the bike would be winning the Western Cape road championships as a Junior, and off the bike my greatest achievement would be consistently staying on the merit list, 80% average, throughout my high school career.”
Being part of DSVLeadout has allowed me to feel part of a team environment which has helped me develop knowledge and skills as to how the cycling industry really works. I have attended various races and events across South Africa which I would not have been able to do without the help of DSV.
My aspirations are to attend university and continue participating and be competitive in South Africa's major cycling events. I've been privileged enough to have many major successes as a youngster but my most recent success on the bike would be winning the Western Cape road championships as a Junior, and off the bike my greatest achievement would be consistently staying on the merit list, 80% average, throughout my high school career.”
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