43 South Africa Ranking Cycling Players in History

Tom Kershaw

Cycling is one of the most popular sports in South Africa, and the country has produced some of the best cyclists in the world. From road racers to mountain bikers, South African cyclists have achieved success at the highest levels of competition.

We will take a look at some of the top South African cyclists, past and present, who have made a name for themselves in the world of cycling.

From multiple Tour de France winners to multiple world champions, South African cycling has some of the best athletes in the world.

1. Daryl Impey

Daryl Impey is a professional road cyclist from South Africa. He currently competes for the UCI WorldTeam Israel–Premier Tech. Impey is an all-rounder, meaning he can do well in a variety of disciplines.

He tends to excel in tough uphill sprints where his strength and endurance come into play. Impey has proven himself to be a formidable rider in such conditions, allowing him to make a name for himself in the world of professional cycling.

2. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg

Reinardt Janse van Rensburg is a professional road bicycle racer from South Africa. He currently rides for the Denver Disruptors, a UCI ProTeam, and he has previously ridden for Dutch UCI ProTeam Argos–Shimano.

Reinardt is not related to his former teammate Jacques Janse van Rensburg, another professional cyclist. Reinardt has been riding professionally since 2011 when he began racing for the UCI Continental cycling team, MTN–Qhubeka.

He has since distinguished himself as an up and coming cyclist, competing in many international races such as the Tour of Flanders, the Tour de France, and the UCI World Championships.

In 2016, Reinardt joined the Argos–Shimano team, where he raced for two seasons. In 2018, Reinardt moved to the Denver Disruptors, another UCI ProTeam.

Since then, he has been a consistent presence in the ProTour events, with his most recent victory coming at the 2019 Tour of Austria, where he won the points classification.

He has also been a reliable teammate, helping the team secure a top-ten finish at the 2020 Tour de France. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg is an impressive professional cyclist and a valuable asset to the Denver Disruptors.

Although he is not related to his former teammate, Jacques Janse van Rensburg, the two have been able to form a strong bond as teammates and friends.

3. Ryan Gibbons

Ryan Gibbons is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He is currently part of the UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates cycling team. Gibbons is a member of a professional cycling team that competes in some of the most prestigious cycling races in the world.

He has been a professional cyclist since 2019 and is part of a team that is made up of some of the world’s best cyclists.

Gibbons has been a regular competitor in some of the biggest cycling races in the world, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, and Tour of Flanders.

He has also raced in a number of other international events, such as the UCI World Championships, the Giro di Lombardia, and the Critérium du Dauphiné. Gibbons is well known for his aggressive riding style and determination to finish races in the top positions.

He is an important part of the UAE Team Emirates team and is sure to be a key contributor to their success.

4. Louis Meintjes

Louis Meintjes is a professional South African cyclist who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam Intermarché–Circus–Wanty. He is a very successful rider, having won the South African National Road Race Championships in 2014.

He has also achieved the impressive feat of finishing 8th overall in the Tour de France on three separate occasions, in 2016, 2017 and 2022. This shows his dedication and passion for the sport, as well as his ability to consistently perform at a high level.

His success has been a source of pride for the South African cycling community, who are inspired by his accomplishments. Meintjes is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to a sport and is a great ambassador for South African cycling.

5. Robbie Hunter

Robert “Robbie” Hunter is an accomplished athlete who has had a long and successful career in professional road racing. He began his career in 1999 and competed until 2013 when he retired.

During his professional career, he was part of the UCI ProTeam Garmin–Sharp, which was his final season. Hunter was a competitive cyclist, who was known for his strength and determination on the track. He was also a reliable teammate and was well respected by his peers.

Hunter’s career was marked by many successes, including numerous wins and podium finishes. His retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest road racing cyclists of all time.

6. Rudolph Lewis

Rudolph Ludewyk “Okey” Lewis was an accomplished South African road racing cyclist. He was born on a farm near Pretoria and grew up in Germiston.

Despite having a demanding job working underground in a gold mine, Lewis still found the time to train in cycling, boxing, and skating.

This dedication to his sports paid off; Lewis won the gold medal in the road race at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Lewis was a true success story, and his accomplishments were made possible through his hard work and dedication to his sports.

He worked long hours at the gold mine and still found the time to train in his favorite activities.

This combination of hard work and dedication to his sports allowed him to achieve his Olympic dream. Lewis’s success is an example of what one can achieve if they are willing to put in the effort. He was a true champion, and his story continues to inspire people today.

His legacy lives on, and his success serves as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

7. Stefan de Bod

Stefan de Bod is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He currently competes on the UCI WorldTeam EF Education–EasyPost.

De Bod has been active in the sport of cycling since 2011 and his career highlights include a gold medal in the 2016 African Continental Road Championships and a stage win in the 2018 Tour of Austria.

He has also competed in two Grand Tours, the 2019 Giro d’Italia and the 2020 Vuelta a España. His best result in a Grand Tour was finishing in 34th place at the 2019 Giro d’Italia.

De Bod has also competed in a wide range of 1-day races, including Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, and the Tour of Flanders. He has had some success in these races, with his best result coming in 2019 when he finished in 11th place at the Tour of Flanders.

8. Willie Smit

Willem Jakobus Smit is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He currently rides for the China Glory Continental Cycling Team, which is a UCI Continental team.

In August of 2019, Willem was selected to participate in the 2019 Vuelta a España, one of the world’s most prestigious cycling events.

Willem’s selection to the Vuelta a España is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and he is sure to make South Africa proud with his performance.

With the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best cyclists, Willem is sure to rise to the occasion and put on an impressive display of cycling.

9. Gustav Basson

Gustav Basson is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He has been riding for Team DMS Pro Cycling since 2018, a South African cycling team. Basson has been cycling competitively since a young age and is now one of the most successful South African cyclists.

He has won multiple medals and awards in various competitions, including the African Continental Championships and the South African National Championships. He has also represented South Africa at the UCI World Championships, where he placed 10th in 2019.

He is a talented cyclist who is dedicated to his sport and is proud to represent South Africa on the world stage.

10. Kent Main

Kent Warwick Main is a professional cyclist from South Africa who competes at the highest level of the sport. He has been a part of the UCI Continental team ProTouch since 2020 and is currently one of the leading riders on the team.

Main has a lengthy career in cycling that has seen him compete in several of the world’s most prestigious events such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, as well as many other events across Europe and Africa.

His experience and success in the sport have earned him a great deal of respect among his peers, and he has become a role model for many aspiring cyclists.

Main is an excellent cyclist who is always looking to improve and push his limits, and his hard work and dedication to the sport have earned him a spot on the ProTouch team.

He is a great ambassador for the sport of cycling and his presence on the team has been a great asset for the team’s success.

11. Ryan Cox

Ryan Rodney Cox was a professional road racing cyclist from South Africa. He had been a passionate cyclist since 1987 and decided to take his career to the next level by turning professional in 2000.

His first team was Amore & Vita–Giubileo 2000–Beretta, however, the following year he made the move to Team Cologne located in Germany. For the past 17 years, Cox has been a part of Team Barloworld and has made a name for himself in the cycling world.

Being a part of a professional team has been a great opportunity for Cox to hone his skills and develop his craft. He has had the chance to compete all over the world and has been able to gain recognition for his efforts.

Being part of Team Barloworld has allowed him to make a career out of his passion and has been a great experience for him.

12. Jayde Julius

Jayde Andrew Julius is an accomplished South African cyclist and professional rider. He is currently part of the UCI Continental team Kuwait Pro Cycling Team. This team is one of the top teams in the UCI Continental circuit.

It is made up of some of the best cyclists from around the world. Jayde Andrew Julius has been racing competitively since he was a young teenager, and has made a name for himself in the competitive cycling world.

He has achieved many successes, including winning multiple South African National Championships, and several international events.

He is also a regular competitor in the UCI Continental circuit and is one of the most successful riders in the competition. As a professional cyclist, Jayde Andrew Julius has been able to travel to many different countries and compete with some of the world’s best riders.

He has also been able to gain valuable experience and knowledge from different cycling cultures.

This has helped him to become a better cyclist and a more knowledgeable rider. Being part of the Kuwait Pro Cycling Team has allowed Jayde Andrew Julius to continue to grow as a cyclist.

He is able to work with some of the best athletes and coaches in the world and learn from their experience.

He is also able to compete in some of the most prestigious races in the world, such as the Tour of Qatar and the Tour of Oman. Jayde Andrew Julius is an outstanding cyclist and has achieved a great deal of success in his career.

He is an inspiration to many and is a great ambassador for South African cycling.

13. Jason Oosthuizen

Jason Oosthuizen is a world-class cyclist from South Africa. He currently competes on the international stage as a member of the French amateur cycling team, CR4C Roanne. Oosthuizen is a strong and dedicated cyclist who has achieved great success in his career.

He has won multiple national championships and has participated in prestigious international events such as the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.

Oosthuizen is an inspirational athlete who has helped to bring international cycling recognition to South Africa and has been a major part of the success of his team, CR4C Roanne.

His dedication and passion for the sport is evident in the way that he rides, and his commitment to excellence has seen him achieve great success.

He is an exemplary role model for aspiring cyclists, and his success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that it takes to be a successful cyclist.

14. John-Lee Augustyn

John-Lee Augustyn is a former professional road bicycle racer from South Africa. He was part of several teams throughout his career, including Team Sky, Barloworld and MTN–-Qhubeka.

As a professional cyclist, he competed in various races, including the Tour of Britain, Vuelta a España and the Tour de France. Augustyn began his professional career with Barloworld in 2008.

During his time with the team, he finished in the top 10 of several stages of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España.

He also competed in the Tour of Britain, finishing in the top 10 overall in 2009.In 2010, Augustyn moved to Team Sky, where he competed in the Vuelta a España, Tour of Britain and Tour de France.

He finished in the top 10 of several stages of the Vuelta a España and Tour de France. In 2013, Augustyn joined MTN–Qhubeka, competing in the Tour of Britain and various other races. He retired from professional cycling in 2016.

John-Lee Augustyn has had a successful career as a professional cyclist. He has competed in some of the world’s most prestigious cycling events, including the Tour of Britain, Vuelta a España and the Tour de France.

He has been part of some of the top teams in the world, such as Team Sky, Barloworld and MTN–Qhubeka.

15. Henry Kaltenbrunn

Henry Gustaves Kaltenbrun was a renowned South African cyclist in the 1920s. He made his mark in the 1920 Summer Olympics when he won the 100-mile Men’s Road Race.

However, his victory was short-lived as Swedish competitor Stenquist appealed, claiming that he had lost 4 minutes at a railway crossing.

As a result, he was only awarded the Silver Medal instead of the Gold. This incident highlights the significant impact that even the smallest of events can have on the course of history.

In this instance, a four-minute delay at a railway crossing was enough to deny Kaltenbrun the gold he deserved.

Such a feat was a testament to the strength and determination of the South African cyclist, and it is a shame that his efforts were not sufficiently rewarded. Kaltenbrun’s story is an important reminder of the value of perseverance and resilience.

Despite the obstacles he faced, he was able to overcome them and prove himself as a world-class athlete. His example should serve as motivation for all aspiring athletes, no matter what obstacles may come their way.

16. Marc Pritzen

Mark Oliver Pritzen is an accomplished South African cyclist who is currently signed with the UCI Continental team EF Education–Nippo Development Team.

Pritzen is a professional cyclist who competes on the international cycling circuit, and his current team is one of the most successful UCI Continental teams in the world.

He has achieved numerous victories and podium finishes throughout his career, and is considered one of the best cyclists in the world. Pritzen has a strong passion for cycling and has dedicated himself to perfecting his craft.

He has a strong work ethic and strives to be the best he can be. He has a great support system in his team and is working hard to reach the highest levels of professional cycling. Pritzen is an inspirational example of what one can achieve with hard work and dedication.

17. Greg Minnaar

Greg Minnaar is an elite athlete and one of the most successful mountain bike racers of all time. He is from South Africa and specializes in downhill cycling, competing in the UCI Downhill MTB World Cup.

Minnaar has won four championships so far, making him the second most successful active racer in the world and third all time behind the legendary Nicols Vouilloz who has seven titles.

He is an inspirational figure in the world of mountain biking and his accomplishments speak for themselves. He has achieved a great deal of success in his career and continues to be a top contender in the sport.

18. Thomas Shardelow

Thomas Shardelow was a South African cyclist who made history by competing in two separate Summer Olympics: 1952 and 1956. At the 1952 Olympics, Shardelow achieved a remarkable feat by winning two silver medals.

He earned one in the 4,000 metres team pursuit and another in the 2,000 meters tandem events. This was a remarkable accomplishment for Shardelow, as he was able to make South Africa proud by bringing home two medals from the Olympics.

It is a testament to his dedication and hard work that he was able to achieve such a feat. His performance in the Olympics also inspired many other young South African cyclists to follow in his footsteps and strive for excellence.

Shardelow was truly an inspiration for many in South Africa and his legacy will live on for years to come.

19. James Lewis Perry

James Lewis Perry is a former professional road cyclist from South Africa. He was a member of the UCI Professional Continental team Barloworld until the team was disbanded.

Perry has been a professional cyclist since 2002 and in that same year he won a bronze medal at the World Under 23 Time Trial Championship. He has enjoyed a successful career in the sport, competing in events all around the world.

Perry is an example of a professional cyclist who has dedicated his life to the sport and has achieved great success in his career.

20. David George

David George is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He has cycled for two different teams in his career, the USPS team from 1999-2000 and Barloworld afterwards.

George has had his share of success in the sport, especially in 2003 when he won the South African National Road Race Championships. His success extended to the Olympics as well, having competed in the 1996, 2000, and 2008 Summer Olympics.

He is an example of someone who has achieved success in both the professional and Olympic cycling circuits.

21. Blayne Wikner

Blayne Wikner is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He is an Olympic-level athlete and has competed in the Summer Olympic Games. In 1996, he participated in the men’s individual road race event. This is a long-distance cycling race that is held on a road course.

The course consists of flat sections, as well as hills and other obstacles. It is a physically demanding and challenging event and requires athletes to be in peak physical condition in order to compete.

Wikner was able to demonstrate his skills and endurance in the 1996 Olympics, competing against other world-class cyclists from around the globe. He was able to hold his own against the competition, and in doing so, represented South Africa with pride.

22. Morné van Niekerk

Morné van Niekerk is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He is currently competing for the UCI Continental team St. Michel–Mavic–Auber93.

The UCI Continental teams are the second division of professional cycling, with the UCI World Tour teams being the top-tier division. Morné van Niekerk is a very accomplished cyclist, having competed in various international races.

He has participated in the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, two of the most prestigious races in the world. He is also a two-time national road race champion in South Africa. Morné van Niekerk has been riding for St. Michel–Mavic–Auber93 since 2017.

This team competes in various UCI Continental races across Europe and Africa.

They are one of the top teams in the UCI Continental division, having placed in the top 10 in several races. Morné van Niekerk is an inspiring athlete who is striving to reach the top level of professional cycling.

His dedication and determination is an inspiration to many, and it is clear that he has what it takes to become one of the world’s best cyclists.

23. Rohan Du Plooy

Rohan Du Plooy is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He currently races for the UCI Continental team ProTouch. In 2019, Du Plooy had a successful year of racing, as he was able to win the points classification at three different races.

The first race was the Tour du Rwanda, where Du Plooy was able to take the points classification title. He then followed this up with a win at the Tour of Indonesia, where he was once again able to take the points classification title.

His final win of the year was at the Tour of Peninsular, where he was able to secure the points classification title for the third time. This impressive feat meant that Du Plooy had a successful 2019 season, with his points classification victories at three different races.

24. Hendrik Kruger

Hendrik B. Kruger is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He has achieved success within the competitive cycling scene in his home country and is currently riding for a South African amateur team called Alfa Bodyworks–Titan Racing.

Kruger is a dedicated cyclist who works hard to maintain his level of fitness and performance. He has won multiple races and is well respected within the cycling community both in South Africa and beyond.

Kruger is a valuable asset to Alfa Bodyworks–Titan Racing and his experience and skill has helped them achieve success in numerous competitions. He is a great ambassador for the sport of cycling and his hard work and dedication make him an inspiration to aspiring cyclists.

25. Darren Lill

Darren Lill is a professional racing cyclist from South Africa. He had an incredible accomplishment in 2011 when he won the South African National Road Race Championships.

This was a major accomplishment for him as he was able to demonstrate his talent and skill on the cycling track.

He competed against other professional cyclists from the region and came out on top, earning the impressive title of South African National Road Race Champion. For many cyclists, this is one of the most prestigious titles to achieve.

It shows that they have the strength, endurance, and talent to compete against the best of the best. It was quite a feat for Darren Lill to win this title and it was a great accomplishment for him and his cycling career.

It is no surprise that he was highly regarded in the cycling community and his success was celebrated by many.

26. Dennis van Niekerk

Dennis van Niekerk is a professional cyclist from South Africa. He is one of the most successful cyclists from South Africa and has been competing internationally since 2005.

He has had numerous successes in the world of cycling, including winning the South African National Championships in both the road race and time trial in 2011.

He has competed in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana, and has also competed in various World Championships.

He has had impressive results in some of the toughest races in the world, including winning the Tour Down Under in 2011 and finishing fourth at the Tour of Flanders in 2013. He is currently a member of the Team Dimension Data cycling team and has been since 2014.

Van Niekerk is an inspiration to cyclists all over the world and a testament to the hard work and dedication that is needed to become a successful athlete.

27. Syd Byrnes

Syd Byrnes is an athlete who made history as a cyclist from South Africa. He was an Olympic competitor in the 1960 Summer Olympics, where he participated in the tandem and team pursuit events.

Byrnes was the first South African cyclist to compete in an Olympic event, and he made a strong impression on the event. The tandem event is an event where two cyclists work together to complete the course, pedalling in unison to achieve the best result.

The team pursuit event is a race between two teams of four cyclists, and each team must maintain a certain speed to avoid being disqualified.

Throughout the course of the 1960 Summer Olympics, Syd Byrnes was an inspirational figure, embodying the spirit of athletic determination and teamwork.

Byrnes’ participation in the event was a powerful example of how sports can be a unifying force, transcending national boundaries and cultural differences. Even today, more than sixty years later, his legacy as South Africa’s first Olympic cyclist is remembered and respected.

28. Kevin Evans

Kevin Evans is a South African athlete who has retired from competitive cycling. He was a successful cyclist during his career, competing in numerous international races and winning various national titles.

Born in the town of Durban in December 1967, Kevin’s cycling career began when he was 18 years old. He went on to compete in numerous road races and mountain bike events over the next decade and a half, winning his first South African National Championship title in 1992.

He would go on to win the same title in the following three years. In addition to his success in South Africa, Kevin also enjoyed success on the international stage.

He represented South Africa in the 1995 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, competing in both the cross country and downhill events.

He also participated in the 1996 Olympic Games, placing in the top 10 in the cross country mountain bike event. Throughout his career, Kevin was a popular figure in the cycling world.

He was known for his determination and hard work, as well as his positive attitude and willingness to help others. Since his retirement from competitive cycling, Kevin has remained active in the sport, working as a coach and mentor to young South African cyclists.

He is an inspiration to those who strive to achieve success in the sport.

29. Douglas Ryder

Douglas Ryder is a South African former cyclist, who currently works as the General Manager of UCI ProTeam Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. Before holding this position, Ryder worked for UCI WorldTeam Team Qhubeka NextHash, a team that unfortunately disbanded in 2021.

As a cyclist, Ryder made a name for himself in the 1996 Summer Olympics, when he competed in the men’s individual road race. Ryder’s career as a cyclist is highly impressive, as he has been able to transition to a successful managerial career in the cycling world.

He is a great example of someone who has taken his past success and applied it to a new role while helping to promote the sport of cycling in the process.

30. Songezo Jim

Songezo Jim is a remarkable figure in the world of cycling. He is a South African cyclist and was last part of the UCI Continental team ProTouch.

Jim made history in 2015 when he became the first black South African rider to compete in the Vuelta a España, one of the world’s biggest races.

This feat was followed up one year later, with Jim’s name being included on the start list for the 2016 Giro d’Italia, another one of cycling’s most prestigious races. Jim has broken down barriers in the cycling world and is an inspiration for many.

He is proof that hard work and determination can lead to great success, no matter where you come from.

31. Fred Short

Frederick William Short was a South African cyclist who gained recognition for his participation in the 1928 Summer Olympics. Short competed in the individual road race event, in which athletes must traverse a course of varying terrain and obstacles.

He was one of many cyclists who sought to win the coveted gold medal but failed to do so.

Nonetheless, his participation in the race is remarkable, as it demonstrated his dedication and determination. Short’s participation in the race was a testament to the progressive attitude of South Africa at the time.

His success in the race showed the world that South Africa could compete on an international level in a variety of sporting events.

It was a source of national pride and showed just how far South Africa had come in the world of sports. Short’s efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, but his dedication and ambition should be applauded.

He was a brave and determined athlete who sought to compete in an international event and prove that South Africa could hold its own.

His determination and hard work should serve as an inspiration to all those who seek to challenge themselves and push the boundaries of what is possible.

32. Jacques Janse van Rensburg

Jacques Janse van Rensburg is a South African professional cyclist who currently rides for the amateur mountain biking team First Move.

He is not related to another professional South African cyclist Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, though they share the same name. Janse van Rensburg has had a successful road racing career, with notable highlights including his participation in the 2014 Vuelta a España.

This is a three-week long cycling race that takes place in Spain and is considered to be one of the major cycling events of the season.

Janse van Rensburg was very successful in the race, proving his skill as a cyclist and showing his commitment to the sport. Overall, Jacques Janse van Rensburg is an impressive cyclist, having achieved success in both mountain biking and road racing.

He is a great example of success in cycling, and his commitment to the sport is to be admired.

33. Hennie Binneman

Hennie Binneman was a South African cyclist who had the privilege of competing in the individual road race event at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Binneman was an incredibly talented athlete and his presence at such a prestigious event was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. Binneman was born in South Africa and his passion for cycling began at a young age.

He trained hard and dedicated himself to becoming the best cyclist he could possibly be. His hard work paid off and he was able to represent his country at the 1936 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, Binneman competed in the individual road race event.

This event consists of a long race on a closed circuit, with the winner being the cyclist who completes the most laps in the shortest amount of time. It is not an easy event and requires a great deal of physical and mental strength.

However, Binneman was able to rise to the challenge and put in an outstanding performance. Unfortunately, Binneman was not able to take home any medals from the 1936 Olympics.

However, his presence and performance at the event showed the world his incredible talent and determination. He is remembered by many as an inspirational figure who was an example of what could be accomplished through dedication and hard work.

34. James Walker

James Walker was an accomplished South African cyclist. He achieved success in the 1920 Summer Olympics, taking home a Silver Medal in the Tandem event and a Bronze Medal in the 4000m Team Pursuit Men event.

His achievements made him a celebrated athlete in South Africa, and his success demonstrated the potential of South African athletes in international competitions. Walker was part of a team of four cyclists that competed in the Team Pursuit Men event.

The event requires the cyclists to race in a team, and the team with the fastest time wins.

Walker’s team was able to secure the Bronze Medal, making him a hero in his native South Africa. In the Tandem event, Walker and his partner had to compete against other teams of two cyclists.

The teams had to race against each other in a time trial, with the team that completed the course in the fastest time winning the Silver Medal.

Walker and his partner were able to outpace their competition and earned the Silver Medal. Walker’s achievements in the 1920 Summer Olympics were very impressive, and he was recognized as a great athlete.

His success at the Olympics was an inspiration for many South African athletes and demonstrated the potential of South African athletes to compete and win at the highest level.

He is still remembered today as one of South Africa’s greatest athletes, and his legacy will continue to live on.

35. George Estman

George Anders Estman was a South African cyclist who had the opportunity to compete in the Olympics in 1948 and 1952. His most notable achievement was at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, where he won a silver medal in the 4,000 metres team pursuit event.

This accomplishment meant that he and the South African team finished second, just behind the Great Britain team. George Anders Estman was born in 1924 and began his cycling career in the 1940s.

He was known for his dedication and determination, qualities that helped him to become one of the top cyclists in South Africa. During his Olympic career, he managed to break the South African record for the 4,000 metres team pursuit event.

This accomplishment was not only a great success for George Anders Estman, but it was also a major achievement for the South African cycling team. George Anders Estman and his team showed that a small nation can achieve great things on the world stage.

The silver medal won by the South African team in the 4,000 metres team pursuit event was a great source of pride and inspiration for the entire country. George Anders Estman was a truly remarkable athlete who pushed the boundaries and achieved great things.

His dedication and hard work paid off and he will always be remembered as a true South African hero.

36. Rowan Peacock

Rowan Peacock is a renowned former cyclist from South Africa. He is remembered for his impressive performance at the 1960 Summer Olympics where he competed in the team pursuit event. Peacock was part of a team of four cyclists who raced against other teams from around the world.

Despite his team’s best efforts, they were unable to secure a medal but their performance was still highly regarded. As a result, Peacock is remembered for his part in promoting cycling in South Africa and inspiring other cyclists to pursue their dreams.

He will always be remembered as a pioneer and a role model for aspiring cyclists.

37. Les Haupt

Les Haupt was a professional cyclist from South Africa. He is best known for his participation in the 1960 Summer Olympics. At the Games, Les competed in two events: the 1000 meter time trial and the tandem event.

The time trial is an individual race, in which a cyclist races against the clock to complete the distance in the shortest amount of time possible. The tandem, meanwhile, is a two-person race, with both cyclists working together to achieve the best time.

Les’ participation in the 1960 Summer Olympics was a major accomplishment for a South African cyclist. At the time, South Africa was not yet a fully independent nation and had limited resources to support its athletes.

Les’ success was a source of pride for the entire South African nation, and his legacy has been carried on by generations of cyclists since. Les’ Olympic appearance is a testament to the hard work and dedication he put into training and competing.

He had to overcome many obstacles to make it to the Games, and his determination and commitment were exemplary. He was an inspiration to many aspiring cyclists, and his legacy will continue to live on through the generations of athletes who have followed in his footsteps.

38. Robert Fowler

Robert Fowler was an accomplished South African cyclist. He had the honor of representing South Africa in the 1952, 1956, and 1960 Summer Olympics. At the 1952 Olympics, he achieved success and won a silver medal in the 4,000 metres team pursuit event.

His performance was a symbol of excellence and determination, and it was a proud moment for South Africa. This accomplishment was an incredible feat for Robert Fowler and a shining moment for his home country.

He showed that through hard work and dedication it is possible to reach great heights. His success is an inspiration to all athletes who strive to reach the pinnacle of their sport.

39. Floris Venter

Floris Venter was a South African cyclist who made history by competing in the 1908 Summer Olympics. He was the first South African athlete to compete in the Olympics and the first cyclist to represent South Africa in the Games.

Venter was one of the most successful riders of his time, having competed in several international cycling events.At the 1908 Olympics, Venter participated in five different events.

He competed in the 10km and 25km races, as well as the team time trial, the individual time trial, and the sprint. Despite his impressive performances, he was unable to secure a medal in any of the events.

However, Venter’s participation in the Games was a significant milestone in South African sporting history, as it marked the first time an athlete from South Africa had competed in the Olympics. Venter’s athletic career was not limited to the Olympics.

He also competed in several other major cycling events throughout his career, including the Tour de France, the South African National Road Race Championship, and the South African National Time Trial Championship.

He also took part in numerous local events in his native South Africa. Throughout his career, Venter was known for his determination and his commitment to excellence. He was a leader in the cycling community, inspiring many young athletes to strive for success.

His achievements in the 1908 Olympics continue to serve as a source of inspiration for many South African athletes today.

40. Ertjies Bezuidenhout

Ernst Bezuidenhout, better known as Ertjies, was a famous South African cyclist. He achieved numerous successes throughout his career and was particularly renowned for his climbing prowess. Ertjies won the Rapport Tour in 1984 and the Argus three times, in 1981, 1982, and 1986.

During the Rapport Tour, he also earned the King of the Mountains title several times. Ertjies had a lasting impact on the cycling world and is still remembered fondly by many today.

41. Ian McLeod

Ian McLeod is an accomplished professional road bicycle racer from South Africa, competing for FedGroup ITEC. Before his current team, McLeod has had impressive stints with Team Bonitas, Française des Jeux and Team MTN.

His career accomplishments include winning the South African National Road Race Championships in 2008. This victory is a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport, as it is a highly coveted title that many cyclists aspire to win.

McLeod has been able to use his experience with the various teams to his advantage, mastering the sport and becoming one of the best cyclists in the country.

His success is a great example of what can be achieved with a lot of hard work and dedication, and he is sure to continue to make a name for himself in the coming years.

42. Johnny G

Jonathan Goldberg, also known as Johnny G, is a world renowned South African cyclist. He is the creator of the popular indoor cycling program, Spinning, which has taken the world by storm.

It is now a popular form of exercise in gyms and fitness centers around the world. Johnny G was born in South Africa and started cycling at a young age. His love for cycling grew into a passion and he became one of the most successful cyclists in his country.

His achievements include winning the South African National Road Race Championships several times, as well as numerous other international competitions. During his career, Johnny G had the opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures and countries.

He was inspired by the different cultures and environments, and this led him to develop the indoor cycling program, Spinning. His program focuses on the principles of cycling, such as endurance, speed, and strength.

The goal of the program is to help participants improve their physical fitness, mental focus, and overall wellbeing. Johnny G’s Spinning program has been adopted by people around the world.

It has become a popular and effective way to stay fit, as it offers a full-body workout without the need for expensive equipment. The program also includes a variety of classes and workouts that focus on different areas of fitness.

It is an excellent way for people to get active and stay fit without having to spend a lot of money. Johnny G’s passion and dedication to cycling and his innovative idea for Spinning have made him a household name in the fitness world.

His legacy lives on in the lives of people who have experienced the benefits of his program and those who continue to benefit from it.

43. Riaan Manser

Riaan Manser is an intrepid explorer based in South Africa. He has traveled the world seeking out new and exciting adventures, often taking unconventional routes.

His method of exploration has been to rely on his own two feet, or his own two arms, rather than a motorised vehicle. Manser has cycled and kayaked through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the world, such as the Sahara Desert and the Antarctic continent.

He has even circumnavigated the entire African continent by bicycle, a feat which has never before been accomplished.

His adventures have earned him a great deal of respect and admiration, not only for his courage and daring but also for his commitment to a sustainable way of travelling.

Manser’s expeditions have become a source of inspiration for many people, as they show that it is possible to explore the world in a way that is both adventurous and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

South Africa has some of the best cycling players in the world, with many of them having achieved notable international success.

They have consistently produced riders capable of competing at the highest level and have been successful in a wide range of competitive disciplines. South Africa’s cycling players are a source of national pride and their achievements have done much to inspire the nation.

Photo of author

Tom Kershaw

As a sports reporter at The Times & The Sunday Times, my passion lies in covering Olympic sports. With years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of witnessing and reporting on some of the most thrilling moments in sporting history. From the adrenaline-pumping races on the track to the intense battles in the pool, I strive to capture every moment with accuracy and enthusiasm. My goal is to provide readers with comprehensive coverage that goes beyond mere scores and statistics, delving into the stories behind each athlete's journey and showcasing their triumphs and challenges. Having covered multiple Olympic Games, I understand the importance of delivering timely and engaging content that keeps readers informed and entertained. Whether it's a feature article highlighting an underdog's remarkable rise or a live blog capturing the excitement of a nail-biting final, I am committed to delivering top-notch reporting that brings the Olympic experience to life. With my deep knowledge of various Olympic sports, coupled with my strong storytelling skills, I aim to provide readers with a unique perspective on these incredible athletes and their pursuit of greatness. As a sports reporter at The Times & The Sunday Times, I am dedicated to bringing you all the latest news, insights, and memorable moments from the world of Olympic sports.