Cycling gained national prominence once again with cyclists and cycling bodies earning nine nominations in the 2015 South African Sport Awards.
South African cycling stars Greg Minnaar (Sportsman of the Year nominee) Jayde Julius (Best Newcomer nominee) and Songezo Jim (Minister’s Award – Excellence nominee) at the 2015 South African Sports Awards nominations announcement ceremony at SABC Radio Park, Johannesburg, on Tuesday 3 November. Photo: SA Sports Awards Facebook Album
Multiple downhill world champion Greg Minnaar heads the list in the Sportsman of the Year category, while Bigla Pro and African road champion Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio joins him in the race for the Sportswoman of the Year title.
Para-cyclists Ernst van Dyk and Pieter du Preez are in contention for the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability category.
MTN-Qhubeka’s Jayde Julius has been nominated as Newcomer of the Year, while his teammate Songezo Jim is a candidate for the Minister of Sport and Recreation Award for Excellence after becoming the first black South African to participate in the Tour de France.
Africa’s Team was also invited to the nominee announcement and could be in line for a special award.
Cycling South Africa will vie for the Federation of the Year award, while the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy has earned recognition as Recreational Body of the Year.
Moolman-Pasio is also one of five sporting stars in line for the People’s Choice of the Year. To vote for your favourite, SMS the letter of your choice to 45210*:
A. AB de Villiers
B. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio
C. Chad le Clos
D. Lucas Sithole
E. Wayde van Niekerk
Winners will be announced at a televised ceremony in Mangaung, Free State, on November 22.
