Hand cyclist Ari Seirlis will tackle his fifth Tour Durban from the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
The CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa believes that the race is perfect for cyclists of his nature.
“The road closures offer a safe environment, the organisation is superb, the marshalling is excellent and the roads are wide with plenty of space for everyone,” said Seirlis.
Hand cyclist Ari Seirlis will compete in his fifth Tour Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. Photo: Dave Macleod
He added that other cyclists were always ready to assist hand cyclists if required.
Seirlis, who competes for the fun of it and not for prize money, said he enjoyed the race for various reasons.
“The route is fantastic”, he said, while “being able to smell the sea, the great views and the camaraderie with fellow cyclists” were added bonuses.
“Although the uphills are tough, the downhills are lots of fun. So I’m looking forward to the event and getting to the end,” he said.
Seirlis, who broke his neck while modelling for a television commercial at Durban’s Waterworld in 1985, first started to love the sport when he entered the New York Marathon in 2005 without ever having used a hand cycle before.
“I arrived to find a hand cycle inside a box in my hotel room and put it together with the help of some friends.
“With the motivation of the crowd, I managed to complete the marathon and the opportunity to see the precincts of New York in a day was unbelievable.”
Regarding the status of the sport in the country, Seirlis said it was growing in popularity. “South Africa has some of the best competitors in the world.”
His top tip for fellow hand cyclists was to enjoy themselves.
“Getting good exercise and good circulation for people with limited mobility is important and I can’t see a better way than hand cycling.”
Sunday’s race will feature a 100km classic road race, 55km cyclocross event and a 45km fun ride.
