After a brief hiatus, Dirkie Nel was encouraged to take up competitive cycling again and has joined Cycle Power for the 2019 season.
Nel, 24, who formerly rode for My Velo and holds down a full-time job, was prompted to return to racing by the team’s manager and rider, John Vlok.
After a brief hiatus, Dirkie Nel (pictured) was encouraged to take up competitive cycling again and has joined Cycle Power for the 2019 season. Photo: Supplied
“I recently met up with John, more on a social level, and he kind of encouraged me to race again,” Nel told In the Bunch today.
“He said if I started training again he would seriously consider helping by taking me out for rides and to tours.”
Nel, from Pretoria, rode as a guest rider for the team at the Fast One cycle race last weekend.
But he has still to make an official appearance for the team.
“We will have a team ride in the coming weeks and that is where I will really get to know my new teammates.
“It is still early in the season and the team has already [been] represented at the front. I’m confident in all the riders to get top results.”
Nel is still uncertain what role he will play within the team, especially since having taken a break from the sport.
“I’m not sure what 2019 will have in store for me,” he said. “I do know that I will try to help the team wherever I can to achieve the best possible results.
“I really do hope, and believe, that we can pull off some podium results in some of South Africa’s main races.”
He said he had the full backing of the team’s management and riders.
