The story of Gauteng Cycling

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Our Objectives | Mission Statement | Our Values | Our History | Meet the Team

Gauteng Cycling is the provincial federation serving cyclists across Gauteng. We consist of four active regions—Central, East, South and North—and together form the largest federation affiliated to Cycling South Africa. The province is vibrant across disciplines, including road, criterium, time trial, XCO, XCM, enduro and more, with two active track cycling venues supporting sprint and endurance development. Recreational riding thrives on a wide network of parks and trails, while a recent rise in bicycle commuting has seen the rollout of cycle paths and lanes in busy neighbourhoods and city centres. Gauteng truly is a cycling province—welcoming every kind of cyclist.

Mission Statement

Gauteng Cycling’s mission is an extension of the overarching vision of #GrowCycling, reflecting a commitment to the development, excellence, and sustainability of cycling in the region. The mission is encapsulated in the following statement:

In conclusion, Gauteng Cycling’s objectives, values, and mission converge to create a roadmap for the province’s cycling future—a future characterized by growth, excellence, and a deep sense of community.

Our Values

The values that underpin Gauteng Cycling’s ethos are integral to shaping a vibrant and responsible cycling culture. These values guide the actions and decisions of the provincial body:

Our History

Gauteng has long been South Africa’s economic engine, and the province’s cycling story reflects that same energy. From early club days under the former Transvaal structures to today’s unified provincial body, our journey has been driven by volunteers, clubs, and communities who wanted a stronger home for the sport.

As interest in cycling grew, a formal provincial organisation was created to coordinate calendars, support clubs, and develop riders. That foundation helped establish a clear pathway from beginner to elite, aligning races, training opportunities, and talent identification across the province.

Over time, the role expanded. Gauteng Cycling moved beyond events to the broader work that sustains the sport: governance and compliance, club support, transformation initiatives, and partnerships with schools, municipalities, and national structures. As the sport modernised, we embraced technology and new ways of working to improve how events run, how information is shared, and how riders and officials are supported.

This history is ultimately about people. Clubs that build local cycling culture. Volunteers who give their time. Riders who progress from first race to provincial colours. Together they’ve shaped a resilient, forward-looking organisation that serves every discipline and every level.

Today, Gauteng is a hub where cyclists train, compete, and contribute back to the sport. Our past informs our future: safe, well-run events, strong clubs, inclusive pathways, and a provincial body focused on growing cycling for everyone in Gauteng.

Meet the team

Bradley Grobler is the newly elected President of Gauteng Cycling, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, salvage, towing, and fleet repair operations. As the manager of a Truck & Trailer repair business, he oversees disciplinary processes, technical documentation, and procedural governance with a reputation for fairness and accountability. A passionate advocate for youth cycling, Bradley has spent nearly a decade supporting MTB development, including equipment design to aid young riders transitioning into XCO racing. His blend of business acumen, governance expertise, and community commitment positions him to lead Gauteng Cycling into a dynamic new chapter of growth and opportunity.

Marisa van der Linde is the newly elected 1st Vice President of Gauteng Cycling. she brings over a decade of competitive cycling experience and deep insight into rider development. Professionally, Marisa leads regional delivery operations across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, specializing in project management and process optimization. Her leadership blends athletic excellence with strategic governance—driving transparency, operational strength, and community-focused growth.

Hannelie is passionate about growing the sport of cycling in South Africa through strategic partnerships and community engagement. With a strong background in sponsorship, logistics, and event operations, Hannelie is committed to creating memorable experiences for riders, supporters, and partners across Gauteng and beyond.

Gerrit began cycling in 2017 and quickly immersed himself in road racing.

With a UCI Level 1 Coaching certification and a C-Grade Manager’s License, he’s active both on the bike and in event support.

Professionally, he’s a Senior Structural Draughtsman.
He joined his local cycling club in 2019, soon becoming Vice Chairman and later Regional Road Commissioner. By 2022, he was appointed Gauteng Provincial Road Commissioner, organizing multiple successful championship events. In 2023, Gerrit stepped into the role of National Road Director, contributing to SA Road Champs and helping launch the Mzansi National Road Series.

Currently the Managing Director and partner of a leading Architectural and Interior Design practice, I also have 20 years of corporate experience on the Exco of a listed company and have served on several company boards. This experience together with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration have provided me with a range of strategic, governance and management skills.
As a keen amateur cyclist and the parent of competitive cyclist, I have been involved in cycling administration and management for the past 5 years. I have a particular love for Track Cycling and in particular the role that Track Cycling can play in developing young cyclists especially from disadvantaged communities.

Paola Damilano is a passionate advocate for cycling and community development. Beginning at school level over a decade ago, she rose to become MTB Chairperson of Gauteng Cycling in 2021 and was appointed MTB Director on the Executive Board of Cycling South Africa in 2022—all in a voluntary capacity. Leveraging her professional expertise, she has built governance structures and organised events that have strengthened mountain biking nationally. Paola pioneered systems for awarding Provincial Colours in line with Sports Confederation standards and remains committed to youth development, high-performance pathways, and the structural integrity needed to sustain the sport. She prioritises the development of robust governance frameworks and structural integrity at federation level, recognising that sustainable success in mountain biking depends on both athlete support and organisational excellence.

Gauteng Youth Team manager and long-time cycling advocate, Murray began riding at five and grew up in the BMX boom of the 1980s before moving into elite-level road racing as a young adult. He later took his knowledge off the bike, working as a brand manager for leading cycling companies where he helped launch products, build partnerships and grow community engagement. Today he mentors young riders—including his son, Luke—guiding training, race craft and season planning, while coordinating the Gauteng Youth Team set-up. Beyond racing, Murray invests in the sport’s infrastructure as owner of On Demand Hire, designing and building quality mountain-bike trails in South Africa and abroad to make riding more accessible and exciting. With experience that spans athlete, industry and event support, he champions a clear pathway from grassroots to high performance and wants South African riders competing—and winning—on the world stage.

How the Gauteng Cycling Council is organised

The Council operates within the wider Cycling South Africa framework and works alongside the Provincial Sport Confederation. Financial officials and legal representatives support the Council on a dotted-line basis.

Executive leadership

The Executive Committee is led by President Bradley Grobler, with Marisa vd Linde as 1st Vice President and Hannelie Du Plessis as 2nd Vice President. The Secretary is an appointed position. The Treasurer is Murray Van Zyl.

Member districts

Ordinary membership comprises the provincial regions. Eastern Gauteng Cycling is currently managed by Gauteng Cycling. Gauteng North Cycling is represented by George Smit. Southern Gauteng Cycling is represented by Massimo Guglielmi. West Rand Gauteng Cycling has been amalgamated with Central.

Discipline leadership

Each discipline has a Commissioner. BMX is led by Hendrik Fourie. MTB is led by Paola Damilano. Para has a Commissioner post indicated. Road is led by Gerrit Pfahl. Track is led by Steven Dike.

Technical and rider representation

Technical support and rider representation sit under each discipline. Technical BMX is indicated, with a Rider Representative for BMX. Technical MTB is Michael Byleveld, with Rider Representative MTB being Sarah Hill. A Rider Representative for Para is indicated. Technical Road & Track is Janet Oosthuysen, with Rider Representatives for Road and for Track indicated.

Council portfolios

The Council also includes portfolio roles: Coaching Commissioner Steven Saunders, Diversity Commissioner Phillimon Sebona, Youth Commissioner Theo Brits, and Woman’s Commissioner Cindy Bezuidenhout. The SCSA Representative is Tobias Lubbe. Safety Manager, PR/Media Manager, and Safeguarding Officer posts are indicated. Associated Members Representative and Honorary Members are also recognised.

Notes on the diagram

In the chart above, EXCO roles appear in blue and purple. Council roles appear in blue, purple, and green. Where a post is shown without a name, the role exists and may be vacant or appointed as noted.