The LCA has established a range of programs which allow its members to go 'from the playground to the podium'. Each of the programs has a different focus on cycling and programs range from mass participation and fun (via BMX and Club rides) to elite training.
Each program is run by its own team, with the team managers meeting regularly to ensure lines of communication are maximized and the common objectives of the LCA are achieved.
The programs are:
SAFE CYCLING
The knowledge gained during this program empowers participants to ride a bicycle safely on the road, perform basic maintenance on their bicycles and it also gives them an insight into recreational and competitive cycling.
The Engen Safe Cycling Program is focused on school children (Grades 7 to 9) living in marginalised communities The program, headed by Wayne Kirby, takes participants through both the theory and practical training of riding a bicycle.
The courses accommodate approximately 15-20 participants and are run during the school day as part of the Department of Education's Life Orientation program. The knowledge gained during this program empowers participants to ride a bicycle safely on the road, perform basic maintenance on their bicycles and it also gives them an insight into recreational and competitive cycling.
THE ASCENDS PROGRAM
Once youngsters have been through the Safe Cycling Course (sponsored by Engen) or have shown interest in another area, they are given the opportunity to join the Ascends Cycling Club.
THE PICK N PAY ASCENDS CYCLING CLUB
The Ascends Cycling Club - which is sponsored by Pick n Pay - has three branches in communities around Cape Town and over 500 registered members. The branches are located in the following townships/disadvantaged areas: Khayelitsha, Makaza and Guguletu.
Once a member of the club, the cyclists are given the opportunity to participate in training sessions and group rides under the supervision of each branch manager and instructors.
They are also given the opportunity to decide if they want to participate purely on a recreational level or become involved in competitive cycling.
Should a participant decide to start cycling competitively, he/she is placed in an age group with cyclists of similar levels and aspirations.
Should participants be new to the sport of cycling, they first need to complete an entire Spring or Summer season as a fun rider before they are eligible to be placed in the leagues. (This is to ensure they are comfortable with riding in large groups and have acquired the necessary bike handling skills.)
Should any cyclists start to display the attributes that the LCA is looking for - namely discipline, dedication, motivation, teamwork, good morals and of course a talent for cycling - they are earmarked for the Ascends Excellence Program.
At this level the cyclists participate in local events, usually for about 2 - 3 per month, and are taken into consideration for selection for the annual Interschool's Provincial Championships.
ASCENDS EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
The Ascends Excellence Program - also sponsored by Pick n Pay - is the first step towards competitive cycling for LCA cyclists.
This program is aimed at giving the participants the opportunity to find out if they have what it takes to be a competitive cyclist.
Concentrating on the under 16 and the junior age groups, the program enables the cyclists to participate on a competitive level, with specific training and race attendance. The level of equipment they receive on this program is also one level up on that which is available at Club level.
Riders participating in this program are also professionally assessed to determine their capability to perform well in the sport.
Once the cyclists reach the junior age group level, they are then eligible to be selected for the Academy's Competitive Junior Program.
This is a very select program which only caters for those athletes that are serious about competitive cycling.
COMPETITIVE CYCLING PROGRAM
This is a very select program which only caters for those athletes that are serious about competitive cycling.
JUNIOR
This program is yet another step up from the Ascends Excellence Program and the emphasis is now very firmly based on the cyclist's dedicated participation in the sport.
As part of the Junior Program, cyclists are given the opportunity to participate in the sport with full sponsorship support, including equipment, training, transportation, supplementation, testing and monitoring.
As members of the program they participate in a national junior tour, a national road and time trial championship, a national schools championship, two national events and local league events.
This level of participation demands a high level of commitment from the athletes; in return the LCA gets involved in their home and school lives. Once selected onto the program a representative of the LCA visits the participant's family in order to ensure that they fully understand the level of commitment that is required. Contact is also made with the cyclist's school and the LCA ensures that all of the program participants maintain acceptable academic levels.
This program is the feeder for the LCA's elite cycling program and team.
ELITE
The pinnacle of the Academy's competitive efforts is the Elite Cycling Program. This program concentrates on Under 23 cyclists and includes a professional cycling team of eight (8) cyclists with a program of ten (10) cyclists in total.
This program was launched in January 2006 and included the first graduates of the junior program, along with other cyclists from previously disadvantaged communities.
The aim of the first year (2006) was to give riders as much experience as possible, without the additional pressure of having to deliver top level performances.
The year also proved to be a sharp learning curve for the LCA. The LCA was the first organization to develop black cyclists to participation in an elite level and we had no previous experience to draw from.
2006 saw the team members taking part in a full national calendar, two tours and local league racing. Also included were education sessions, sponsor obligations and testing and monitoring - everything a professional rider should get to expect from participating at this level in South Africa.
From a learning and personal achievement perspective, the members surpassed the programs expectations.
We look back with pride on the achievements of our first team of young black cyclists - the only one in South Africa - who not only learnt to work together to achieve a common goal, but who have also produced excellent results since the team's formation in 2006..
A highlight for the team was the announcement, in June 2008, that Luthando Kaka would move to Europe. Not only has his success inspired many of the LCA's riders, but he has also used every opportunity to pass on the knowledge and experience he has gained in Europe.
The LCA's Competitive Elite team is currently known as Team GT Velokhaya PPA.
The team is financially supported by the Pedal Power Association.