Cycling South Africa is devastated at the news of the untimely death of multiple Track cycling champion, Jeanne Nell.
Nell sustained fatal head injuries in a tragic fall during a Keirin race at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town last night, and died later in hospital.
Nell was a true gentleman and a true champion of the sport. He represented his country with great pride at the UCI Track World Cup in Manchester last year, and was part of the South African squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. He was also the current SA Keirin Champion.
Cycling SA President and track cyclist, William Newman, said: “The track cycling community is a close community, we’re all like family. This is very sad news and we have lost a family member, who was a great role model and a true gentleman.”
Cycling SA Track Commission Director and friend, Johan Smith, said: “South Africa’s cycling community today mourns the loss of not only one of its top sprinters, but even more so the loss of one of its most beloved sons. Jeanne will be missed for much more than his cycling talent. He was a true champion, and led by example, both on and off the track. Larger than life, he stole so many hearts with his boyish charm and exuberance. This is indeed a very, very sad day.”
On behalf of Cycling SA’s Management and Executive Committees, the Track Cycling Commission and the greater cycling fraternity, we express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Nikki and his family, and his many friends.
Photo credit: Roger Bouton
