Cyclist drafted into SA student side

New colours: William Robinson (in the blue Abvest kit, centre) has been named for the SA student team to go to the World University Cycling Championship in Belgium in March.

William Robinson has, courtesy of his good showing at the 2005 South African Student Sports Union (SASSU) Games, been named for the eight-strong national team to travel to Antwerp, Belgium, for the competition. After such a long lull - there were countless but failed earlier attempts to revive the championships - the event will be staged from March 20 to 26 and the rival competitors are going to be unknown quantities for many.

One thing's for sure, though, with riders from across Europe and beyond lining up for this the fourth championship, it's going to be no walk in the park.

"No one really knows what to expect, but one can assume there'll be quite a few top riders," says Robinson.

The UCT cyclist should be in tip-top shape for the occasion, though, as he's going to have plenty of time in the saddle over the coming weeks. Besides a few Pedal Power Association league races, there's also the gruelling 15th Pick 'n Pay Giro del Capo, slated as the country's leading international stage race, to look forward to in March.

That event culminates in the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour on March 12, just the dress rehearsal for the Belgian roads.