The power of sport - the Velosolutions x ROTWILD bikes are rolling!
For over a decade, Velosolutions has been dedicated to supporting local communities around the world by building pump tracks. With more than 800 projects completed in 50 countries across six continents, the company has a clear vision: to provide access to biking for all, promote healthy lifestyles and create safe spaces that unite people through sport. With its Pump for Peace initiative, Velosolutions is specifically targeting the most disadvantaged regions of the world. The goal: to use the bicycle as a tool for change in places where opportunities are often lacking.
Photo credit all photos: Dan Griffiths, @moonhead_media
One example of the power of this commitment is the construction of the first pump track in Uganda, which was completed in the small village of Ziba in early 2023. The project was made possible through collaboration with Kasanje Cycling and with financial support from ROTWILD. But this pump track is far more than just a new piece of infrastructure - it is a place where children from difficult backgrounds can discover new opportunities. Here they can make friends through sport, build self-confidence and experience a community that gives them strength.
To further increase the impact in Ziba and other regions, we went one step further together with Claudio Caluori. In close coordination with the ROTWILD Ambassador and Pump for Peace initiator, we developed a project to provide around 100 dirt bikes especially for children. These bikes are not only robust and simply designed, but also designed to be maintained on site. Claudio explains: “Our aim was to be able to provide simple and durable pump track bikes to the organizations surrounding our Pump for Peace projects.” The bikes are stored in containers directly at the pump tracks and are looked after by local managers to ensure that they can be used at all times.
The Velosolutions x ROTWILD bikes are finally rolling! The road to this point was not easy, Claudio emphasizes: “I saw how many hurdles had to be overcome and how ROTWILD did not give up until the kids in Africa were riding these bikes. I am very grateful for the willpower of the ROTWILD crew.” At the same time, there is still a lot to do, especially to get more bikes to remote regions like Nepal - a logistical challenge that Claudio describes as one of the biggest hurdles.
Despite the difficulties, there have already been some remarkable successes. Some of the children have taken part in the Velosolutions UCI Pumptrack World Championships on the new bikes - proof of the potential that this initiative can develop.
“Now the bikes are being used every day to possibly qualify for the next championships.”
Claudio Caluori
The 2024 Pumptrack World Championships, which took place in KwaMashu, a township in Durban, South Africa, impressively demonstrated how sport can enrich communities. In addition to the races, training courses were offered for local youth, which not only promoted sporting skills, but also provided inspiration and hope. A special qualifying tournament enabled local riders to take part in this global event. The World Championships were not just about crowning champions, but also about creating opportunities and uniting people through a shared love of cycling.
Velosolutions' commitment shows that sport is far more than just a leisure activity. For children in disadvantaged regions, it becomes a key to a better future. The pump tracks and bikes not only offer them exercise and fun, but also the chance to make a lasting change to their lives.
