In Memoriam - Carla Swart
Top international cycling talent, Carla Swart died in a tragic accident while on
a training ride
Carla Swart one of South Africa’s top female cyclists was tragically killed
this morning when a truck crashed into her while she was training on the road to
Marquard in the Freestate.
Carla Swart Women's World Cup Ronde van Drenthe Team Presentation
Photo ©
2011 Bart Hazen
Photo ©
2011 Bart Hazen
Barry Austin, Cycling South Africa’s team manager, who saw the accident
happen said Swart turned around right in front of the oncoming truck moments
after she had lost her cycling computer.
“I could see how the driver pushed as hard as he could on his breaks. He even
swerved to the right so as to avoid smashing into Swart, but it was to no avail.
The truck hit Swart full on, flinging her into the air,” Austin said. Swart
unfortunately died before she reached the hospital.
According to Austin, Swart was doing time trialing exercises when the
accident happened. “I was following behind in my car. As we got to a slight
incline on the road I saw Swart pressing one of the buttons on her cycling
computer. I think she was trying to get an interval reading. The next moment her
computer was flying through the air and landed somewhere in the veld.
“I immediately stopped to retrieve it. As I got out of my car a truck passed
me from behind. I did not really take notice of it.
2010 was a great cycling year for Swart. Not only did she finish 10th in the
women’s race at the World Road Championship in Australia. She was also 8th at
the Commonwealth Games in India and finished 10th in World Cup race.
Deon Swart, her dad, wrote the following on her facebook wall.
“Carla'dad here. We all know Carla has claimed her place in Heaven. She was in
an cycling accident today in South Africa while training. Thanks to everyone
that was so involved in her life and career. RIP Carla. What more can I say at
this stage.
Swart was 23 and represented South Africa at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New
Delhi where she finished as the highest-placed SA rider in eighth position in
the women's road race.
Born in Graaff-Reinet and hailed from George, South Africa. Swart rode for
the HTC-Highroad women's team.
Carla was signed to the top ranked HTC Highroad squad this year. The
HTC site posted a salute this morning:
"Carla, in such a short time you became part of our family and touched us all
with your vibrant personality and your constant smile. You infected us with your
zest for life and we will forever have you in our hearts.
Our wishes go out to Carla's family and loved ones."
Drenthe world cup presentation where Carla placed 8th in 2009.
Carla's family moved to Georgia where she started racing with the started
racing in 2005 with the Fulton Flyers (junior team). and made her mark while
riding in collegiate racing on the Lees McRae collegiate cycling team
where she pursued a degree in sport management major with a minor in business.
Swart excelled on the Lees Mcrae team becoming the first woman to win
all the collegiate championships in track, road, criterium and mountain bike in
2008. She was a fierce competitor and her first year concentrating on road
racing started off brilliantly with an 8th at the Ronde Van Drenthe World Cup
and won the best young rider's jersey at the Tour de l'Aude, as well as the
bronze medal in the South African TT national championships.
You can learn more about her in her own words in the 2009 Bart Hazen
interview :
The Talented Miss Carla Swart
We wish to extend our condolences to Carla's family, friends and team mates
around the world. She will be missed by the fans as we will all miss the impact
she would have had on the sport in the coming years.
Celebrating our tenth year!
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