How it all started

Chris Willemse is a household name in South Africa and especially the Western Cape. Chris started his cycling career way back in 1968 at an early age of 13 and won his first South African title on his 15th birthday - 1 June 1970.

That was the start of many South African titles and medals in most of the races that he took part in. He is still the only South African rider that could win all 3 South African road titles namely Schoolboy, Junior and Senior.

After competing in Europe and Gauteng for some time, Chris decided that he wanted to return back to the Cape to start his own cycle business.

A legend is born

On the 15th June 1970 the first Chris Wilemse Cycles was started in a tiny little shop of approximately 50 square meters in Paarl. He soon become known as the king of prices and moved his shop after 1 year to Bellville. Cycles and components were imported and sold at fantastic low prices to the consumer. This is still happening and he is still importing and promises that no one can beat his prices. Chris sold his group to Entercore a division of Tollgate holdings in 1989 but bought it back again one year later.