It is thought that cycling, and more so, track cycling as a form of commuting and sport was first brought to Johannesburg by the British. The Boers did, however, perfect the use of bicycles as a highly effective logistical tool during the Anglo-Boer wars, by choosing to save horses for battle and use bicycles for dispatches and scouting. The British eventually also caught on to the idea and started a cycle corps.

The idea of cycling competitions was brought from Europe to South Africa in the late 1800's, with the first recorded competitions being held in 1881. Cycling competitions frequently took place along side running races, and betting on these events was very popular, until 1893 when betting was banned because of the prevailing spirit of amateurism that existed at the time. Incidently, betting continued to thrive underground.

The first track in Johannesburg was a dirt track at the Wanderers, where the first cycling club was formed. The popularity of cycling increased tremendously in the 1890's, especially in areas where British troops were stationed. It was in this time that most cycling tracks were built and clubs formed. The Wanderers Amateur Cycling Club was formed in 1895 and became the most successful club in South Africa, with 250 members. Interestingly, there were a number of women members, who participated in their own competitions, and in so doing contributed to their emancipation.

It was during the period of the late 1890's until about 1914, when the world was on the brink of war, that cycling was at its most popular. During this time the first world championships for cycling were held in France, 1893, and South Africa showed it's strength when Lourens Meintjies won a title. He would eventually become the first professional in 1909.