INTO N E W S PA P E R ISSUE #16
| JOIN THE CYCLING REVOLUTION! |
GET IN TOUCH
March 2018
TEAM IMBUKO MOMSEN PAGE 5
021 852 6400
TECHNOLOGY PAGE 7
www.intocycling.co.za
CALCULUS BIKES PAGE 9
愀挀琀椀漀渀挀漀愀挀栀⸀挀漀⸀稀愀
FREE COPY
FOOD & WINE PAGE 10
SONGO.INFO CELEBRATES 10 YEAR MILESTONE Charity organisation, songo.info is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in March 2018. From its humble beginnings of providing a safe space for children to play on bikes after school, it has grown into a sport and academic support programme focused on creating a long term positive impact on the children in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. A decade of building brighter futures for the children is something special to be celebrated and to commemorate the occasion songo.info will be hosting an event to celebrate all its supporters, contributors and friends. The celebrations will include an exciting live and silent auction of a number of special and unique items kindly donated by supporters of songo.info. These items include works of art by local artists, boutique/ exclusive wines, sculptures, a variety of signed cycling jerseys, vouchers for weekends away, event entries and other exclusive experiences.
Photo: Jaroslav Kulhavy of Investec Songo Specialized, Stage 1, 2017 Absa Cape Epic - Photo Credit: Nick Muzik/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
The songo.info commemorative 10 year anniversary kit will make its official racing debut at the songo.info Champions Race on the 14th of March and four days later, at the start of the 2018 Absa Cape Epic, it will be worn by the riders of Team Investec-songo-Specialized.
In addition, the custom painted songo.info Specialized S-Works Epic mountain bikes, to be ridden by Jaroslav Kulhavý and Annika Langvad at the 2018 Cape Epic, will be revealed. Thanks to the generosity of Specialized Bicycles, these bikes will go on auction on the 26th of March to raise funds for songo.info.
The annual Champions Race is a great source of pride for songo.info and is supported by many top class athletes enthusiastically lining up for what has become the traditional leg-loosener for the Cape Epic. It exhibits world-class talent racing through the streets of Kayamandi and attracts supporters from all communities in the area.
Sustainability is key to the success of any charity organisation. It is with this in mind that songo.info welcomes all its supporters and friends to join the celebration and support the exciting fundraising initiatives to allow the organization to continue to build on its legacy for future generations.
夀漀甀爀 栀攀愀氀琀栀 椀猀 椀洀瀀漀爀琀愀渀琀⸀ 匀栀漀甀氀搀渀ᤠ琀 礀漀甀爀 戀甀猀椀渀攀猀猀 栀攀愀氀琀栀 戀攀 琀漀漀㼀
䘀椀渀搀 漀甀琀 栀攀爀攀℀
NEWS
New Funding Initiative For Talented SA Road Cyclists
INTO N E W S PA P E R
GET IN TOUCH 021 852 6400 info@intocycling.co.za www.intocycling.co.za facebook.com/intocyclingsa twitter.com/intocyclingsa instagram.com/intocyclingsa
EDITORIALS editor@intocycling.co.za Deadline 12th each month
ADVERTISING ads@intocycling.co.za
GET A COPY PRINTED ISSUE #15
February 2018
GET IN TOUCH
INTO N E W S PA P E R
ACTION COACH PAGE 5
| JOIN THE CYCLING REVOLUTION! |
MULTI-SPORT PAGE 7
021 852 6400 info@intocycling.co.za www.intocycling.co.za facebook.com/intocyclingSA twitter.com/intocyclingSA instagram.com/intocyclingSA
ROAD PAGE 10 & 11
FREE COPY
GENERAL PAGE 12 & 13
GREAT COURSE LAYOUT FOR WORLD CUP IN MARCH
Photo: Cameron Ivory sending it on one of the jumps at the Lenzerheide World Cup Course - Photo Credit: MichalCerveny/UCI
As South Africa and the world get set for the opening leg of the 2018 UCI World Cup in Stellenbosch on 10 March 2018 the final touches have been put on a course that has been described as a world-class setting for world-class athletes, with the added bonus of South African flair. The 4.3km course on the slopes of the famous Coetzenburg mountain trails attached to the Stellenbosch University has been designed to challenge the world’s best athletes and allow fans an up-close-and-personal view of the action.
With names such as “Puff Adder”, “Varsity Drop Out”, “Wine Barrel” and “Howzit”, course designer, Nick Floros, and builder, Corrie Muller, have ensured the first cross country race of the season will give the competitors a very African welcome to the season. Alan Hatherly, the South African under-23 star who took silver in the UCI World Championships in Cairns in September, has ridden the course numerous times and is looking forward to taking his 2017 form into his first World Cup in his home country.
Continue Page 2
DISCOVERY SPORT
ADVENTURE. NOW MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER. INDULGE YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE AT PRIME MINUS 4%* If your more adventurous side chooses the scenic route, Terrain Response lets you carry on. Inside, clever 5+2 seating offers room for either more explorers or 1,698 litres of stowage for more provisions. Little wonder Discovery Sport is considered one of the most versatile compact SUVs on the road, or off it come to that. Land Rover N1 City C/O of Vasco Blvd & Frans Conradie drive, N1 Motor City 021 595 7100 | n1city.landrover.co.za
*Finance available through Land Rover Financial Services, a product of WesBank - a division of FirstRand Bank Ltd. An Authorised Financial Services and Registered Credit Provider. NCRCP20. Initiation and monthly service fee may be applicable. Land Rover Financial Services offer only on base model 2.0 D 132kW SE and 2.0 D 132kW HSE and does not include any additional specifications. T’s & C’s apply. Finance subject to approval.
I2C_0218_V2.indd 1
2018/01/28 09:01:13
Single Issue: Free Copy
DIGITAL
Single Issue: Free Copy
GET THE APP
Download QR scanner from app store to scan QR code
NOTICE Articles & Advertisements published in Into Cycling is not necessarily the opinion of Into Cycling unless so stated. Article submission & advert guidelines T&C’s can be viewed on our website.
PAGE 2
One of the toughest challenges athletes face, is funding – there simply is not enough sponsorship budget available to fund aspiring athletes. A new initiative, the Support SA Talent Project is looking to change this, by introducing innovative funding mechanisms that unleash the passion for cycling, and unlock value for fans, athletes and brands. “We are creating a new ecosystem in SA Road Cycling - linking teams, athletes, fans and brands together, for the overall benefit of South African Cycling” says Rebecca Eliot, co-Founder of the Support SA Talent Project. Together with Elite Professional rider, Myles Van Musschenbroek who is the Lead Support SA Talent Brand Ambassador, Support SA Talent has been engaging with a number of stakeholders and athletes - competing locally and internationally – to gather insights, sign up brand ambassadors and partnerships. The Support SA Talent Project encompasses a range of components aimed at: creating platforms to raise funds to enable South African road cyclists, to compete at national and international levels; recognising and awarding South Africa’s Best Cycling Teams and Athletes; creating more engagement for fans, to follow South African road cycling teams and individual athletes; and increasing recognition and unlocking value for brands, investing in South African road cycling. Support SA Talent started piloting its crowdfunding platform, Fund Your Passion in the last quarter of 2017 and raised over R60 000 for one of South Africa’s top, self-funded U23/ Elite Teams, ProTouch - as well as a host of other individual athletes who were part of the pilot, testing platform features and mechanisms to broadcast campaigns and raise funds. Individual athletes, teams, schools and clubs can load their own crowdfunding campaigns using the fund your passion platform, which is free until 31 May 2018. Thereafter, a registration fee will be charged to campaigners for each campaign loaded. The Campaign will enable donations to assist riders, selected to represent South Africa in 2018 UCI and Federation events. Soon athletes selected by Cycling SA to participate in these events, will be able to apply online for access to contributions to these costs. Allocations will be done based on merit, number of applicants per event and funds available at the time of application. In addition to the crowdfunding platform, Fund Your Passion will also be launching a Cash Back Card during April 2018, accepted at retailers such as Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Shoprite Checkers, Edcon, Dis-Chem and Clicks. Sports enthusiasts will be able to earn cash back on their spend when they shop and pay using this card. This cash back is paid out as an annual bonus that can be used to pay for race entries, new accessories and sports equipment and every swipe adds a contribution to the #Support SA Talent Fund.
NEWS
Get Ready for Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo Imagine rows and rows of all things bike, fitness and health; a place where cycling enthusiasts can find specials on spares, discounts on awesome kit and info on new cycle safaris; where riders in the Cape Town Cycle Tour can get a medical check-up from the Momentum Wellness stand, a sports massage and collect the race packs ahead of the Cycle Tour on Sunday, 11 March 2018. In addition to boosting the economy of Cape Town, the Expo gives some of those charities reliant on the Cycle Tour, a platform from which to spread their message and raise awareness of their projects. The Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust was formed 20 years ago with the express purpose of raising money for charity. Every cent, after costs, goes to the Rotary Club of Claremont and the Pedal Power Association and is put towards their community upliftment programmes. The 28th Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo is the biggest cycling exhibition in Africa. Held at the Cape Town Stadium from Thursday, 8 March to Saturday, 10 March, it offers more than 300 stands showcasing the latest and greatest in cycling gear and paraphernalia. Whether you’re riding the Cycle Tour or not, if you’re an avid cyclist or a weekend fun-rider you shouldn’t miss this! All Cycle Tour participants will gain a once-off Expo entry with a scan of their RaceTec chip. General admission tickets for the public are also available at R50 per person. The 3 day Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo will take place at the Cape Town Stadium from 8 – 10 March 2018.
Photo: Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo - Photo Credit: Cape Town Cycle Tour
Who's Who In This Years Absa Cape Epic The 15th edition of the Absa Cape Epic will take place from 18-25 March 2018 and will be as challenging as ever. Local and international mountain bikers will tackle the demanding eight-day adventure through the Western Cape region in South Africa. The summer heat of Nino Schurter’s second home town of Stellenbosch, will be the perfect preparation for what he believes is the best way to start the season. With the UCI MTB World Cup returning to Stellenbosch the week before the Absa Cape Epic, Schurter could set himself up for a repeat of last year if things go his way. Schurter will team up with fellow Swiss Matthias Stirnemann once again.
category, hopes that 2018 could be the year that Lakata stops being the bridesmaid and never the bride. Karl Platt may have broken his hip just a few months ago, but he’s back to his best and is feeling confident ahead of this year’s Absa Cape Epic and what could be a record sixth win. Karl Platt, will yet again line up with Swiss partner Urs Huber (Team Bulls), come 18 March at the Prologue on Table Mountain. All Black rugby legend and ex-coach of the Lions, Sharks and Eastern Province Kings, Carlos Spencer has teamed up with seasoned adventure racer and five time Absa Cape Epic finisher, Clinton Mackintosh as team Land Rover Disco 2’s in the Dimension Data Masters category. Kate Courtney and Annika Langvad Team Up as Investec-Songo-Specialized 2. Both Courtney and Langvad will take part in the opening leg of the UCI World Cup in Stellenbosch the week before the Absa Cape Epic, which, Langvad believes has played a part in the strength of the women’s field. Top South African mountain biker Candice Lill finished her first Absa Cape Epic in 2017 and used last year’s race as preparation for 2018. Lill finished sixth in 2017 with Namibian Vera Adrian, but will race the Absa Cape Epic with Adelheid Morath of Germany for Team dormakaba.
Photo Credit: Mark Sampson/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
Howard Grotts of the United States will team up with Czech Kulhavy, the two-time Absa Cape Epic winner, replacing Christoph Sauser on the Investec-Songo-Specialized team. Alban Lakata, the three-time Marathon World Champion, will once again team up with Kristian Hynek as Canyon Topeak. Erik Kleinhans, the South African manager of Canyon Topeak, who has two victories at the Absa Cape Epic in the Mixed
The Absa Cape Epic has a long history of interesting celebrity pairings teaming up to undertake the Untamed African Mountain Bike Race to raise funds and awareness for charity. The 2018 race is no different and now boasts one of the most competitive charity pairings yet, in the form of Douglas Ryder, (Team principal of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka) and Jan Scannell, better known as Jan Braai, riding for Dimension Data, Official Technology Partner to the Absa Cape Epic. The 2018 IMF Mountain Bike Team at the 2018 Absa Cape Epic® will be led by 2014 IRONMAN® World Champion and two-time IRONMAN 70.3® World Champion triathlete, Sebastian Kienle, and Ben Hoffman, six-time IRONMAN Champion and two-time IRONMAN World Championship Top Five finisher. The IRONMAN Foundation and its team of athletes will donate a total of R225,000 to support select local nonprofit initiatives in three of the 2018 Absa Cape Epic host communities: Robertson, Worcester and Wellington.
PAGE 3
NEWS
Alan Hatherly Making A Rapid Recovery After Accident Hatherly’s crash left him with a broken radius, in his wrist, and with just under a month to go before the UCI World Cup campaign kicks off in his home town of Stellenbosch the injury is even more unfortunate. South African mountain biking fans had great hopes of Hatherly claiming the under 23 race victory at the Stellenbosch World Cup, but now the young star could well miss a significant part of the season.
Photo: Karl Platt, proved once again why he is one of the best loved figures in the sport when he stopped to assist the injured Alan Hatherly. - Photo Credit: Zoon Cronje
Rio Olympian mountain biker Alan Hatherly is making a rapid recovery from a serious crash and remains confident he’ll be ready to race at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia 4-15 April 2018. Hatherly, the current U23 World Championships silver medallist, injured both arms while riding the third and final stage of the recent Tankwa Trek mountain bike race in the Koue Bokkeveld region near Ceres. The Spur Specialized combination of Alan Hatherly and Simon Andreassen, were rocked by the South African cross-country champion crashing out of the race.
Thankfully quick thinking from medics and team management saw Hatherly rushed back to Cape Town where he was operated on the same day. “Recovery has been really good. I had my follow-up and the doctor reckons I’m ahead of schedule! I’ve got lots of movement and the muscle atrophy isn’t too bad and I’m doing lots of rehab work to strengthen it up,” said an upbeat Hatherly. The good news is that he’ll been training as normal. “I took four days off after the accident and the power and heart rate readings are all where they should be. So the form is there. It’s just a matter of getting out there and riding in the sun again,” Hatherly concludes. Alan Hatherly will be representing Team South Africa at the upcoming Commonwealth Games for mountain biking with the following riders selected for cycling in the following disciplines: Road: Women - Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (TT). Men - Nicholas Dlamini, Clint Hendricks and Brendon Davids(RR & TT) Track: Women – Charlene du Preez, Elfriede Wolfaardt, Ilze Bole, Danielle van Niekerk and Adelia Neethling.(Team Pursuit) Men: Steven van Heerden, Nolan Hoffmann, David Maree, Joshua van Wyk and Gert Fouchè (Team Pursuit). Mountain Biking: Women – Mariske Strauss and Cherie Redecker
Active Bodies - "Dreaming Big And Do What You Dream" In 2017 Active Bodies Sports Development entered an invitational road cycling team made up of some of the best riders in South Africa to take part in the Coronation Double Century race in Swellendam to ride for the cause - “Dreaming big and do what you dream”. As consistent with the project to give back, the prize money of R10,000 was donated the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. Active Bodies chairperson, Abbas Harris was present with the team in 2015 when they missed 1st place by 1 second to MTN Qubeka, and 2nd place in 2016 by 2 seconds to Alfa Bodyworks. Harris says that it has been very challenging trying to win the race, but can now confirm that any dream can become a reality if you persevere and follow your dreams. The members of Team Active Bodies, who selflessly decided to give back in 2017 is as follows: Clint Hendricks, Jayde Julius, Willie Smit, Pieter Seyffert, Bradley Potgieter, Chris Jooste, Ryan Harris, James Fourie, Andrew Hill, Kent Main, Jean Paul Burger and Mitch Elliot. Not only did the team win by a margin of 8 minutes, even though the conditions was very tough, they also broke the course record set by Roadcover in 2016, by 12 minutes with a time of 4:30:12. The Coronation Double Century race is an annual event held in Swellendam with about 275 teams of 12 riders each riding the very tough route from Swellendam, via Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale and back to Swellendam.
It has been identified as the largest team time trial endurance road cycling event in the world and many international riders are invited to ride in the fast teams. Active Bodies Sports Development is an organisation based on the Cape Flats in Hanover Park and focuses on sports development for kids. The idea was to inspire kids to dream beyond their current environments - not just desire to get a job, but
Taking you places!
Are you planning A Biking journey? WE DO DAY TOURS AND CUSTOM MULTI-DAY TOURS Bike Rental - Mountain Bikes - E-bikes - Roadbikes
(full suspension & Hardtail)
MOJO MTB is all about taking you to places that you would have never reached, except on a mountain bike. We connect with the specialist Adventure Travel Operators from Southern Africa, as well as abroad to craft exclusive and individualized Adventure Travel Packages.
- 12 Bike Trailer - 6 Bike Trailer - 14 Seater Quantum
There is absolutely nothing standard about our packages, and to the end every Tour is customized to the target group’s unique demographics and desires. MOJOmtb is in the business of creating unforgeable memories.
Our trailers are compatible for Road, MTB & E-Bikes transfers. No adjustments needed or removal parts, bikes ready to ride after transfer. T: 082 873 6711 | e: info@mojomtb.com | www.mojomtb.com
PAGE 4
Members, Tape Mosavel, Shahied Khan and several teachers accompanied some keen junior cyclists from Bellmore Primary, Surrey Primary Harvester Primary and Spine Road High School on the 60 seater bus that joined the Coronation Double Century race at the 115km compulsory stop and at the end of race in Swellendam. The kids had the opportunity to interact with some of South Africa’s top riders, enjoy the event and had an outing that will be remembered for the rest of their lives.
WHO WE ARE
Bike Trailers & Transfers
to become doctors, teachers, directors, professionals, and to make a difference in society.
Member, Ashley Paulsen said that raising funds in support of this project is not an easy task, but organisations such as Auric Auto and Auto Atlantic BMW as the main sponsor, and various other sponsors made the task much easier. Active Bodies Sports Development is now focussing their attention on giving bicycles to a primary school in Mitchells Plain as well as a high school and taking 40 young cyclists from Bontheuwel, Manenburg, Hanover Park and Mitchells Plain to the Cape Town Cycle Tour in 2018. For more information visit Active Bodies Sports Development’s Facebook page
TEAM IMBUKO MOMSEN
Imbuko Wines is proud to be one of the official spectator points at the ABSA CAPE EPIC 2018! With our own team, Imbuko Momsen, partaking in this thrilling race we are excited to invite all enthusiasts to be front row spectators of the time trial that will be making its way right across the lawn in front of our tasting room. Gourmet cocktail pies, Cheese and Charcuterie platters and lighter snacks paired with our refreshing signature wines will be on offer to enjoy with excitement. Bring the whole family for a fun filled day in the beautiful Wellington winelands. Make sure not to miss out on the adrenaline rush!
M eet the Young Guns of Imbuko Momsen professional cycling team, Dylan Rebello (22) and Marco Joubert (20). The name Imbuko, meaning “admiration for” in Xhosa, was given to the company by its owner, Theunis Van Zyl, who wanted to connect his business with his deep-rooted admiration for Africa and his home country South Africa. Being a nature, outdoors and fitness lover it is easy to understand why mountain biking is a sport very close to Theunis’ heart. Through mountain biking he gets to explore so many hidden gems of our beautiful country that can’t be accessed in any other way. The idea was to combine his three passions: Africa, Wine and MTB and so the Imbuko / Momsen MTB team was born, a proudly South African team from members to sponsors! To show the world that we can produce a product that is 100% true to our roots and still compete on the highest of levels. We are proud of our Young Guns team and how this product is a perfect representation of what we stand for. Imbuko Momsen is proudly sponsored by Imbuko Wines, Momsen Bikes, Racepace Sportswear, Stans No Tubes, Nike Vision, Nutritech, Ride Farr and Continental Tires. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with all the action! @ImbukoMomsen
PAGE 5
MTB
W2W Moves Final
Finish-Line To Marine Hotel In Hermanus
Ostrich Crawl MTB & Trail Run Challenge
There will be more wine and perhaps more whales in the FNB Wines2Whales in 2018 as the race prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday by taking one of South Africa’s most popular mountain bike events to new levels. There will be something new and something old for the 10th birthday. The wine will come in the form of new names for the three races that make up the FNB Wines2Whales, while the finish line will return to Hermanus, the best whale-watching spot in the beautiful Western Cape. “Our growth since our first race in 2009 has been testament to the dedication of our staff, suppliers, sponsors and land owners to put on a mountain bike race that is challenging and incredibly enjoyable,” said Race Founder Johan Kriegler. The three races have been renamed after wines produced in the area. The first race (26 – 28 October 2018) is the FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay, the second race (29 – 31 October 2018) is the FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage and the third race (2 – 4 November 2018) is the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz.
Photo Credit: Cantadora Photography
The second anniversary of the Ostrich Crawl Mtb & Trail Run Challenge will take place on 31 March 2018 in Oudtshoorn. Although the event is once again part of the “Klein Karoo Ervarings” during the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, there will be some changes to this year’s edition. Firstly, there will be a 10km Trail Run to be added will make sure that all the mommies and wives that would normally have to wait for the cyclists are catered for! Secondly, the event will start at the Rivierbuurt where all the shows and craft market stands of the KKNK will be situated.
“We believe that the FNB Wines2Whales is held in the best location in South Africa, and want to celebrate the wonderful wines that make up our name. The Chardonnay is golden and velvety, like our singletrack, the Pinotage, being so uniquely South African, and the Shiraz is dark and full-bodied, and has hints of sweet and savoury, and the perfect way to end a wonderful week of riding,” said Kriegler. The end of the three events has been moved to the Marine Hotel in Hermanus, where the whales that were part of the inspiration for the event will welcome them after their three days of endeavour. The hotel is regarded as the best place to spot whales in a town that has become synonymous with these magnificent mammals. There is also the Jeroboam, a new experience where the same team can compete in all three events, but need to register separately.
Thirdly, there will be 3 brand new Mtb routes – 15km, 33km & 55km. Most of these route will only be open to be ridden during the event. On the 55km route riders will be taken through the privately owned nature reserve of the De Zeekoei Lodge. The route will consist of some single and Jeep track, as well as open gravel roads. The event promises to be a family friendly event with easy, but scenic routes. There will be beautiful finishers medals, lots of lucky draws, special prices from the KKNK, and exceptional waterpoints! For more information contact Corne Botha on 074 260 2871 or visit www.jakhalsevents.wix.com/jakhalsevents
Western Cape Schools Cycling Moving Forward
The start will once again be at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, with the race village at the Oak Valley estate. Each stage will remain around 60-80km in length.
SA ideal training ground for European MTB team
HEAD Bikes, who entered the South African market late last year, are further strengthening their ties with the country by using Stellenbosch as a training base for their professional outfits. Members of the HEAD Pro and Ciclo teams from Europe are currently in the Western Cape taking advantage of the South African summer to prepare for a number of upcoming events. Among these will be the cross-country leg of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, which will be held on the outskirts of Stellenbosch from 9-10 March 2018. European marketing manager Adam Glosowic said having the riders train in South Africa made perfect sense. “Right now in the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland, where our riders come from, the winters are very cold so they are all looking for some warm place to do their training in the off-season. There are many trails and training opportunities near Stellenbosch, so what could be better for our winter training programme,” he said. He added that another advantage was the time zone, Photo: Eric Luthi which was similar to that in Europe. Making up the HEAD Pro team this year are Barbora Prudkova, Joel Roth, Nick Baumann and Eric Lüthi, the last three of whom are currently training in Stellenbosch. The second outfit, HEAD Ciclo XC Team, will also compete in next month’s World Cup event. They will be represented by Cherie Redecker, Nina Benz and Silas Graf. HEAD Bikes SA were set up last year to distribute the brand in the country and Glosowic said the training camp was a great opportunity to promote the bikes locally. The company have already made an impact in South Africa by linking up with the Demacon Women’s Cycling Team, for whom former national champion Lynette Burger won the Fast One road race in Meyerton recently.
PAGE 6
The Western Cape Schools Cycling committee, with Annelize Ziehl-Owens Chairlady and Ben Puddu as Vice-Chair is, looking forward to an exciting Spur Schools Mountain Bike League this year as more and more schools are getting their structures in order to recognise Cycling as an official school sport. “One of the new schools entering for the first time this year is Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School and we are looking forward to welcome even more schools entering, Annelize Ziehl-Owens”, said. The schedule for the 4 Spur Schools MTB League Events for 2018 is as follow: (subject to change) 9 June (Southey Vines,Somerset West), 4 August (Stellenberg, Durbanville), 25 August (Montana, Worcester) and 15 September (Paul Roos, Stellenbosch). Western Cape Schools Cycling is affiliated with South African Schools Cycling (SASC). SASC is a statuary body that was formed in 2014 to formalise and coordinate schools cycling in South Africa. SASC realises that to make cycling sustainable at school level it needs to have the necessary skills created or transferred to the school communities. These skills have been identified as coaching, commissairing and team management. “Subsequently courses were developed and we are grateful to report that South Africa’s top coaches Erica Green and Deon Carstens have offered their support in this regard,” Deon Steyn President of SASC said. Currently the focus is on mountain biking, but road cycling will be rolled out as soon as sponsorships can be secured. Dates for School Team Managers, Commissaire and Coach training will be available soon. With the first SA XCO Cup that was successfully held in Stellenbosch the excitement is building up with the World Cup around the corner on 10 March in Stellenbosch where the likes of Nino Schurter and SA Top riders will be in action. “Western Cape School Cycling Association is inviting all school riders not to miss out on this opportunity to watch their heroes in action and wishing everyone a great 2018 cycling season!”
TECHNOLOGY
PAGE 7
MTB EVENT
Langeberg Link MTB - Swellendam’s Heritage Weekend Getaway The Heritage Weekend in 2017 saw the inauguration of the 3-Day Langeberg Link MTB event near the Overberg town of Swellendam, taking place mostly on private land, not open to the public. Building on the success of the first event, Langeberg Link MTB will once again be presented over the Heritage long weekend from 22-24 September 2018. The extreme beauty of the Swellendam area speaks for itself! Set in the most beautiful farming landscape, with cycling routes through canola fields, in, up, and through the Langeberg mountains overlooking the Overberg as far as the eye can see, with Bonnievale in the west, and Swellendam in the east, makes this an event, one not to be missed. Another reason for having a MTB event in the area was to identify and establish an event that will benefit and involve the local community, whilst also ensuring the longevity and sustainability of such a mountain bike race. The Langeberg Link MTB will be based at Oudewerf Farm, Kliphoogte 11.8km east from the Swellendam N2/ R60 intersection. There will be ample parking and enough space for riders to warm up before the start of the race on the farm. This year, the finish-line for all three days will be inside the large barn. This will enable riders to feel part of the hospitality of the local people, who will be on hand to provide refreshments to tired riders. The Langeberg Link MTB route has never before been cycled on by any race before 2017, and will once again take place on the same route, situated mostly on private land, not open to the public – thus ensuring the uniqueness of the event. The track, where access is limited, is purposely designed that cyclists can enjoy the overwhelming beauty of fauna and flora in the area and experience some breathtaking views of waterfalls. The race is open to all mountain bike enthusiasts. Riders can choose between a long route, or a short route. The event also offers Solo and Team entries in all three days, or single days. Route Day 1: The first day is a fairly ‘relaxed’ ride and does include some ‘gravel travel’, although this year, it will be somewhat more restricted than last year. The 52km, 900m ascent takes the riders mainly on undulating gravel roads, with some off-road sections alongside the ripening wheat. Day 2: The second day will take riders into the Langeberg Mountain and will be more challenging, but still at a level where the more advanced riders can test their skill, whilst the less experienced would also be tested. The 28km, 520m ascent will test your legs along the side of the mountain and across more farm land with scenery that will reward your effort. Although day two will be somewhat shorter than the first day, it will be over terrain never before utilized by mountain bikers. Day 3: The 52Km, 900m ascent will be the reverse of day one, that might change, in part to make it more exciting, while also ensuring interest to the riders. Services All water points will be well positioned and will also be well-stocked along the route on all three days. Should riders have any special requests, such will be taken into account. These water points will be manned by very enthusiastic people from the local community. Timekeeping will be handled by the Great-Time team that captured the times and provided an excellent service last year. Medical support on and off route will be provided by the Provincial ambulance services including a four-track vehicle with an advanced support official as well as an ambulance at the finish with basic support officials. Provision has been made for Free Bike Wash, and this service will be made available at the finish line. Medals and T-shirts will be provided to all riders that finish the 3-day race, and there will be daily lucky-draws. Langeberg Link MTB is a sanctioned event and obtained the required Land/Nature Reserve access permits, and will be assisted by Lead and Sweep vehicles and bikes. Cost Entry fees for the three-day event is R1200 per cyclist, and single stages sell at R450 per person per day, and for the kids under 10, R50 per day - provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult. It should be noted that accommodation is excluded from the entry fees and can be done via www.swellendam-info.co.za. This is an excellent opportunity to bring the family and enjoy the hospitality of the farming community and explore the foothills of the majestic Langeberg range in the countryside near Swellendam on the Garden Route, whilst also experiencing the beauty of canola fields set among the growing wheat lands just before the harvest. For more information contact 074 457 6777 or visit www.langeberglinkmtb.com
2018
PAGE 8
CALCULUS BIKES
Dream + Measure + Design = Perfection
Custom Bamboo and Titanium Frame manufacturer, Calculus Bikes offers a unique, bike product which is exceedingly rare, and very different from the regular mass-produced bike brands manufactured around the world.
“You would hope that all bicycles were designed and built by highly qualified engineers. You would also like it if your bike builder named his company after ‘the mathematical study of continuous change’, and that he brought those sorts of practices into work with him every day.” Unfortunately, with the multitude of bike brands manufactured around the world, this just isn’t the case. Well except, in one very particular case. Calculus Bikes was founded in 2016 by brothers, Charl-Stephan and Millar Nienaber - a name with cycling heritage! Between them, they have multiple engineering degrees, engineering experience, and many years of bike racing experience - both on and off-road. “Having bought and owned over thirty mass-produced bikes in my 56 years, I can honestly say that none of them felt ‘right’. None of them took into consideration the fact that my span is 4 inches longer than my height - or that I have very small feet for my size. How could they?” says Simon Bever, UK.
Custom Bamboo Frame Calculus Bikes is the first South African Bike manufacturer to build bamboo bikes. They decided to choose bamboo as their frame building material of preference, along with carbon fibre. Nothing else comes to the lure of something as exotic as riding a bamboo bicycle. The ride characteristics of a bamboo frame are superior to aluminium or a full carbon frame, due to its damping properties. The bamboo absorbs much more of the vibration from the road or mountain. By using bamboo tubes and carbon fibre for the lugs - the best of both worlds are achieved: a light, stiff and responsive frame that absorbs the unwanted vibrations. These frames are truly the best that nature and technology can provide. Custom Titanium Frame Calculus Bikes have worked hard to expand their range of frames to include the king of metals: Titanium. The frames will be designed the same as any of their other frames, which is based on each rider’s unique application to create the dream ride. Design and Build
What makes Calculus Bikes different? What does all that experience and knowledge bring to the world of bike manufacturing? Apart from a range of stunningly beautiful custom-made titanium and bamboo frames, Calculus Bikes brings an understanding of their customers ‘needs’, rather than their ‘wants’. Yes, the customer will ‘want’ the bike to perform in a certain way, ‘want’ attention to detail, and ‘want’ a specific style - everything that goes with the process of purchasing a bespoke product. Calculus Bikes looks very carefully at exactly what bike the rider will ‘need’, to get the ride he or she ‘wants’.
The design starts with an ErgoFiT measurement of the client. Measurements, advanced algorithms and years of experience gives Calculus Bike engineers the perfect indication of the ideal position for the rider on his/her bike. Once the engineers have determined the rider’s position, they design the frame around those parameters, taking into account the type of riding the bike will be used for, and the desired ride characteristics the rider want. The components are also chosen to best complement the design and desired riding characteristics. Whether riders choose Shimano or SRAM drivetrain, with carbon fibre or aluminium wheels, it is all taken into account in the design process.
Custom Engineering “We need to understand that two riders don’t have the same biometric characteristics, style, attitude or desire,” says Millar. At Calculus Bikes they believe there is no reason why every rider should only have a choice of three frame sizes. “At Calculus Bikes we engineer each bike exactly according to the client’s needs to build them their best riding dream bike,” Millar continues. The process of designing and building a bespoke frame and the subsequent component choice and assembly, is a thorough and exacting science. Not only does the bike have to ‘fit’ and provide the correct performance criteria, but it must also provide the rider with the correct level of comfort for the rides to come. Of course, none of this is taken into account when you buy a regular mass-produced bike. Bike manufacturers simply build four to five frame sizes they think will fit all sizes and shapes. Very few people are fortunate enough to find a set-up that is there or thereabouts, but they are few and far between.
With the customised design in-hand the building starts. The building of the frame is done with a combination of techniques, ranging from high-tech 3D printing to hand layups of carbon fibre between the bamboo tubes. When the frame is completed, the components are assembled to finish off the master piece, before sending it to the new owner. At Calculus Bikes, they engineer bikes to fit the customer; to do what their customers want them to do, and have a spectacular look. Inspect the neat welding on their stunning titanium and bamboo frames, with bespoke carbon lugs; surely the best combination of natural and technological components on a bike frame. In our world of mass production and global markets, where we’re all simply customers on a database somewhere, Calculus Bikes offers a product which is exceedingly rare - no substitute for brilliant, bespoke engineering. “We would love to hear from you and your idea of your dream bike. Let’s start the journey to your ultimate ride.” For more information contact 0641917329 or visit www.calculus-bikes.com
PAGE 9
FOOD & WINE
MOOIUITSIG - PRODUCING WINE & MEAT OF EXCELLENCE! Situated in Bonnievale, in the fertile Breede River Valley, Mooiuitsig Wineries are proud to be the largest wholesale alcoholic beverage company that is family-owned since its inception. The production of wine is undertaken in cellars located on the farm.
Meatworths the Brand of Quality Meat Cattle farming at the renowned Breederiver Wine Estate, Mooiuitsig, was introduced on the banks of the Breederiver as a side-line to the Mooiuitsig farming portfolio. Since November 2006 this discipline escalated into a large scale meat producing business called Meatworths. The growth in the meat business resulted in obtaining additional pastures in and around Stormsvlei and a feedlot in Bonnievale. To provide a larger variety of meats, Meatworths engaged in sourcing top grade pork and free range chickens from registered farms in the district. In the process of breeding, feeding, handling, processing and distributing their own meats, Meatworths has managed to shorten the cold chain, insuring that traceability and quality comes as a standard. Aside from the famous palatable steaks, matured to tender perfection, Meatworths beef products include tasty sosaties, a selection of sausages and cold meats, biltong, droëwors, chilli bites and a ‘budget patty’ which is a hit at sporting events and for take-aways.
Photo: Olivia & Balie Swart
History In 1912, Nicolaas Lourens (Klaas) Jonker from the farm Goedemoed near Robertson, bought a tract of rugged, undeveloped land near Bonnievale to divide amongst his four sons. Adolph Johannes Jonker, the eldest of the four, commenced the development of what would become the present-day Mooiuitsig. Owing to a lack of water, the cultivation of vines and other perennial crops was only made possible subsequent to the construction of the smaller Brandvlei dam in 1923. Being well-suited to the cultivation of grapes, vineyard expansion resulted in the subsequent demand for bigger and better cellars. The lifelong dream of Adolph snr was too market his own wine under his own label came to fruition in 1947 with the establishment of the wholesale spirits company, Mooiuitsig Wynkelders (Pty) Ltd, under his son, Nicolaas Lourens. This was also the year in which Nicolaas Lourens completed his degree in viticulture. The company distributes various products throughout South Africa. Several other tracts of land were acquired to add to the Mooiuitsig dynasty. The fifth generation – also Nicolaas Lourens Jonker – are now part of the Mooiuitsig Group and are building on the experience from his ancestors.
At all times Meatworths guarantee that their produce is free from added hormones and every cut bears proof of high quality as well as being reasonably priced. As to Meatworths’ accreditation they are registered with the Red Meat Producers Organisation and obtained accreditation from SAMIC as ‘Meat of origin Breede River Valley’. The animals at Mooiuitsig are used to human contact and the short travel distance to the abattoir in Robertson also bounds the stress factor, ultimately promising tender meat. A tag with the weight and age of each carcass accompanies it to the butchery for record keeping; completing Meatworths’ infallible traceability assurance. The history of every animal is recorded, who his parents were, date of birth, wean date, as well as wean weight. These animals graze on 100ha pasture, and prior to slaughter, these animals are relocated to a feedlot in Bonnievale to be rounded off on a combination of lucerne, hay, and grape-skin with a small percentage of concentrated feed.
Products Mooiuitsig Wineries produce a wide range of quality wines and also distributes various spirits and beers. In addition, Mooiuitsig produces Hanepoot, Port, Nagmaalwyn, Marsala, Jeripigo and a variety of table wines. Their biggest seller to date is the Rusthof bag in a box range which consists of a variety of wines that are available in 1L, 3L and 5L. Distribution Mooiuitsig currently has seven depots that form the backbone of its national supply chain. Distribution across South Africa is undertaken via depots located at Bonnievale, Misgund in the Langkloof, Aliwal North, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Gauteng and Durban. To further bolster their distribution network, Mooiuitsig owns and operates several liquor stores in the Western and Eastern Cape. This is supported on a regional basis through various agents across the country. Olivia, presently a Director of the Mooiuitsig Group has been at the helm of the company activities since the passing on of her husband Adolph Jonker Jr. in 2007. To date Olivia has excelled in the various disciplines and her professionalism and loyalty has made her a great asset to the Group. She is since married to former Springbok rugby player, Balie Swart and they are also keen cyclists. For more information contact 023 616 2143 or visit www.mooiuitsig.co.za
PAGE 10
Meatworths mission is firstly to breed animals on their Mooiuitsig Farm, producing high quality meat for human consumption, and secondly to secure affordable prices. Having taken control of the entire value chain, Meatworths pride themselves in being able to provide a wide range of products with its natural taste of pure country. Meatworths treasure a farm-to-table approach that makes their meat a cut above the rest. Meatworths meats are supplied to highly acclaimed restaurants in Franschhoek, such as Reuben’s, The Franschhoek Beer Co., Bovine and Le Coin Francias. For more information contact Meatworths Bonnievale 023 616 3629 visit www.meatworths.co.za
REALTY
Stronger currency
makes a Plan B in Europe cheaper! Acquiring a 2nd citizenship or permanent residency is very appealing to many South Africans. The main reason is to implement a Plan B to assure the family’s future by protecting against political risk and economical instability. Europe is still the preferred destination due to being the world’s largest single market & global trading block; as well as the lifestyle aspects and business / work opportunities on offer. But up until recently, the weak ZAR has made investing in Europe almost unattainable. The recent strengthening of the ZAR against the EURO has made securing a Plan B in Europe affordable. When comparing last year’s high of R16.98 to this year’s low of R14.40 – securing permanent residency in Cyprus is now R775,000 cheaper; and acquiring a 2nd citizenship is now a whopping R5,1Million cheaper! Having a 2nd citizenship in Europe gives unlimited access to the EU & the UK. Chief benefits include travelling, living, working & studying anywhere in the European Economic Area; plus visa-free travel to many countries. Permanent residency is also attractive because it gives the permit holders the legal right to live in that country without having to go through an onerous immigration process should they wish to make a permanent move. Cyprus, an English-speaking, ex-British colony and full EU member currently has the most attractive 2nd citizenship and permanent residency programmes available. Citizenship is granted in 3 months via Cyprus’ “Citizenship through investment” programme: - It’s the quickest process in Europe; - all dependent children up to age 28 and the parents of the investor qualify; - it’s an investment – not a donation; - the property/ies CAN be rented out; and need to be retained for only 3 years; - citizenship is passed down through descent offering a legacy to future generations.
Permanent residency is granted in 4 – 6 weeks on the “Fast Track” programme. - this is the only programme in Europe where 3 generations in the same family (including both the parents & in-laws) all acquire residency by buying one property! - dependent children up to 25 qualify; - the property can be rented out; - there is no requirement to live in Cyprus; nor be domiciled there for tax.
- minimum property investment is €2Million.
Some lifestyle attractions that Cyprus offers are: - Euro-accredited education gives your children an advantage when they enter the global job market; - low cost but high standard of living; - Europe on your doorstep; - 1st world medical facilities & affordable healthcare with highly qualified doctors & specialists. An astute offshore property investment that works for the short, medium and long term is the achievement of a lifetime. In Cyprus investing in the “Citizenship through Investment” or the “Fast Track residency” programme not only makes financial sense, but it will tangibly benefit your family for generations to come.
c ypriot
Realty
YOUR KEY TO LIVING IN BEAUTIFUL CYPRUS
Can you afford not to take advantage of this while both programmes are still open; and also while the ZAR is still relatively strong? Cypriot Realty – a proudly South African company in operation since 2008 with offices in Cape Town, Sandton and Cyprus – can assist you. We are recognised and respected as Southern Africa's authoritative offshore investment specialists, promoting Cyprus as an ideal destination for acquiring EU citizenship or permanent residency, property investment, immigration or retirement and starting an EU-based business - we understand investor's needs. Contact us for a confidential meeting to discuss how we can help you realise your Plan B in Europe.
OFFICES IN: SANDTON, CAPE TOWN & CYPRUS
JENNY ELLINAS | 083 448 8734 | JENNY@CYPRIOTREALTY.COM | WWW.CYPRIOTREALTY.COM
PAGE 11
LIFESTYLE
TRAIL’S END ADVENTURE HOTEL PLAYS HOST TO GREG MINNAAR Trail’s End recently had the pleasure of hosting Downhill Cycling legend, Greg Minnaar as he formed part of RMB’s special corporate weekend at the hotel. RMB’s delegates had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with him whilst out on a leisurely evening ride and learnt a few tricks from him before returning to the hotel for a delicious dinner accompanied by local craft beers. Following dinner Greg, who has won the UCI Downhill World Championships three times, happily took the time to field a Q&A session with the guests leaving them inspired to achieve the impossible! The event was organised by Advendurance and was a roaring success. Trail’s End is South Africa’s first bike hotel and ideally situated in Grabouw at the centre of the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful alternative option to a traditional venue for corporate away days, workshops and team building. Conveniently located just an hour from Cape Town, the hotel boasts spacious, comfortable facilities and an 80-seater dedicated conference room as well as overnight accommodation.
Photo: Chad Gordon and Greg Minnaar
Being out of the city, parking is no hassle either! Corporate packages can be tailored to suit your needs. Trail’s End have plenty of team-building activities too; whether it’s adrenalin-fueled adventure or purely a chance to be out in the fresh country air, escape the city hustle and bustle and get a different perspective. From April to August, the hotel is offering 15% off all accommodation booked with a mid-week conference. Direct bookings only. For more information contact +27 21 859 5193 email: info@trailsend.bike visit www.trailsend.bike, Follow Trail’s End on social media: @trailsendza
BUILD AN EPIC BUSINESS WITH ACTION COACH
Whilst March is cycling month across the Cape no-one can argue that the Cape Epic is rightfully one of the biggest. A true test of man, equipment and team, this world leading event has become world famous and truly is the Epic.
Similarly though, albeit not so famous, is the ongoing test of other super human efforts in the form of entrepreneurs and business owners. Each day they tackle the 3 main challenges of any business: Time, Team & Money, as they strive to build profitable and sustainable businesses. They work longer hours, with little to no training, endure much more heat, bigger and longer climbs and often do so in a very lonely and isolated environment. There are no corporate sponsors, no support crews, no volunteers, nor the much needed massages at the end of a hard day. Entrepreneurs and business owners you are fortunately not alone and there is an easy solution. Since 1993, ActionCOACH business coaching, the World’s Number 1 Business Coaching Firm, has been assisting entrepreneurs and business owners to build epic businesses. Now operating in over 70 countries and coaching in excess of 15,000 businesses per week, they drive performance, sustainability and profitability across businesses the world over. About to celebrate their 11th anniversary in Africa, ActionCOACH Southern Africa today has 47 full time business coaches driven to ensure you build a real business: ‘A Commercial Profitable Enterprise that Works Without You’ With the Gauteng and Namibia head office based in Pretoria, and the rest of South Africa head office based in our very own Techno Park Stellenbosch, you’ve finally got the world’s best business coaches right here on your doorstep.
But as the name already suggests, perhaps now is the time to Get into Action! For more information Contact ActionCOACH business coaching today. Take their complimentary Business Health Check (at businesshealthcheck.co.za) or visit actioncoach.co.za
CIOVITA CONCEPT STORE COMING SOON!
“The idea of a Ciovita Concept store started germinating last year, and really comes from the public demand for a traditional retail wing to supplement our online sales.” says Freddie Enslin, Head of Sales at Ciovita. “Cycling is after all a tactile sport and while, our kit always looks good, we understand the need our loyal supporters have to physically interact with the kit.” They want to feel the imported fabrics, see the trims up close and experience the fit. We want to create an experiential store, which can become a hub not just for Ciovita, but for the greater Cape Town cycling community.” For the past six months Ciovita has been working with graphic and industrial designers to bring their vision for this retail space to life. And while the process has been underway for some time Ciovita is keeping their cards close to their chest. “We are obsessed with getting the details right.” Says CEO, Andrew Gold. “It is this obsession that informs every part of our business, we are always driven to produce the best possible product and that is as true for our cycling jerseys as it is for the Ciovita Store.” If you haven’t yet heard of Ciovita, then you could do worse than visiting www. ciovita.com. They have fast become the go to brand in the country for both custom made kit, as well as, their core range, which features high quality, bibs, shorts, jerseys, jackets and accessories. All their kit is designed, manufactured and quality controlled in-house to ensure the highest possible standards are maintained. And the public demand and race performance of their athletes, has shown that this approach really pays dividends.
Leading Cycling Apparel brand CIOVITA, is launching a brand new concept store to serve as a retail outlet for their award winning kit. Ciovita have fast become the cycling brand everyone is talking about, and now they are bringing their world class kit to a new concept store opening soon in Zonnebloem (Woodstock), Cape Town. Previously, the only way to get your hands on Ciovita’s range was through their online store, and while this is still a viable option, Capetonians will soon be able to receive the benefits of one on one service as well as see the latest kit concepts first hand by visiting the store.
PAGE 12
Ciovita also believes that when you look good, you feel good, and they work hard to keep their range fresh and current, with new designs launched almost weekly through their #FreshKitFriday program, as well as constant testing and upgrade of their fits and fabric technology to ensure they stay at the forefront of the sport. For more information visit www.facebook.com/Ciovitacycling/ | www.instagram.com/ciovita/ Email: info@ciovita.com | Website: www.ciovita.com
MTB EVENT
Unleash the Adventure from 27 – 29 April at the Mercedes-Benz Mpekweni MTB Classic
It all began in 2014 when Jason Sharrock and Craig Hensberg decided to host a 2-day stage race in the heart of the Sunshine Coast with the assistance of Colin Whitehead and his team, at the Mpekweni Beach Resort. Multisport Events, back then known as Eventworx, was able to host its first successful race, attracting 120 riders from across the country! The encouraging response of this first event lead to an even more successful sequel and is continuing to grow.
Accommodation The ultimate reward at the end of each day, will be the return to the lap of the luxurious Mpekweni Beach Resort to rest the weary legs. Here riders will be able to relax and indulge in five course buffet meals on offer before settling into the comfort of your luxurious hotel room for maximum rest before each stage. Spa facilities for the wife, a children’s day care and a spectrum of activities and attractions will keep anyone's boredom at bay. Services
Consistently reviewed as the "best single track" mountain biking experience by just about every rider that has participated, the Mercedes-Benz Mpekweni MTB Classic is certainly cementing its humble presence as one of South Africa's yearly showcase mountain biking events. The 5th edition of the annual race will take place from 27 - 29 April 2018 – the first year the event will be hosted as a 3-day stage race. The 180km race, 80% of which will be single track, will take riders through magnificent trails meandering through old derelict farmlands, showcasing the best mountain biking that South Africa has to offer. The Route Day 1 - Five Valleys: Five Valleys sees the intrepid riders head north on a short district road section before dropping into “Bouncing Bruce’s”, the first single track section that flows down to the Mtati river. After a short river crossing, riders will face a double hump climb called, “The Camel’s Back”. At the top, riders get a short gravel road recovery section, before dropping into the Mgwalana valley with “Tharfield’s Tit” lying just ahead. The Tharfield Community is one of the beneficiaries of the race and has a “local team” that partake in this epic race. It is time to traverse the top of the Birha river, drop into the “Birha Loop”, crossing the Birha river and up towards the “Pump House”. After a long free wheel section down to the pump station and a beautiful meander back up to the gravel road, riders will link up onto a new jeep track section crossing as they make their way back to Benton. Day 2 - Saddle Up: Riders head out on the district road for the first 6km before swooping down “Rut Hill” into the first single track section of the day, Benton’s Meander. Riders then hit “Switch Backs”, head towards Benton, past the local school, where the children hand-craft the finisher medals and will be waiting to cheer riders on towards the “The Saddle”. Participants will ride on the edge of a cliff with vast expanses and immense solitudes. This will lead riders into the first river bed section which meanders and tunnels through the bush canopy under the cliff overhang. The Jeep-track climb will test those legs, but before knowing it riders will be dropping into the second river bed section – “Collar Bone Creek” with Tharfield just ahead. After a gravel road section “Wag n Bietjie Valley” awaits, then onwards and upwards to “Bush Buck Ridge” until riders are met by the crew for some much needed nutrition and hydration. The legendary “Spoke Valley” drop-in has always been one of the firm favourites and give riders valley-riding at its ultimate. A much needed recovery dirt road will get the heart rate down with “Benton’s Best” over the fence-crossing and onto “Mpekweni’s Window”. Day 3 - Mpekweni's Showpiece: Day 3 is the “show-off” day with 90% of it being single and jeep-track riding, taking riders along the magical Mpekweni River bank, climbing up “Hoes Hill” and dropping back down over the floating bridge crossing, into “Reservoir” with classic cattle-track riding, snaking into “Cry Baby Kirch’s” and “Pink House” with “Malpit’s Finger” looming on the horizon. The best is still to come. At “This Is Tit”, riders will be dropping and crossing the Mtati River including “Hensberg’s Coil”, “Python Valley” and “Cycad Alley” tunnel. At the Hotel riders can wag chins and compare notes of the ups and downs - the knocks and the scratches – the triumphant feeling of all that you have accomplished!
The Mpekweni MTB Classic offers a host of services for riders' convenience such as Bike Mechanics, Bike Storage, Bike Wash, Massages, Airport Transfers, Medical Support Staff and Race Sweeper - adding to the entire experience. Packages Multisport Events have tailored the hotel and race packages to cater for the individual, teams, the family or the "Dayblazers" looking to race the event and not take the event organizer up on the luxurious accommodation on offer. Family Package – R 10,350 per rider: Bring the family - Race Entry, 3 Night Hotel Stay, including Spouse (non rider) and 2 Children, All Meals included for you and Spouse, Meals for children charged separately, Bike Wash, Bike Storage, Race Jacket, Optional Airport Transfer R630/pp. Team Package - R 6,250 per rider: Share and save - Race Entry, 3 Night Hotel Stay (Sharing), All Meals, Bike Wash, Bike Storage, Race Jacket, Optional, Airport Transfer R630/pp. Team Package - R 6,650 per rider: Own Room - Race Entry, 3 Night Hotel Stay (Own room), All Meals, Bike Wash, Bike Storage, Race Jacket, Optional, Airport Transfer R630/pp. Day Blazer - R 3,100 per rider: Inclusive is the Race Entry, Lunches, Bike Wash, Bike Storage, Race Jacket, but No Accommodation. Multisport Events’ secure online payment platform will process your entry, ensuring your spot in the limited placements for 2018.
For more information and online entries visit www.mpekwenimtb.co.za
PAGE 13
ROAD
PPA 12 Hours of Killarney Is Back!
The PPA 12 Hours of Killarney powered by EpiQ is back on Sunday, 8 April at the Killarney Motor Racing Track in Milnerton to test your endurance legs. Riders can participate as an individual (solo) rider, in a pair of 2 riders, or in a team of 4 riders.
Pairs and teams will ride in relays, with one rider being on the track at a time, while a minimum number of laps must be completed to get a bronze medal. There is no set number of laps that each team member must complete and pairs/ teams can decide for themselves when to change over and/or when to take a rest. Similarly, as a solo rider you can decide for yourself when you want to ride and how many laps you want to complete before taking a break. Complete as many laps as possible in 12 hours. Can you beat the 2017 record of 129 laps / 417 km (Solo)? While the event officially starts at 06h00, riders are welcome to start their onslaught any time between 06h00 and 08h00 if you are not gunning for the lap record challenge. Your last lap (for medal and prize winning purposes) must start before 18h00, and must be completed before 18h10. There is a R5 000 cash prize on offer for the record. In addition, the top 3 male solo riders and top female solo rider will win prize money, with gold medals to the top 10 solo finishers on the day. Medals will be performance-based: Gold medals to the top 10 solo riders and top female solo rider; Silver medals to all riders completing 60 laps and more; and Bronze medals to all riders completing between 35-59 laps. Prize giving will take place at 18h30 or as soon as the results have been finalized by Racetec. Entries close on Thursday, 5 April 2018. Since the names of riders participating in pairs and teams must be linked and pre-loaded onto the results database, late entries on the day of the event can be taken only for solo (individual) riders. For more information visit www.pedalpower.org.za
Results of SA Road and Time Trial Championships Daryl Impey, and Carla Oberholzer were crowned SA National Road Champions on the penultimate day of the six-day 2018 SA National Road and Time Trial and Para-cycling Championships, which took place in Oudtshoorn from 6-11 February 2018. The all-star affair saw some of South Africa’s best, representing age categories from under-11 through to over 80 years of age, race along the same route in a race against the clock, and each other, for the coveted titles in their respective categories. Time Trial: Having dominated the time trial event over the years, Daryl Impey becoming the first ever South African to win the title seven times. Second placed in the Elite Men’s Time Trial was Ryan Gibbons from Team Dimension Data with Rohan du Plooy from Team AlfaBodyworks/Giant in third. With Rio Olympian Ashleigh Moolman Pasio not defending her title this year, the elite women’s Time Trial victory went to Liezel Jordaan, just three seconds quicker than Yvette Oelofse with S’annara Grove rounding out the podium in third place. In the U/23 Men’s race, which followed the same distance as the Elite Men, Stefan de Bod, Rider for Team Dimension Data Continental managed to retain his Time Trial title for the third consecutive year, ahead of fellow Team rider, Kent Main in second place and Greg de Vink from Team Mad Macs in third. De Bod also had the second fastest time - only one minute slower than Daryl Impey. Road Race: Two-time Olympian Daryl Impey raced to the South African national road title in Oudsthoorn on 10 February adding to the time trial title he won earlier in the week. The Mitchelton-Scott team rider out-sprinted Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka climber, Jacques Janse van Rensburg for the win, while third place on the day, as well as the U23 title, went to Jason Oosthuizen (Barzani Pro Cycling). With some luck on his side and incredible form, Impey was able to add the victory to his list. Team Demacon’s Carla Oberholzer finished her race in strong form as she soloed the final kilometres to the finish line with Maroesjka Matthee and Lynette Burger (Demacon) finished in second and third places respectively. Catherine Colyn (Maaslandster International Women’s Cycling Team) put in a commanding perfor-
mance to win the U23 women’s race by a country mile, ahead of second placed rider Courteney Webb (UCT Cycling Team), with Danielle Strydom (Team Bestmed) rounding out the podium. In the Junior men’s race Ricardo Broxham (ProTouch) won a hard-fought race against teammate Tiano da Silva and Cian Leveridge (Absolute Motion), coming out as the victor. The Junior women’s race saw Tiffany Keep (Team Silverback Volvo) make it a double as she added the road race title to her Time Trial win from a few days earlier. Keep’s race was down to the wire against all-time competitor Kelsey van Schoor (Team African Pride), and Carla Steyn (Absolute Motion) finished third. The Tour de France stage winner, Daryl Impey had some useful tips for the youth at the presentation. “Cycling is hard work, there is no easy path and no handouts and you must work your way to the top,” Impey said. He encouraged the youth to enjoy cycling as they develop, get wins under the belt, and acquire good results on the South Africa racing circuit with the key focus on perseverance.
021 880 0799 33 Canterbury Lane info.stellenbosch@specialized.com Paradyskloof www.specialized-stellenbosch.com Stellenbosch
Specialized Stellenbosch @specializedstellenbosch
Featuring: Authorised Body Geometry Fit Studio Coffeeworks Coffee Shop Kids’ play area Service Centre Lounge area Pump Track
PAGE 14
ROAD
Support SA Talent 2018 Road Cycling Series launched Leveraging the existing South African road racing calendar, the Support SA Talent Road Cycling Series will be tracking results and ranking the best teams and athletes, based on performance throughout the 2018 racing season. “We are really excited to announce the launch of our Road Cycling Series”, says Rebecca Eliot, co-founder of the Support SA Talent Project – a new initiative, focused on creating platforms to raise funds to enable SA road cyclists, recognising our best athletes, while unlocking more fan engagement and value for brands. “We are creating a new ecosystem in SA Road Cycling - linking teams, athletes, fans and brands together, for the overall benefit of South African Cycling,” added Rebecca. The Road Cycling Series is an annual competition, developed to identify our best athletes and teams, participating in selected road cycling events. The Series includes the majority of the Tours and 1-day Classic races, as well as the National Road and Individual Time Trial Championships that was held in Oudtshoorn in February. Some races in the Series include: Tour of Good Hope, Cape Town Cycle Tour, Tour Durban, 100 Cycle Challenge, Tour de Limpopo, Tshwane Classic, Makro Bestmed Cycle Tour, and the 947 Cycle Challenge. Additional Tours and events may also be added during the season, as these are announced. The Points (modelled on the 2017 UCI Points categorization) are allocated to athletes and teams, based on the final results from each event in the series (as provided by the race organiser), and accumulated throughout the season.
Bouchard Soenen Challenge About 1500 riders took part in the annual Bouckaert-Soenen Paarl Road Cycling Challenge on 4 February, organized by Paarl Rotary and held under the auspices of the Pedal Power Association (PPA). Cyclists enjoyed excellent cycling weather over three distances around the Paarl Mountain. Registration was handled efficiently by Paarl Rotarians in cooperation with Racetec. The route passed through the beautiful towns of Wellington, Hermon and Riebeek Kasteel, with a tough climb over Bothmanskloof Pass. It is on Bothmanskloof Pass, on the same day 357 years ago, 4 February 1661, that Pieter Cruythoff, was dispatched by Jan van Riebeeck in search of the perfect place to grow provisions for the Dutch East India Company. He crossed this pass and stumbled upon a beautiful valley situated in the majestic Kasteelberg. It is from this elevated lookout point that we spotted riders coming up Bothmanskloof Pass. After descending, the route turned back to Paarl via the Voor-Paardeberg area, before riders returned via Agter Paarl to the finish-line near Strawberry King. The winner of the long race, which passed through Riebeek Kasteel and Paardeberg, was Max Sullivan in a time of 3:05:32. Hot on his heels were Mark Daly and Evan Carstens (3:05:33). The finish was hotly contested, with five other riders crossing the line within two seconds of the winner. Many riders took the opportunity to ride the Bouckaert-Soenen, about 14km longer than the Cape Town Cycle Tour as part of their training programme. Fun riders enjoyed the scenic landscapes, well placed markers on the route and many waterpoints. From a spectators point of view it was different to other races as the peloton of riders was much larger than other events. The fun-ride provided plenty of entertainment, food and drink at the finish venue at De Poort for the whole family to enjoy. Proceeds will be donated to Rotary projects in the Paarl area, with the focus on early childhood development.
At the end of the Series, the best performing athletes and teams will be acknowledged at a Support SA Talent Awards event. “We are starting with the U23/Elite and Junior categories, for both Men’s and Ladies and we will look to add the Para Cycling and Vets categories too, as the Project progresses and budget allows.” Myles Van Musschenbroek, lead Support SA Talent Brand Ambassador added. “In addition to the overall Series Competition, in each category, we have also added a Best Team and Most Combative Rider Competition – voted by the safety marshals at selected tours – and, the Most Valuable Domestique – voted by the participating athletes at the end of the season”. The first events included in the 2018 Series were the Forever Resorts Mpumalanga Cycle Tour and Value Logistics Fast One. The Leaderboard, published ahead of SA Road National Championships, already ranks 181 athletes, across 32 Teams. For more information visit www.supportsatalent.co.za
Cycling Track Event In Honour of Jeanne Nell
Western Province Track Cycling started the new season with the Jeanne Nell Track Classic that took place on 13 February 2018 at the Velodrome in Bellville. The Jeanne Nell Track Classic was organized to continue the legacy of Jeanne Nell, South African track cyclist, friend, and champion that passed away in Cape Town in 2014 after crashing in the Keirin event at the Bellville Velodrome. He was originally from Port Elizabeth, but later based in Cape Town. Nell was one of the country’s top track cyclists and was part of the men’s sprint team attempting to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2014. It was a memorable night for track racing with just over R5000 prize money donated by Intellibus and USN hampers up for grabs. The track was fast with perfect racing conditions and the racing was of Top class, especially in CAT A where the top 8 sprinters competed for the honour of lifting the Jeanne Nell Tea Cup, a trophy that was donated by Mr and Mrs Nell. A brilliant ride by Jean Smith from the Photo: Bernard Esterhuizen Bellville Cycling Club showed his form. Photo Credit: Full Gas Racing He was the only sprinter under 11 seconds for his sprint qualifier in a time of 10.94 seconds. Bernard Esterhuizen from Team AlfaBodyworks/Giant grabbed the last set of points by beating his rivals in the Keirin and became the winner and current title holder of the “Jeanne Nell Tea Cup”. “Lots of new faces and some old ones made it a perfect night of track racing.”
THE HOTTEST KIT UNDER THE SUN Summer is here and in celebration of all things bright and bold Ciovita has an exciting new range of designs that reflect that summer feeling. Visit www.ciovita.com today to upgrade your summer style. Use the coupon code
INTOCYCLING
to get 15% off your nex t purchase.*
INSPIRED TO RIDE
*O f fer val id for six weeks .
PAGE 15
DOWNLOAD THE VIDA APP
INTO N E W S PA P E R ISSUE #16
March 2018
Pay with your phone | Earn 5% back Send vouchers to friends | Store finder
| JOIN THE CYCLING REVOLUTION! |
GET IN TOUCH
021 852 6400
info@intocycling.co.za
Into Cycling Newspaper available at selected vida e caffè stores
www.intocycling.co.za
TEAM DIMENSION DATA CONTI EXCITED AT TACKLING TOUR OF GOOD HOPE With two champions in their line-up, the Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental Team are eager to show their credentials when they tackle the 491km Bestmed Tour of Good Hope road race in the Western Cape from 5-9 March 2018. Current title-holder Kent Main and 2016 winner Stefan de Bod are two of their standout riders, but manager Kevin Campbell said there would be a heavy emphasis on teamwork during the five-stage event. Main, then riding for RoadCover, took the title in a sensational finale at the Taal Monument last year when he edged Myles van Musschenbroek by one second for the top podium spot. Now he returns as part of a strong-looking Dimension Data outfit which also includes South African Louis Visser and three overseas riders – Luca Mozzato and Matteo Sobrero from Italy and New Zealand’s Ollie Jones. Based most of the year in Italy, Campbell said they were excited to be competing in one of the country’s leading cycling events. “We do not race in many events in SA and we are delighted at this opportunity. We want to show we are a strong team with a depth of talent.” He added that the most important element for them would be to work together. “Good individual riders will not be able to win this event without a strong team working well behind them. This is an unpredictable race because the weather can change daily. The heat is always a factor and there are strong riders from foreign teams who can add an element of surprise to this event,” Campbell says. He felt stages three (137km; 2 687m ascent) and four (134km; 2 900m) would be especially tough and the GC will probably be decided on these two days. Operating as a Continental team, Campbell said they had 12 team members overall, based in Lucca, Italy for eight months of the year with a racing programme mostly of UCI Elite and U23 events, the majority of which are in Europe. He said the overseas riders brought a different international racing experience with them.
“They have already shown that they are talented performers and I’m sure they will add a fresh element to the team.” Emphasising their eagerness to do well, Campbell said they wanted to start their season on a winning note and to carry that momentum through their programme. “It is an early season event for us, but Louis Visser competed in an U23 Nations Cup event in Cameroon recently and all three of our SA riders took part in the national road champs.” “While the road-race result in Oudtshoorn did not go as planned, the three SA riders are in good form. Our three foreigners are all competing in their first events for 2018 but I know they are hungry for early-season success,” Campbell concluded.
OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN INTERNATIONAL CYCLING PROGRAMME IN SA
Last year 16 young riders were selected at the Cape Rouleur Young Rider Prologue to join Team Bäckstedt HotChillee in 2017/2018. These riders took part in Wattbike UCI performance testing at Velokhaya, rode with the Dimension Data World Tour Team in Cape Town and in July this year two will compete in the HotChillee London-Paris, watch the Tour de France finish in Paris and race with Team Bäckstedt HotChillee in Europe. There are up to 100 places for young riders to race the 7.8km Cape Rouleur Young Rider ITT Prologue. Eight riders will be selected for the 2018/2019 programme from the U16 or Junior categories. U23 riders are welcome to race, however will not be eligible for programme selection. 2018/2019 riders will be monitored by UCI Wattbike performance tests, have the opportunity for one-on-one training support and guidance of Paris-Roubaix winner and British Cycling coach Magnus Bäckstedt as well as have the opportunity to compete with Team Backstedt HotChillee at events in SA and Europe. The programme will be supported by the PPA, CSA, Wattbike, Rainmaker, the Western Cape Government, Velokhaya and Lassen Sports. The Prologue will take place on Sunday 4th March from the Protea Hotel, Franschhoek. For more information visit www.hotchillee.com
Bring your life Somerset West Shop 6 The Hub, Somerset Triangle 021 8500 514 076 8783 832 vos@bikerack.co.za