ISSUE # 2
Dec. 2016 / Jan. 2017
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LIFESTYLE EVENTS
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TEAM ROADCOVER OUTGUNNED TEAMS AT CDC
Team RoadCover came with a plan. The strategy was to go hard from the gun. To win in style. By doing so they would be telling a side story.
Photo: Team RoadCover - Winners of Coronation Double Century
HISTORY OF BATTLES IN THE ATTAKWASKLOOF
Nic White and his RoadCover Cycling Team convincingly outgunned Alpha BodyWorks and Active Bodies to win one of the biggest team time trials in the world - the Coronation Double Century over 202-kilometres out of Swellendam, in a time of 4:42:23 (for 185km of racing) because of a compulsory neutral section in the route.
The Fairview Attakwas Extreme Mountain Bike Challenge marks the entry into its second decade of existence with UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) status as South Africa’s premier single day mountain bike marathon gains international recognition. But the ancient landscapes which set the scene for the race which has developed a reputation as the “Hell of the South”, remain unchanged and unyielding.
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Long before the tyres of mountain bikes first traversed the Attakwaskloof, the wheels of ox-wagons followed the footpaths of the Attaqua Khoi-Khoi and the Khoi San. Those first men to walk the wilderness of the Attakwaskloof surely followed the trails established by elephants and migrating herds of antelope, which crossed the Outeniqua Mountains from the interior to the fertile coastal plains where the grazing was more abundant. San rock art shows that the Attakwaskloof has a long history of conflict too.
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NEWS
New Environmental Management Programme Highlights Safe, and Environmentally Responsible Cycling
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EDITORIALS
SANParks, the Table Mountain Mountain Bike (TMMTB) Forum, the Pedal Power Association and SANBI have over the past year been revising the 2002 Mountain Biking Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). An inclusive stakeholder process was undertaken and a draft of the revised EMP was released for public comment in April 2016. The purpose of revising the EMP was to update the current programme, confirm existing cycling routes and propose additional routes. The new EMP also emphasizes safety - more eyes and ears on the trails. The EMP will also include an updated Code of Conduct which comprises cycling etiquette and compliance to ensure safe, friendly and environmentally responsible cycling in TMNP. TMNP and the Forum are now pleased to announce that the final revised EMP and a full list of the additional mountain biking routes are officially open and available for the public as of 1 December 2016. The additional “trail sharing” routes are now open to the public and introduces an exciting new aspect to recreational activities in the Park.
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Some guidelines include staying on dedicated routes, no littering and respecting wildlife. As before, the TMNP level 3 Activity Permit will be required to ride all biking trails in the Park. The permits are available at the SANParks Wildcard Offices in Tokai or at any Cape Town Tourism info centre. The additional biking trails have been identified at a number of different locations and include routes around the iconic Signal Hill and Lions Head, tracks above Camps Bay and the Newlands via Kirstenbosch and Cecilia Plantation transit route to Constantia Nek.
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Additional trails will also be available at Deer Park below Tafelberg Road, Groote Schuur Estate (ideal for family and recreational riders) and a Tokai to Silvermine linkage route.
PRINTED ISSUE # 1
November 2016
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Park Manager, Lesley-Ann Meyer, said the review was long overdue and that the Park has been working with the widely representative TMMTB Forum to produce a robust and practical EMP to guide and manage both mountain biking and road cycling in the Park into the future.
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DISCOVER THE JOY OF CYCLING IN THE WESTERN CAPE Cyclists live to experience Cape Town and the Western Cape where diverse tracks inspire adventure – explore the 5 regions in the Western Cape and City of Cape Town by bike! The Western Cape not only attracts locals, but many international visitors flock to Cape Town each year to enjoy its scenic mountains, rivers, beaches, vineyards, floral kingdom, nature reserves and many more. Although tourism is the major attraction of the province, cycling plays an important role in enticing cyclists with its with new cycling routes constantly being developed in and around the city. More than 2 000 kilometres of tarmac roads, single tracks, mountain trails, jeep and forest tracks throughout the 5 diverse regions in the Western Cape, each has its own uniqueness to suit every cyclist - from leisure cycling to the technical rider.
Ms. Meyer is encouraged by the identification of additional cycling routes to complement the existing network and she thanked the Forum and Park staff for the hard work in getting the new routes into the draft EMP for public comment.
Cape Town, heart of the Western Cape with unparalleled views of the Cape Peninsula, its many restaurants and coffee stops, and the unique urban vibe creates an unforgettable experience.
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Photo: Coronation Double Century - Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
TOUR DE FRANCE OFFICIAL EVENT TO HIT SA ROADS IN 2017 Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organizer of Le Tour de France, and Buyu Sport & Entertainment, the newly-formed event-ownership division of Octagon South Africa, announced an exclusive strategic partnership to bring Le Tour de France Official Events to South Africa. L’Etape South Africa by Le Tour de France, will come to the country in May 2017 and is a premier amateur road cycling event, held under the banner of the world’s most iconic cycling race, Le Tour de France. L’Etape du Tour (French for ‘a stage of the tour’) was established in 1993 by ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) to allow cyclists to experience a stage of Le Tour de France first-hand.
ASO has since extended the L’Etape concept internationally bringing the unique Tour de France experience to Australia, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and United Kingdom and from May 2017, South Africa. Sports and cycling fans will be immersed in the great atmosphere of Le Tour de France as L’Etape will be operated under professional race conditions and will replicate a stage of Le Tour de France. Up to 5,000 amateur cyclists will be invited to participate in the race with riders competing for the legendary Tour de France yellow, green, polka dot and white jerseys.
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2016/10/25 3:04:38 PM
DIGITAL
Taking you places!
Bucket list trip! Himalayas - Ledakh ABOUT THE TOUR
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A Bucket list trip to the Himalayas, Ledakh and Leh is, no ordinary holiday - but rather an expedition! This may well be the highest bike journey above sea-level in the world. Ten days of the route are above 4500m and an acclimatization period of at least 3 days are essential for this tour. The scenic beauty of this region is really something to remember. In the midst of open plains are blue lakes nestled between white glacial mountains. Over 90% of the population are Buddhists and a visit to the Taj Mahal is included in the package. Every MTB track, village, monastery, temple and palace that will be visited, leaves a lasting impression. Ledakh = little Tibet. Anybody who embarks on a trip to the Himalayas, should not only adjust themselves for the arrival into another country, but rather another world.
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How long is the Tour? Option of 14 or 23 Day Tours
WHEN does the tour take place? July & September
What’s included? + FLIGHTS + ACCOMMODATION
MOJOmtb 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. 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. Miriam Stronkhorst is well versed within the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the Northern Region’s Mountain Bike Trails of Southern Africa. Having mastered all of the most challenging events, as well as Stage Races offered on the MTB Calendar, Miriam is well known amongst SA’s MTB Community as one of our most competent MTB travel companions.
- Excludes alcoholic beverages - Optional Bike rentals available - T&C’s Apply
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MOJOmtb is in the business of creating unforgeable memories.
NEWS
Team RoadCover Outgunned Teams at CDC
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History of Battles
in the Attakwaskloof
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RoadCover, who featured imports Louis Meintjes (Lampre-Merida) and last weekend’s 94.7 Cycle Challenge winner, Brendon Davids, along with team regulars such as Willie Smit and Clint Hendricks rolled off the line in one of the world’s largest team time trials as favourites and put the hammer down early on. Conditions were perfect early on, cloudy and cool with a few fog patches through Buffeljagsrivier and up into Tradouw Pass, the first real test of the route.
Their art depicts scenes of great hunts and encounters with the first European visitors to the region. In later years the Boer War brought further conflict as the British built a string of block houses along the Outeniqua range to defend against incursions from the interior.
According to White, as important as the win was for his team and sponsors, so was the ‘story’ behind the make-up of the 12 for the day. “Generally the ‘CDC’ is a race where some of the top riders of the country are invited to race in composite teams. We decided to come as our own team and bring along some guest riders as well. We wanted to tell a story, past, present or future.”
It’s fitting then that the UCI status of the Fairview Attakwas Extreme Mountain Bike Challenge will once again attract a large European force into the Attakwaskloof.
Aside from the unique competitive nature of the racing element, the event is a favourite on the calendar among fun riders - for who it really caters. The spectacular scenery; camaraderie of finishing such a big endurance challenge; and carnival part atmosphere in town post event ensures this event continues to grow. Great cycling season for Louis Meintjes
One such block house remains near the summit of the Attakwas Pass, overlooking the wagon trail through the valley below.
Though this time the battle will be fought in a war of stamina and attrition, where attacks will be countered until one rider finally breaks the will of the defenders and rides off to victory. The age old question remains then, will local knowledge be able to trump foreign desire to conquer Africa?
It was a great to see Louis Meintjes (Lampre-Merida) joining Team RoadCover at the Coronation Double Century on 26 November 2016 as part of their team. “It’s always nice to come out and see the guys I started out with and just to be back in the South African racing vibe, it’s something I miss,” added Meintjes. Louis Meintjes made South African cycling history when he became the highest South African finisher in the General Classification (GC) at the 2016 Tour de France. The Lampre Merida rider finished the gruelling 21-day Tour in eighth place overall on the GC and was the second highest finisher in the Young Rider’s (White Jersey) Classification, only two minutes 16 seconds off Orica BikeExchange rider Adam Yates. Meintjes has been regarded for many years as one of South Africa’s best road cyclists with a big future ahead. He displayed commitment from a early age, took silver in the 2013 world under 23 road race championships, best young rider and fifth overall in the Giro del Trentino in 2014; won a stage plus the overall classification in the Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartali and placed tenth overall in the Vuelta a España in 2015. During the 2016 cycling season, he performed his best yet. Racing after a switch to Lampre-Merida, Meintjes finished ninth in the Critérium du Dauphiné, eighth in the Tour de France and seventh in the Olympic Games road race. Louis is still in South Africa until late January when he will most likely start his 2017 season at the Tour Down Under.
Photo Credit: Zoon Cronje
History both in terms of the Attakwaskloof and the Fairview Attakwas Extreme is not in favour of the local riders, it’s been five years since Matthys Beukes, the last South African rider to win the race. Who then will lead the defence for the locals? Will last year’s 3rd place finisher James Reid step up to the challenge? Or will one of the USN PureFit team of Darryn Lill and Waylon Woolcock look to lay down a challenge ahead of their Absa African Jersey defence at the Absa Cape Epic? Expect the true locals, Erik Kleinhans and Matthew Beers to lead the line as the battle for Fairview Attakwas Extreme Mountain Bike Challenge honours emerges from the historic Attakwaskloof and into the foothills of the Outeniqua where peace has long reigned but will surely be interrupted come 21 January 2017.
Swiss Legend Returns To Attempt 6th Cape Epic Title
Photo Credit: Christoph Sauser - Photo Credit: Ewald Sadie/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
The Absa Cape Epic’s joint most decorated champion, five times winner, Christoph Sauser is back. Returning after a year in retirement the Swiss star will once again be teaming up with Jaroslav Kulhavý, of the Czech Republic, in an attempt to win his sixth Cape Epic title. Sauser will be representing his songo.info charity and sponsor Investec Asset Management. He and Kulhavý will be racing as team Investec-songo-Specialized. The pair teamed up successfully before having won the Cape Epic in 2013 as Burry Stander-songo and in 2015 in the colours of Investec-songo-Specialized. Their bid for the Cape Epic title will be undertaken on Specialized S-Works Epic mountain bikes. For Sauser the challenge which drew him out of retirement is to once again stand on the top step of the Absa Cape Epic podium. In 2016 Sauser took up a coaching and mentoring role with the Specialized XCO Racing team, in addition to working with the Specialized engineers on product development. He offered his wealth of experience to mountain biking’s rising stars U23 World Champion Sam Gaze and multiple junior champion Simon Andreassen, as
well as to three-time Cape Epic winner and current XCO World Champion, Annika Langvad. But his famous competitive streak was not satisfied by sharing in the victories of his protégées and after a highly competitive showing alongside Gaze at the FNB Wines2Whales, Sauser is confident he can compete at the highest level. Sauser’s bid for a sixth Cape Epic title will be built on training blocks in Switzerland and from his second home in Stellenbosch, where he says he is looking forward to re-joining his old training group. He will also be racing extensively between now and March with the Fairview Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge, the Tankwa Trek, the BestMed Tour of Good Hope and the MTO Songo Champions Race all on his schedule. For mountain biking fans and Sauser alike the Attakwas Extreme and the Tankwa Trek will be key indicators of his progress, as both events are expecting to attract a world-class field, given their new UCI status. Along with Sauser’s perennial rival, Karl Platt, the events are likely to see the full Team Bulls roster and Alban Lakata’s Topeak Ergon team take part. Assisting Sauser by providing mechanical and pace making support will be the NAD Pro MTB team of Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck. Bell provided support for Sauser in both the 2014 and 2015 Cape Epics. For their part Sauser and Kulhavý are excited to have Bell and Combrinck in their corner again. As one of the Cape Epic’s official development charities, songo.info has been awarded two entries to the 2017 race and the rising stars of the songo.info programme are sure to challenge for the Exxaro development category. songo.info has a history of strong showings in the category with Sipho Madolo and Azukile Simayile winning it in 2014. Sauser is looking forward to the challenges ahead and will draw on the enthusiasm of the songo.info children to motivate himself through the long hours of training and racing which lie ahead. For as much as they are enthused to take up mountain biking by his performances he too is inspired by them. “It will be a huge inspiration for our kids again to be part of the build-up and cheering us on during the race,” he concluded.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ENTER NOW FOR L’ETAPE SOUTH AFRICA 2017
Beginning on the 2nd of April 2017, South Africa will join the nine other countries in hosting its own version of L’Étape du Tour in Midlands, KwaZulu Natal. Each May, L’Étape South Africa will provide the closest experience an amateur rider can get to competing in Le Tour de France. The challenging route will be endorsed by Le Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme, and will traverse a varied topography through the beautiful South African countryside. The event will be held under race conditions meaning, just like on Le Tour de France, the route is dedicated to the rider on fully-closed roads.
FIRST UCI RACE ON SNOW The Snow Bike Festival has received Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) accreditation (Stage Race Class 2) and therefore makes the event the very first UCI race that takes place on snow. Race directors Herman Coertze and Evert van Muyden are extremely pleased to make history in the biking world by hosting the very first UCI race on snow. The introduction of the Snow Bike Festival into the UCI calendar will not only ensure riders can collect valuable UCI points, but also guarantees a total prize money in excess of CHF 7’000.
L’Étape South Africa by Le Tour de France will provide a new, unique dimension to the South African cycling calendar not only in replicating L’Étape du Tour in format, look and feel but also in that the route and event location will change each year. L’Étape South Africa is firstly an immense sporting challenge, but it is also a tourist adventure that will enable you to ride and discover some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. Each edition of L’Étape South Africa will present participating cyclists with a new challenge to test their skills and will aim to entrench the event as the most demanding of all L’Étape events, after all the event is billed as “L’Étape. Le Tough!” The L’Etape South Africa event will be operated under professional race conditions where 5 000 amateur cyclists will be invited to participate in the race with riders competing for the legendary Tour de France yellow, green, polka dot and white jerseys. Participants can choose to enter as individuals or as teams. Teams for L'Étape South Africa will consist of six riders. Teams of more than six riders may enter the team competition however, only the first six riders’ times will be counted towards the Team Prize. For more information visit www.letapesouthafrica.com
TOUR DE FRANCE LEGENDS TO RIDE IN ABSA CAPE EPIC
The BMC Absa Racing Team has been considerably boosted by the news that two Tour de France legends, Cadel Evans and George Hincapie, will be riding for them in the 2017 Absa Cape Epic. Evans (40), from Australia, is the 2011 Tour de France winner while America’s Hincapie (43) is a 17-time Tour de France finisher. They will compete in the Masters category. “Ever since I first heard about the Absa Cape Epic, I have wanted to try it. But they tell me it’s very hard,” said Evans about the grueling 8-day mountain bike stage race which starts at Meerendal, Western Cape, on 19 March 2017.
Photo Credit: Snow Bike Festival
The 2017 Snow Bike Festival will take place in GSTAAD from 19 - 22 January 2017. The event will feature a 4-day Stage Race, an Eliminator Night Race, an EXPO and many other activities for both biking enthusiasts and the general public. GSTAAD in Switzerland with its picture perfect landscape, mountain peaks, deep valleys and abundance of snow, has been preparing and opening winter biking trails for MTB and Fat Bike enthusiasts, enhancing the current snow biking trend in Europe. The Stage Race will be held under International Cycling Union (UCI) MTB rules and is open to all biking enthusiasts, allowing riders to choose what kind of bike they want to compete with (Fat Bike, Mountain Bike or Plus Bike). What is Snow Biking? Fat Bikes, MTB’s and other bikes with wide tyres and good traction can be used as Snow Bikes. The introduction of the Fat Bike for cycling enthusiasts living or travelling to countries with snow was welcomed by riders. These bikes are usually equipped with 3.8 – 4.5 inch (9.7 – 11.4 cm) tyres and are ideal for riding in snowy conditions. Mountain Bikes with tyres up to 2.5 inches, good grip and run at low pressure to increase traction can also easily be ridden on snow. Recent bike tyre development led to the release of Pure Silica (a softer rubber compound), studded options and colour variations, all testimony to the growing Snow Bike market. For more information visit snowbikefestival.com
BRITISH OLYMPIC HERO
UP FOR TOUR OF GOOD HOPE CHALLENGE For someone who has conquered a myriad of challenges, British Olympic Games hero Dame Kelly Holmes feels a tremor of trepidation as she looks ahead to the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope cycling race in South Africa next year.
Photo: George Hincapie with Cadel Evans - Photo Credit: tdwsport.com photography
Evans, nicknamed ‘The Lung’, started his career as a mountain biker and won the World Cup in 1998 and 1999. He turned to road racing after placing 7th in the men’s cross-country mountain bike race at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. After two second-placed finishes in the Tour de France, Evans won the event in 2011. Hincapie is one of the most legendary riders in the world, with numerous world championships, national championships and professional victories to his credit. During his 19-year professional career Hincapie was regarded as the premier American classics rider of his generation. He competed in a record 17 Ronde van Vlaanderen races and finished second at the grueling Paris-Roubaix – the best ever for any American. Beyond the classics he rode in the Tour de France 17 times and won three US National Road Race championships. Asked why he had chosen to do the Absa Cape Epic, Hincapie laughed: “Cadel made me do it … and it looks like it’s going to be an amazing adventure.” Evans has been back on his mountain bike since retiring. Hincapie admits he has no experience racing mountain bikes. Neither have ever raced in a team event either. “Should I be worried?” Evans laughed. “It will be my first time in South Africa. That alone will be a great experience.” Hincapie has also never visited South Africa, but says it’s always been on his bucket list and that “to do it as a part of this team is very exciting”.
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The 46-year-old, who won two gold medals at the Athens Olympics in 2004, described herself as a cycling novice and admitted that she was just a tad nervous for the 515km (320-mile) examination that lay ahead. Holmes, who lives in Kent in south-east England, will be part of a team of eight British cyclists who will compete in the country’s flagship road tour among the Cape Winelands from 6 - 10 March 2017. The former middle-distance athlete, who has visited SA regularly since 1993 and has a holiday home in Stellenbosch, said she had heard about the Tour of Good Hope through her friend Alexis Barnes, a semi-pro rider. She decided to concentrate on cycling after running the London Marathon in April. Despite finishing in the impressive time of 3:11, she said she realised her running days were coming to an end. The British star retired from athletics in 2005 after winning both the 800m and 1 500m races in Athens, the same year in which she received a knighthood. Since then she has become heavily involved in charity work, setting up the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to assist children who are disadvantaged. She will use her trip to the Tour of Good Hope, which is presented by Scicon and the City of Drakenstein, to continue her fundraising efforts, while she also wants to take the chance to raise the profile of the cancer disease, myeloma. “My mother is suffering from the disease and we want to bring more awareness to those who are battling with it. We want to get the right treatment and the right drugs to the patients, so I want to do more work to raise that awareness,” said Holmes.
PASSIONATE ABOUT CYCLING
HELDERBERG CYCLE WORLD: 5 YEARS YOUNG WITH 21 YEAR PEDIGREE We’re proud of who we are today, 5 years after being the 1st store in the Western Cape, and 2nd in SA, to have taken the decision to go full-out as a Specialized Concept Store. And now we’re even younger, having just had our 1st face-lift completed a month ago. But with our youth we also carry the wisdom and experience of being in the business since 2002. So rest assured, you’re dealing with a bike shop who knows what it takes to stay in the business and keep the customers coming back for more! This translates into the following benefits for you: Our Workshop The best technicians in our workshop. The most junior technician has 9 years’ experience, the most senior has 23 years experience. The result: less comebacks, time and money wasted by our clients, therefore more riding time! Staff who is equipped to serve the customer with Skill and Knowledge about the World’s leading brand, called Specialized. The Team The owner and his wife: Petie and Anneke Viljoen, are both experienced cyclists, and understand the love for, and commitment to the wonderful world of cycling! Petie comes from a background of Mechanical Engineering. He completed a list of ABSA Cape Epics, W2W, Cross Country MTB races and road cycling events including the Argus and many Double Centuries. He’s always been involved in the organization of mountain bike races, and sponsor of teams. Ask around, everyone knows Petie!
Photo L - R: Jo Dobinson (ambassador), Petie Viljoen (owner), Anneke Viljoen, Hendrik de Kock (workshop manager), Enoch Erasmus (head technician), Chrispin Fourie (salesman and SA Track Sprint champion)
Love for Cycling We all started in a place where the Sport of Cycling was new and overwhelming. We know and appreciate the life and difficulties of a beginner, an unfit person, the executive, a mother, a teenager, an elderly person, and the importance and expectations of a pro rider. The Store All sales staff have the knowledge of the magnificent and game-breaking Specialized range of products. Money has been spent on them to empower them with cutting-edge product knowledge. That knowledge is always applied for your benefit. On top of that, they are passionate about the sport and the world’s best cycling brand by a mile! That translates into you buying the right product for your needs the 1st time – no time and money wasted on trying a lot different products, and not finding the one that’s right for you. An inventory that saves you time and effort. If a product is available, chances are very slim we don’t have it in stock.
Anneke has a Law background and also has a list of MTB and road events under the belt. She attained a few podium positions in recent MTB and Road cycling events such as: The Transkaroo, The Transcape, Hell&back and the Double Century with the winning team of Velocity.
Photo Middle: Chrispin Fourie using the Retul bike to find the ideal set-up for Johann
A Body Geometry Fit Studio, equipped with the best technology (Retul) and trained and experienced Body Geometry Fit staff. They will not rest until your bike fits you to the smallest possible detail – so you can get the most enjoyment out of your desired riding experience. We have a heart for people, we want to serve as best we can to help them enjoy a life-style that’s 2nd-to-none, and see how their lives are uplifted and changed by our efforts. That gives us satisfaction! Give us one good reason why Helderberg Cycle World shouldn’t be the shop to go to and to be at! Looking forward to serving you as our new customer! Knowledgeable Staff All our staff know exactly what you’re talking about. They also talk the language of cycling! The entire Sales Team are active cyclists, and have mountains of experience in mountain biking, road and track cycling.
Petie and Anneke Viljoen For more information visit Helderberg Cycle World at Shop 7, The Hub Centre Somerset Triangle or contact 021 850 0082 visit: www.helderbergcycleworld.co.za
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ROAD/MTB
“Stof en Teer” - Cycling Event With A Difference
There are many cycling events taking place in South Africa throughout the year - each with its own uniqueness. We came across an event in Oudtshoorn that has incorporated the road and mountain bike in a relay race. This race may be the only one of its kind on the South African cycling calendar.
Photo Credit: Cantadora Photography
The routes were challenging enough, but without making it to difficult for the weekend warrior. The roadies had just over 500m and the mountain bikers around 1 100m of climbing, enough to make racing interesting. Alfa Bodyworks Pro Cycling team came from Cape Town to compete and was pretty confident going into the race. Things went well for them in the road section and after an early break they managed to pull out a 5 minute gap on the “Vollies chasers”, when handing over. The Vollies chased hard and caught the Alpha Body Works Team on 30 km and stayed with them to the end. At the end it was a sprint finish with a tricky 900 turn just before the line and the Alfa Body Works Team managed to cross the line first. “Stof en Teer”, organized by Jakhals events from Oudtshoorn has a great concept going. Robert du Preez from Alfa Bodyworks Pro Cycling team said: “I thought this was a brilliant concept and was excited to be participating.” Jakhals Events is an events company from Oudtshoorn that has been organizing cycling events in the Eden area such as the Surval MTB challenge and the George Show MTB races and also organize some other local races. Next years race will take place on 28 November 2017.
The 2nd edition of this relay event took place on 5 November with a team of four riders, two riding the road bikes and the other two the mountain bikes, each covering a distance of 75 km and therefore called, “Stof en Teer”. The race started and finished at the Surval Botique Olive Estate, 5 km outside Oudtshoorn on the iconic route to the Cango Caves. It took the road riders to Calitzdorp and half way back to Karoo Boom where they handed over to their gravel partners. The mountain bikes headed straight towards the Swarberg Mountain and the beautiful Red Stone Hills and followed the foothills of the Swartberg Mountain range before heading back to Oudtshoorn through the “poort” to Lategansvlei and finishing at Surval Botique Olive Estate again. As with most of the races, the racing snakes were giving it their all to take the honours. The racing was hard up front with the two winning teams finishing the 151 km in 4:46:37, giving them an average speed of 31.6 km/h over the distance. The combination of road and MTB made it interesting as a few teams were overtaken in the MTB leg of the race.
Photo Credit: Cantadora Photography
Juniors Cyclists from Oudtshoorn Excel at 947 Cycle Challenge The Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge which took place in Johannesburg on 20 November will be remembered by Louis Visser and Jessica Gerber from Oudtshoorn as one of the last highlights in their junior cycling career.
After the event my Coach and mentor Barry Austin of LEADout tweeted the following: ”Taking the win in both the big ones, @CTCycleTour & 947Cycle today. Chapeau @louisvissie73” It was only then that I realized what I had achieved.
Louis won the junior men cycle challenge, while Jessica came second in the junior ladies’ category. Here are their race reports:
My cycling season as a junior came to an end with a highlight winning the junior 947 Cycle Challenge. It has been a great year of cycling for me. Jessica Gerber - I lined up for the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge with 7 Junior ladies racing together with veteran ladies 30+ which formed a racing group of about 40. The junior ladies that took part are the top juniors in South Africa road cycling of which three recently participated in the UCI Road World Cycling championships. The race started on a fast note and the riders juggled to obtain the best position in the bunch. I was very comfortable over the first climb which gave me a great deal of confidence. About 20km into the race on the Kyalami racetrack, one of the vet ladies made a break and I followed for about 5km. The bunch caught up with us, but was much smaller than we started with.
Photo Louis Visser (Middle) - Photo Credit: Jetline Action Photo
Louis Visser - The Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg was my last big race of the year and what a race it was! It was a very well organized event that took us through some interesting places in the city.
Through the halfway mark we got caught by the veteran men’s racing bunch. The pace was higher and the bunch bigger. I had to stick to my opponents with much more concentration and focus to keep up with all the changing elements. It was stressful to stay with the bunch on the down hills and steep decent and sharp corners. After about 60km into the race we were only two junior ladies with a few vets ladies remaining in the bunch.
The race started off fairly slow and nothing really happened until about 10 km into the race. There were guys trying their luck with a breakaway, but most of them got caught before it could even be called a breakaway. There were a lot of crashes all over, but it was mostly caused by nerves or a lack of concentration. The break finally got a gap and nobody was doing any chasing as the two main teams had a rider in the break. There were no real big climbs, only a lot of power climbs, with the last one ending 6 km before the finish line - splitting the whole bunch into pieces! I just kept in the middle of the first group and gave it my all until I crossed the finish line. To my surprise, I finished 13th place overall, and first in the junior category. I have competed in Johannesburg only once before at a track event, but this was my first road race in the city of Joburg. I always enjoy racing on a circuit that is closed to traffic - it makes racing much more fun without being concerned about safety. Racing at altitude is a challenge for any athlete coming from the coastal areas, but the fact that I arrived in Joburg the Wednesday before the race, may have helped me a lot as I was well rested and acclimatized for the race. Winning this race as a junior is a definite highlight in my cycling career, as the 947 Cycle Challenge is the second largest road race in South Africa - with 201 juniors who competed in this event.
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Photo Jessica Gerber (Third from Left) - Photo Credit: Jetline Action Photo
With the end nearing fast and with no mechanicals, we were sure of a top 3 placing on the podium with only two serous climbs remaining. On the fist climb I could feel my legs taking a bit of strain, but I dragged myself over the top. On the final climb towards the finish line I was dropped from the bunch and found myself in no mans land - I pushed myself up the hill and I crossed the finished line in a time of 02h50min with a proud second place. I can surely say that I have come a long way since the beginning of the season. With a great training partner, Louis Visser and surely the best coach in the world, Barry Austin, I made a success of my last race as an Junior lady for 2016. Next year I will start as a first year Elite woman and I am very exited to race against some of the top elite lady cyclist’s in South Africa - to gain the best experience.
HEALTH, WEALTH & WELLNESS
HEALTH= WEALTH - WHAT HEALTHCARE CHOICES ARE YOU MAKING FOR 2017? The Whasp Sport Nutrition philosophy is to build a trusted health and sport nutrition brand, providing quality formulated products and expanding awareness of health in general to all walks of life, inspiring more to adopt a healthy lifestyle. We have taken a stance against common sugars and have excluded it from all our formulations and make use of patented ingredients to ensure products of the highest quality. Whasp Sport Nutrition AminoCarb XP
The holiday season is approaching and also the time where you need to choose next year’s medical aid plan. Some of us will be downgrading, while for others, an upgrade is on the cards.
AminoCarb XP is scientifically formulated that allows rapid delivery fluid to the tissue, provides an adequate carbohydrate source for use during endurance exercise. - No added common sugars been use in formulation. - High energy and prevent the blood sugar to jump. - Provides an optimum level of electrolytes and is palatable and refreshing during exercise. - Each Serving of 35g - 30g High source of Carbohydrates - 1000mg of Peptan® Protein per Serving - 1000mg L-Glutamine per Serving - Hydration Stack that replaces valuable sweat lost during exercise.
At Rockfin Wealth Management we are ready and able to give you wholesome, unbiased advice on medical aid plans and what you should take into consideration for yourself and your loved ones.
Whasp Sport Nutrition Recoup + ProAmino Recovery Recovery is actually more important that the exercise itself. To maximize your Recovery your body’s Metabolic state needs to be Shifted from Catabolic to Anabolic. Pro Amino supplies the right combination of nutrients at the right time to promote maximum energy, recovery and growth. There is a 45min window period that is essential. If you do not consume valuable nutrients easily digested during that period, damage could occur, which delays the recovery process. ProAmino Recovery - The ratio of Protein to Carbohydrates is 1:1 due to the interactive effect carbohydrates have with amino acids in building muscle mass. The combination of BCAA’s, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fat and other specialised nutrients like Co-Enzyme Q10 makes this supplement an ideal recovery drink. Co-Enzyme Q10 helps convert food into energy, improve Endurance and is a very strong antioxidant being active in the energy production of cells. The “Timing Regime” applying scientific facts to nutrition and practical application is essential. “Your Next Best Performance as Good as your Previous Recovery” Recoup - Specially formulated to enhance the recovery process. L-GLUTAMINE: 5200mg – Repair Muscle, Prevent Muscle break down and help muscle building. TAURINE: 1500mg – A building block of all the other Amino Acids. Oral administration of Taurine increases the ability of physical endurance. GABA: 2000mg – Accelerator Powerful Amino Acid is actually classified as a Neuro-transmitter to increase fat loss and promote muscle growth which leads to an increase in energy. BIOPERINE: 5mg – Absorber Enhances bio-availability and increases absorption. “Our Products are Justified by Results”
The media has been vocal about substantial medical aid increases, and this has no doubt got many of you rather worried. However, we need to put this into perspective as substantial increases are applicable only to certain plans within the various medical aid schemes, while on others the increase is much smaller.
Some of the questions you should be asking yourself:
- Do you or any of your dependants use chronic medication? - Do you want cover for day-to-day expenses? (eg. GPs, Dentists, X-rays) - Are you prepared to pay less but use a network of hospitals and doctors? - Would you like in-hospital cover of 100% / 200% / 300%? - Did you spend too much on a medical aid which was never fully used? - Did you spend too little on a medical aid resulting in having to make co-payments for procedures or running out of savings early in the year? Benefits to consider: - Trauma Recovery Benefits - Plans that offer unlimited GP Visits with a small co-payment (ask us about this) - Screening and Prevention Benefits - Diabetes Management Programs - Oncology Programs The importance of Gap Cover has never been more prevalent. Medical Schemes are certain to restrict payments even more in future, leaving you as the member with large shortfalls. Gapwise is there for all your potential shortfalls – see more at www.gapwise.co.za We would be happy to discuss your health care needs with you on a personal level, to see what can be done to maximise the cost effectiveness and relevancy of your family’s health cover portfolio. Please feel free to call us on 087 135 4107 (during business hours, Monday to Friday 8 to 5) We look forward to being of service and wish all readers a happy holidays - be safe out there!
Pierre du Plooy – Brand Owner of Whasp Sport Nutrition
Mike Eslick – Brand owner of Rockfin Wealth Management
Tel: 083 334 1935 • info@whasp.co.za • www.whasp.co.za
Tel: 087 135 4107 • info@rockfin.co.za • www.rockfin.co.za
PAGE 7
MTB STORIES
Riaan Manser bidding for Amabubesi status at Cape Epic 2017 Riaan Manser is about as adventurous as you get: his bearded features first became familiar to South Africans as they watched from afar while he rode a bicycle around Africa, circumnavigated Madagascar and Iceland by kayak. In 2014 he took to a tiny boat with then fiancé Vasti Geldenhuys and they rowed across the massive Atlantic Ocean from Morocco to New York. After they got married earlier this year they crossed the treacherous section of the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii by rowboat. Most of us would need a long period of rest after just reading about those expeditions. But the Manser/Geldenhuys axis is not like most of us: they are already training to take on the rugged Absa Cape Epic together for the third time in March 2017. Riaan will be bidding for his Amabubesi – “pride of lions” – status for finishing all three, but Vasti had to pull out during the event in 2016 after falling and breaking a bone in her hip. In spite of her setback, Vasti will be on the starting line alongside Riaan in 2017. What is it about the Epic that keeps him coming back? “It means I can have a super challenging week but still be ‘home’. The mountain bike community is a relaxed, determined and competitive one, which we enjoy socialising with. We have had some incredible days in awesome, wild African countryside with incredible company,” Riaan says. Is Riaan looking forward to becoming an Amabubesi rider? “Very much so. Apart from the pride of completing three Epics, the memories we have made over these years have been awesome.” Vasti believes though that their experiences at sea have been good preparation for a team race like the Cape Epic: “Obviously spending days, weeks, months together in a small space does prepare you for any team race. We hopefully ironed out all our grievances with each other,” she laughs.
Photo Credit: Mark Sampson
What are their objectives for the race? “I cycle because it keeps me in shape,” responds Vasti. “Riaan and I train each year for the Epic, but do not do many MTB races in the rest of the calendar year. For me, I would like to finish the race with Riaan. Even if it is as team 600, I’ll be proud.” “We have started training three months earlier than we did on our previous two Cape Epics. With a few extra months of preparation we should be in a better condition come start day. Vasti and I agreed beforehand that our primary goal is to get our medals, but obviously we would like to spend less time out in the field this time round.”
Bennie Reynders - Untold Adventure of W2W 2016 After forty years of international paddling, which included one Olympic Games and 3 World Sprint Championships, I was convinced by a life-long friend that cycling would be an ideal and logic substitute for my need to still get some form of adrenalin rush without the need to be competitive, should I retire from canoeing. As I have previously competed in canoe triathlons it gave me some exposure to cycling and made the transition into mountain biking easier. Andries Schaap, my lifelong friend of forty five years, accompanied me on this new journey. Andries has completed all eight Wines2WhalesMTB races and this was my sixth one. One of the advantages of not being highly competitive is that one do not care whether you start in Batch A or in Batch K, and whether you end up first or six hundredth. The enjoyment, nature and company is paramount. Unfortunately one of the reasons why I am normally reduced to the middle or the back of the pack, is the fact that my “bum” is very close to my back wheel, and to get 105 kilograms of quivering passion uphill, is no easy feat.
Photo Credit: Jetline Action Photo
The next advantage of being a backmarker is the fact that we are not hard on our equipment. We tend to choose our lines more carefully and decent a lot slower that the racing snakes at the front.
He then asked the neighbour, who’s house was situated barely twenty meters away if he could borrow her husband’s pliers. She was more than willing, but was not prepared to walk fifteen meters. After the exchanging of phrases well known in their community, Emos was compelled to fetch the pliers himself. On his way back the exchange of verbal insults about his neighbour’s laziness continued and I could only but listen in awe at the ease with which they were going at each other. The wire was obviously not on its own going to do the trick, and I started looking for some support structures in the form of pieces of metal. I found a six inch nail, sticking out of a wooden board, in an attempt to fix the broken stay (rear triangle). It soon became apparent that I was going to need more nails, but nothing could be found. This however did not deter Emos, as he simply removed one of the nails from his house’s wooden floor. I then left the village hoping that I could get to the mechanical point, but my hopes were dashed within 3km as the other stay also broke. Fortunately I had the foresight to stock up with a few pieces of wire before I left Emos, and I made use of these pieces to fix the other stay and then started to run to the next water point. On the down-hills I got onto the bicycle and free wheeled down as far as possible - now fully comprehending the meaning of Erica Green’s words: “There is not a lot of free miles today”. I got to the next mechanical point and with the assistance of eager bystanders, wired and cable-tied the bike together. Keeping the bike in granny gear, I managed to ride most of the way stopping only to run over the A-frames and or up steep climbs, as I could not put any pressure on the pedals.
I believe it is for this reason, apart from a few flat tyres, a broken chain and a few broken spokes, that we have never encountered serious mechanical trouble in the races we did together, which included 3 Cape Epics. The first day of racing the 2016 Wines2Whales started off very well, but it was hard. The “play day” or second day dawn upon us and with no serious hills to climb, I was looking forward to an enjoyable day in the saddle. I was not even faced by the fact that Erica Green kept on mentioning the fact that there is not really any “free miles” on the day. My fun day however came to an abrupt end at about 5km before the last water point. I heard a funny noise when trying to shift gears. The bicycle also suddenly felt unsteady, compelling me to stop. After inspecting my equipment, I noticed that the bottom stay of the rear triangle was broken. Although a lot of the cyclists offered assistance while passing by, the damage of this nature could only be fixed with serious expert intervention. At this stage a coloured man named Emos, armed with 2 litre of “Tassies” caught up with us. After also inspecting the damage, he suggested that I accompany him to his house where we might be able to find suitable tools and material to solve this problem. I then accompanied Emos to his house which was situated in a small community consisting of about ten wooden houses. My broken bicycle soon became the main attraction and it was not long before we were surrounded by “experts” eagerly giving their input. Emos managed to find some wire, but apparently one of his neighbours borrowed his pliers.
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After 7 hours 39 minutes and 17 seconds I arrived at the finish line on day two experiencing the warmth and compassion of people who love the sport. The commentators, Erica and Paul left no stone unturned in helping me to find a loan bike for day three, and Shaun Peters came to my rescue and offered me his bike. I believe that with the help of my fellow MTB riders along the way Erica, Paul and Shaun, I turned into an avid MTB rider - even if I was destined to finish towards the end of the pack. I also hope that my setback will not influence my seeding for next year’s event and that the fact that I have “hurt” the sweeps on day 2 will at least keep me from being demoted to the last batch in 2017. Article by Bennie Reynders
CYCLING TOURS
Cycle Tours in Cyprus
experiencing the charm and beauty of racing in The Med A growing number of cyclists are wanting to expand their horizons and experience cycle tours & races in other countries – and Cyprus, an ex-British colony, full member of the EU and not part of Greece, has not only a variety of tours / challenges available, but offers the perfect weather for cycling. The island is located in the Eastern part of The Med and the climate offers a wonderful combination of sea, beaches and mountains plus all of the exciting challenges that are a must in any avid cyclist’s diary.
There are a number of other reasons why Cyprus is so appealing 1. No language barrier: Cyprus is an ex-British colony, so everyone speaks English. The road signs are in English, your telephone accounts and municipality rates accounts are in English; and you feel right at home. 2. Strong economy: Cyprus’ economy is booming with increased foreign investment pouring into the country. They are on a massive infrastructural drive building new marinas, a casino and new golf courses. And Paphos (the province on the West of the island similar to the Western Cape) is The Capital of Culture for 2017. They are expecting more than 1,6Million additional tourists coming to Paphos alone next year. 3. Politically stable: Cyprus is a democratically elected government and has a president with a zero tolerance on bribery and corruption. 4. Incredible lifestyle: You have every modern convenience coupled with incredible outdoor living, a plethora of outdoor activities and loads to do. Being on the cusp of The Med means travelling across to Europe and the UK quick and cheap. 5. Culture like RSA: With gorgeous outdoor walks, nature reserves, golf estates and open spaces – you will feel right at home. There are plenty of expats who have moved to Cyprus to make it their new home. 6. Very advantageous tax benefits:
Having one of the mildest climates in Europe, temperatures in Cyprus range between 15°C and 25°C between October and April; and the strong headwinds that are an irritation to cyclists are rare here. Cyprus combines attractive beaches with pine-clad peaks, busy modern cities and tranquil old stone villages, vineyards and olive groves and ancient ruins. The short distances mean that there are rapid changes of terrain and a variety of different road surfaces over short distances. What’s coming up in 2017
a. NO inheritance tax (death tax)! b. NO capital gains tax on any property purchased by 31 Dec 2016! c. Very low personal tax: the first €19,500 of your worldwide income (including pension income) is exempt from personal tax. d. Very low municipal rates: it is 75% cheaper than South Africa. 7. English-speaking universities: On offer is a Medical School faculty (from Oxford University), a variety of post and undergrad degrees; and a host of colleges. You can secure your child’s future by educating them in Cyprus!
Cyprus Sunshine Cup: 23 - 26 Feb This is one of the most famous Mountain bike challenges in the UCI calendar and takes places over 4 days. Volkswagen Cyprus Cycling Tour 24 - 25 March There are three stages for the 3 days tour; and the total distance is 247.4 kms, of which 191 km is timed. Paphos Triathlon: 23 April 2017 The swimming distance is 1,5km; the cycle lap is 20km (the sprint distance is 1 lap and the Olympic distance is 2 laps); and the running distance 2,5km (sprint distances is 2 laps and Olympic distance is 4 laps). YOUR PLAN B IN CYPRUS Not only does Cyprus offer a plethora of outdoor activities, but currently has THE BEST permanent residency programme on offer where THREE generations of the same family all secure permanent residency FOR LIFE through the purchase of a single property! This means that the main applicant, the spouse, all dependent children up to the age of 25, PLUS both the parents & the parents-in-law each secure permanent residency permits FOR LIFE by buying one property. No other country in Europe offers this! LOGO
Cyprus represents an excellent Plan B investment destination and the property prices are affordable. The choice of where to buy is very personal and the type of property depends on your lifestyle requirements, budget and long term plans. With an impressive portfolio of over 330 completed projects, every style and location of property is available from seafront and hillside villas to beachfront apartments and townhouse complexes. We will find you your ideal home! Cypriot Realty is a pioneer in actively and consistently promoting the property opportunities primarily in Cyprus. They have successful been doing this from their Cape Town and Sandton offices since 2008. As a result, the company is recognised and respected as Southern Africa’s authoritative investment specialists for promoting Cyprus as an ideal destination for acquiring permanent residency/ citizenship, property investment & immigration/retirement.
Jenny Ellinas Founder of Cypriot Realty
Contact us for a confidential meeting to discuss how Europe can fit in with your family’s plans – we will assist and guide you every step of the way to realise Your Plan B.
And their 2nd citizenship through investment programme is acknowledged as the best on offer because it is the quickest programme in Europe (passports are issued in 3 months); and dependent children up to the age of 28 also qualify! In Cyprus, not only is there no inheritance tax applicable, but the cost of living and the property ownership costs are a fraction of what we pay in South Africa. Being voted THE SAFEST country in the world with a population of under 5Million investing in Cyprus is a good option.
c ypriot y pr iot
Realty
YOUR KEY TO LIVING IN BEAUTIFUL CYPRUS
For more information contact Jenny Ellinas on +27 83 448 8734 email: jenny@cypriotrealty.com Visit www.cypriotrealty.com
PAGE 9
DEVELOPMENT
First Bicycle Assembly
Development Rider Programme
Facility In Western Cape
To Support Young Riders In Europe & SA
Nederburg, the exclusive premium wine partner of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, is working closely together with the non-profit organisation Qhubeka to establish their first bicycle assembly facility in the Western Cape, endorsed by the Western Cape Government.
At the Team Dimension Data training camp former professional cyclist Magnus Bäckstedt and global cycling events company HotChillee hosted a young rider summit to share details of their partnership for 2017 and beyond.
The facility was launched at a recent event held at Nederburg in Paarl, during the Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka’s training camp in Cape Town. Mr Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, addressed the audience at the event, and highlighted the province’s commitment to cycling as a sport to stimulate economic growth in the region.
Team Bäckstedt HotChillee will merge the current Bäckstedt Cycling programme running in the UK with the HotChillee Development Rider Programme in SA with the aim of fostering young cycling talent in Europe and South Africa and creating a pathway into the pro peloton.
The Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka pro-cycling team, affectionately known as “Africa’s Team”, peddle for a cause. They raise funds and awareness for Qhubeka (which means “to progress”), the organisation that mobilises for socio-economic progress by distributing bicycles to needy South Africans in exchange for work done to improve the environment, community or academic results. Bikes let riders carry more books, more goods for sale, and more medicines and other supplies they can distribute amongst communities. Since its inception in 2005, Qhubeka has distributed bicycles to over 70 000 deserving South Africans.
Paris-Roubaix winner Magnus Bäckstedt set up Bäckstedt Cycling in 2015 to provide an avenue for young cyclists to reach their full potential on the track and road. In year one the programme has already seen impressive results with three British national titles, medals on the track and races being won on the road in Belgium and Sweden.
Photo: Richard M. Rushton MD Distell
Qhubeka has an existing bicycle assembly facility located in the North West province of South Africa. The facility at the Nederburg winery in Paarl is the first in the Western Cape, and is expected to be in full operation by early February 2017. Eight women from the Paarl East community, which surrounds Nederburg, will be selected to work in and manage the facility. They will receive full training in assembling the bicycles. The majority of the bicycle parts, complying with Qhubeka’s specifications, are all of the highest quality and imported from the United States (US) and Asia, with some components made by manufacturers in South Africa.
The HotChillee Development Rider Programme has been running for five years as a platform for young South African cyclists to make the difficult transition to the pro peloton with funding provided from international partners Wattbike and Oryx Stainless and the Western Cape Government. With mentoring from the Tour de France legend Stephen Roche and Team GB’s Ben Swift, the riders have achieved great success. Two young cyclists Nicholas Dlamini and Shameeg Salie have already joined the Dimension Data Continental Team. Team Bäckstedt HotChillee will focus on identifying talent and providing opportunities for young riders through a combination of coaching, mentoring, performance testing and racing with the support of Velokhaya Cycling Academy, Cape Town Giants and others.
The facility at Nederburg will have the capacity to assemble a minimum of 5 000 robust, purpose-built bicycles, as per prescribed quality levels, per year. The women employed at the facility will each not only receive a bicycle to give them the freedom to move around, but will also be financially remunerated. “As a socially responsible entity, Nederburg is very focused on creating programmes where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” says Dè-Mari Shaw, Nederburg’s global general manager. “The aim is to give back to communities as an investment in the future; in much the same way as Nederburg, in its own capacity, is upskilling talented South African wine-growers and winemakers.” “With so many lives to be changed, we encourage individuals to engage and participate in helping to make a difference to South African lives. Nederburg will be sharing the stories of those who benefit from receiving bicycles.” Shaw concludes.
Photos Courtesy: Nick Muzik
Providing Possibilities For Young People Beyond The Bike It soon became apparent though that there was so much more which needed to be done to improve the lives of the children in the programme. In 2014 the songo. info clubhouse was opened and afterschool homework classes were implemented. Under the guidance of songo.info trustee and retired educator Eunice Myataza the children are assisted with their homework for an hour, Mondays to Thursdays, before they are allowed to head outside and ride the BMXs or mountain bikes. Homework sessions alone though are not enough to address the shortfalls in the education of the youth of Kaymandi and this is where the generous support of the MTO Group has been making a significant impact since March 2016.
Photo: Liz Ward Teaching At The Songo.info Club House Photo Credit: Etienne Van Rensburg | Songo.info.
With MTO’s support songo.info was able to bring Liz Ward on board to head up the education programme and implement, with the support of the rest of the team, a number of exciting initiatives. One of the most promising of these being the Reading Eggs programme, this interactive, online, programme teaches children to read in an engaging and entertaining manner.
The MTO Group has become synonymous to mountain bikers with fantastic trails; from Jonkershoek to Tsitsikamma many of the Western Cape’s most beloved mountain bike routes weave their way through MTO plantations. For the Kayamandi based charity, songo.info, though the MTO Group provides far more than a mountain biker’s playground – by supporting the charity’s education initiatives the MTO Group is providing possibilities for young people beyond the bike.
With the assistance of the MTO Group songo.info has been able to implement other initiatives too, including fortnightly and holiday extra mathematics sessions; a tertiary education programme; a life-skills development programme; holiday activity plans; and educational outings which help foster a love of learning. Plans are also being put in place to create a tertiary scholars intern programme which will see students from Stellenbosch University volunteer as tutors to children in the songo. info programme.
Founded in 2008 by Songo Fipaza and Swiss mountain biking legend Christoph Sauser, the aim of songo.info was initially to provide a safe space for the children of Kayamandi to play and introduce them to BMX riding and mountain biking.
It is songo.info’s ultimate aim to provide a holistic support structure for the children within the programme, and in so doing help them reach their full potential as individuals.
PAGE 10
#BICYCLESCHANGELIVES
KYLEMORE LEARNERS TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR NEW BICYCLES These learners and staff members are part of a Qhubeka project called SHIFT Education, run in partnership with Wildlands Conservation Trust. Other parties involved include the Stellenbosch Municipality, the Western Cape Department of Transport and local bicycle shop, BMT, which has been providing safety and maintenance support. The bicycles distributed have been funded through the Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka campaign, #BicyclesChangeLives, which aimed to raise funding for 5 000 Qhubeka bicycles in 2015, and again in 2016. The team’s sponsors have also assisted in contributing towards this target. To date, 10 500 bicycles have been funded through the #BicyclesChangeLives campaign since its launch for distribution into work-to-earn Qhubeka projects around South Africa and in Eritrea. The Kylemore SHIFT Education project aims to connect learners with bicycles, thereby helping them to access school, the library, shops, health clinics and opportunities more easily. Within the community, 253 learners have already received bicycles and a bicycle mechanic is currently being identified for training and accreditation, with the aim of helping learners to maintain their bicycles well into the future. Qhubeka hopes to entrench a cycling culture into the community, where bicycles have previously been scarce. Qhubeka and Wildlands have partnered successfully for many years around tree-growing initiatives, whereby people (known as “Tree-preneurs”) grow indigenous tree seedlings to barter for bicycles or other items.
Qhubeka uses bicycles to connect families to schools, clinics and jobs Qhubeka helps move people and communities forward by connecting them with bicycles. Through your support, Qhubeka uses bicycles to connect families to schools, clinics and jobs. Communities with limited transport have restricted options, but bicycles are tools of change. With access to wheels comes a connection to opportunities.
The Kylemore SHIFT Education programme sees this partnership extending into schools, with learners also committing to improved attendance.
That’s why Qhubeka’s name is an Nguni word that means “to progress”, “to move forward” – because bicycles help people to travel faster, further, carry more, be fitter and access more options, including healthcare and educational facilities. Bicycles also save people money they would have had to spend on other forms of transport.
Tyler Farrar, one of the riders at Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, says that the bicycle distribution is a unique experience. “It is a chance for us all to see the result of the charity’s work and to put everything we talk about into action,” he says.
From keeping children in school to helping whole communities to create new economic opportunities, bicycles are a simple, affordable and sustainable solution to some of Africa’s most pressing social problems.
Well known South African rider Reinardt Janse van Rensburg at Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka adds, “We don’t get the chance to do bike handovers ourselves very often due to our season’s schedules, so to do a distribution with the full team and to see what impact Qhubeka’s work has in the communities is a special experience.”
What began as a project to help a few schoolchildren who had no transport to school has evolved into a model to provide simple, affordable transport to connect communities to schools, clinics and jobs. For more information visit www.qhubeka.org
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
BRANSON UNVEILS‘ONE OF THE BEST HEALTH CLUBS IN THE WORLD’ Founder of the Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson describes the new luxury Virgin Active Collection health club in the Silo District of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront as “one of the best in the world”. Branson launched the luxury health club on the 31st of October with a characteristic flourish and an introduction to Suspension Yoga. The 3912m² space, which is being submitted for an interior four-star Green Star SA rating, opened its doors on the 5th of November 2016. It’s the first of its kind in Cape Town and is situated right next to the eagerly-awaited Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Virgin Active Brand Director Richard Lamb-Hughes believes the Silo District club “delivers a form of luxury which is the product of immense dedication to detail and allowing the design to be informed by the superb surroundings”. The Silo District club has a 20m lap pool and high performance training facilities, including the latest Technogym Artis’ coveted collection of cardio and strength equipment, and a bank of Wattbikes described as the most intelligent exercise bikes in the world. It also offers dedicated Pilates, Mind Body & Suspension Yoga studios for that beyond boutique experience. The spaces for what Lamb-Hughes calls ‘relaxification’ include spa pools, steam rooms and saunas; luxurious his & hers changing rooms; rain, sensation and power showers; a Kohu Café & Wine Bar
serving fresh nutrient-rich foods; a shoeshine service; a FoxBox Finishing Bar and Groom Den providing men’s and women’s grooming services. The club has a fully equipped business suite, which will fulfill the needs of budding entrepreneurs and busy executives with services on tap; Mac work stations, wireless printing, unlimited wi-fi and lockers with convenient charging plugs. A Health Suite of wellness experts is on hand with Biokineticists, Physiotherapists and Personal Trainers. Membership includes international reciprocity with access to Virgin Active Collection clubs worldwide.
BUCHU BOOSTS THE BIKING LIFESTYLE BEYOND BELIEF Summer’s here and of course, we can’t wait for those long, care-free, sunny days to indulge in our passion of road cycling and mountain biking. An active and biking lifestyle offers a multitude of benefits however, this does at times predispose us to strains and injuries. Be prepared by arming yourself with the knowledge and ideal products to get you back on track in the event of a setback. Using Buchu will boost your biking lifestyle beyond belief. Never under estimate the sun – Buchu Gel is an incredible after sun product that provides immediate relief with fast results if you have over exposed yourself to the sun and are suffering from sunburn after a ride. Dehydration, one of the most common results of sun exposure is easily prevented by drinking plenty of fluids often throughout your biking session. Try Buchulife Herbal Water for the added health benefit of Buchu. In addition to hydrating your body, it contains a host of bioflavonoids and antioxidants which boosts wellbeing and endurance. Properly support joints and muscles – When participating in your favourite sport of biking, make sure that you don’t overdo it and allow for muscle recovery. Muscle strain from exercise and over exertion can be painful. Buchu Gel and Buchu Capsules used as a combined defence are incredibly effective in the quest to speed up muscle recovery and sooth muscle and joint pain. The natural anti-inflammatory action of Buchu prevents the onset of inflammation and speeds up the recovery time in case of an injury.
Forget ticks & Inset Bites – Yes, summer is amazing, but it brings along the presence of mosquitos and other biting insects. Irritating stings and bites need to be treated effectively as scratching can lead to infections. It’s a good idea to invest in safe, natural insect repellents. In fact, Buchu is an incredible repellent against ticks. Ticks are a huge concern for mountain bikers as they often attach themselves to riders as they brush past vegetation along the paths of mountain biking trails. By applying Buchu Gel before a ride you are less likely to attract these unwanted guests. If any insects do bite or sting you, Buchu Gel is also an excellent treatment as its antibacterial action prevents infection while its natural antihistamine action relieves itching instantly. Treat grazes, scratches and other wounds – Don’t get so caught up in the fun that you don’t pay attention to the inevitable injuries that come with cycling. Falls can break both your momentum and the skin. However slight the graze or wound, it needs to be properly looked after. The first highly important step is to stop the blood, if there is any, and after that to thoroughly clean the wound or skin graze. The antibacterial properties of Buchu Gel help to protect the wound and support healing. Here’s the perfect biking lifestyle solution: Be prepared to cope with injuries and ailments by ensuring you have a multi-purpose topical treatment such as BuchuLife First Aid Gel handy. Infused with the anti-septic, anti-fungal, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties of the indigenous Buchu plant, BuchuLife First Aid Gel can be used to effectively treat burns, insect bites, skin rashes, and open wounds, soothe sunburn instantly, reduce muscle and joint inflammation, as well as bring instant relief to itching, thanks to its natural antihistamine properties. It has no harmful side-effects and is safe for use on babies and children. For more information visit www.buchulife.com
MINDFULNESS TRAINING TEACHES YOU TO STAY IN THE MOMENT & FOCUS Whether you’re a professional cyclist or a weekend warrior, incorporating Mindfulness into your training program will help you develop the ability to stay focussed on the present moment as well as strengthen your mind-body connection.
A certain degree of stress is normal, but for you to perform at your best you need to find a way to moderate that stress and to withstand internal and external distractions like fear and a loud crowd. Mindfulness training teaches you to stay in the moment and focus on the task at hand. It also reveals how quickly your mind wonders away from the task – this reflects directly on your sports performance. It helps us to focus internally. We experience a heightened sense of awareness of our bodies. This allows us to pick up on physiological changes, like tense muscles easier, and gives us the opportunity to make adjustments accordingly before it influences your performance. In Mindfulness practice breathing takes centre stage. Start with 2 to 3 minute a day. Focus on the sensation of your breath as it moves in and out of your body. If your mind wonders, gently guide it back to your breath. It’s about the awareness of the breath and not the breath itself. Your breath becomes a tool that anchors you in the present moment.
Mindfulness is a disciplined practice that helps train the part of the brain that creates an alert and calm state of mind, which helps us to stay focussed on the present moment. It teaches you how to avoid distraction and how to perform at your best. It is natural for any athlete to experience a heightened sense of awareness in a competitive situation. But the question is: Are you able to stay connected to the present moment, despite your racing heart and butterflies in your stomach? Or do you allow your mind to fill with thoughts of previous failures or worries about the outcome of the race? These thoughts create a stress response that makes it difficult for us to use the part of the brain that connects us to the present moment. We are unable to make good decisions, solve problems and stay composed, which makes us more prone to mistakes.
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Staying present while cycling not only makes you more aware of what is happening within you, but also gives you a better awareness of your surroundings, which ultimately leads to an all-round better ride. Article by Annelize Taljaard (Psychologist) For more information Contact Annelize Taljaard on 076 371 3163 | Natasha Theron on 083 656 3770 or email: natasha@transformalife.co.za or visit www.transformalife.co.za
massage • exercise • nutrition
LIFESTYLE
Debunking The Many Myths of Bicycle Insurance Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular pastime across South Africa, with more and more ardent outdoor enthusiasts taking to the country’s plentiful trails to hone their craft. Yet despite the expense associated with this much beloved sport, very few cyclists are in fact adequately insured against theft and damage to their bikes, with many considering it an unnecessary expense. Repairing or replacing a bicycle (not to mention the additional equipment and accessories that go with it) can be an extremely costly exercise, and one that can easily be avoided by taking out a comprehensive insurance policy. So why then do so few amateur cyclists believe in the value of thorough cover? Here are a few widely held myths that have caused many a costly error in judgment: Myth #1: My household contents insurance will cover my bike - This myth is indeed true, provided the damage or loss happens on your property. However, once your bicycle is out on the open road, household contents insurance is no longer valid, and you’re left vulnerable in the event of an accident or theft.
Myth #2: Only professional cyclists need insurance - While professional cyclists will definitely have different insurance requirements, anyone with a bike should ensure it is safeguarded against unforeseen damages. After all, your equipment is susceptible to damage not only while you’re using it, but also while you’re transporting it to and from rides. Myth #3: Insurance is too expensive - While additional insurance might make a seemingly unnecessary dent in your bank account each month, it ends up being a whole lot cheaper than the enormous bill you’ll be faced with should you be forced to replace your bike. The gains you make in the short-term will pale in comparison to the losses suffered in the event of an accident or theft. So how do you go about insuring your bike? Here are two simple options you could consider: All-risks or Movables insurance - If your riding requirements take you further afield, a safer bet is to specify your bike and riding equipment under the all-risks section of your insurance policy. In so doing, you’ll ensure your bike remains safe no matter where it is in the world, and that it’s protected in the event of any damage incurred either during or en-route to a ride. Bicycle insurance - If you don’t have existing cover under which you can specify your cycling equipment, you can opt for standalone bicycle insurance, which keeps you protected in the event of accidents, theft, fire, hijacking or loss – not only while out riding, but also during and en-route to events. Remember, that even though you believe yourself to be adequately insured, it’s always wise to scrutinise your policies and make yourself aware of what is and isn’t covered, as well as what excesses you’ll be liable for in the event of a claim. When travelling, you’ll also want to pay specific attention to the terms of your travel insurance as well as the baggage policies of the airline you’re travelling with. Remember, the more information you have, the more likely you are to avoid costly disasters. For more information visit www.miway.co.za/bicycle-insurance/
Make Bicycles Part of Your Daily Lives Up Cycles are advocates for a bicycle lifestyle, and desire to help brand Cape Town a bicycle-friendly city, with the goal to make ordinary people realise that bicycles can be a part of their daily lives. Up Cycles started renting bicycles four years ago at the Sea Point Pavilion with five second-hand bikes, but soon recognised a demand for their service. Today, Up Cycles have a large fleet of rental bikes, with stations at Camps Bay, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront and at the Breakaway Café in the CBD. Up Cycle bikes are especially made for them and imported from a factory in Europe. The bicycles don’t have any gears, or brakes on the handle bars. They have coaster hubs, which means you have to pedal backwards to slow down and stop. According to Jared Chaitowitz, co-owner of Up Cycles, the business is a drop and go bike hire company, loosely based on bike share systems overseas Their bikes can be rented and returned between any of their stations. Up Cycles rent bikes to casual cyclists, who may or may not own their own bicycles. They have bikes for all ages and sizes, including a range of kids bikes and child carrier attachments. The company caters to both locals and tourists - anyone who wants to explore the Atlantic Seaboard and Cape Town CBD by bike. According to Chaitowitz, Up Cycles’ dream is for more people in Cape Town to use bicycles to get around, to help ease traffic congestion and pollution, and to make the city a happier, healthier, and more equally mobile place. Inspired by the lively bike life of Amsterdam, Breakaway Café is Up Cycles’ downtown home base and café - where you will find delicious, locally roasted craft coffee, Fresh fruit
juices and smoothies with superfood ingredients, Tasty light meals, snacks and free WiFi - all the things we love under one roof. Centrally located on the Fan Walk, Breakaway Café is found in a characterful, almost 100-year-old building, with a unique and thoughtful bicycle bric-à-brac decor.
“We are bike riders ourselves, and bikes and people who ride them are always welcome at Breakaway Café before and after their rides! We even have an in-house mechanic to service your bike,” says Jared. Up Cycles is also proud partner of VoiceMap: Audio Walking Tours. Together, they have created a guided Sea Point Promenade cycle tour, which departs from the V&A Waterfront and concludes at their Sea Point Pavilion station.
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LIFESTYLE EVENTS
SUNSET SPECIAL AT TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY
The Galileo returns for summer The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back with a stellar line-up of movies that will cater to everyone under the sun, or in this case, the stars. Each year the team behind one of Cape Town’s most popular summer events returns with a bigger and better programme - with a whopping 22 venues, 125 movies, new food vendors and all round awesome experience to boot! Location is everything, so while keeping all the old favourites in the line-up, there are some exciting additions to the cast of venues this year – from Hillcrest Quarry, Kirstenbosch Gardens and The V&A Waterfront, to rotating Friday night venues in town and bi-monthly screenings at wine estates in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. New attractions this season include Friday night live music by local artists before the main show begins. In addition to the family-friendly movies already in the programme there are now seven Sunday shows making their debut during the school holidays. Taking place at Kelvin Grove country club, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, while parents can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes in the mini food market before settling down for the movie.
Looking for a sunset spot with a difference? It’s time to celebrate the start of summer with sundowners and smiles above the Mother City as Table Mountain Cableway’s ½ price Sunset Special returns until 28 February 2017 (excludes 18 December 2016 – 3 January 2017).
With so much to look forward to at The Galileo, make sure you don’t miss any of the action…or the comedy…or the romance.
Yet another special for locals to take advantage of, the Sunset Special is valid from 6pm daily, with adults paying R127.50 and children aged 4-17 paying R62.50 when purchasing return tickets from 6pm from the Cableway’s Ticket Office or buy tickets online from tablemountain.net. Sunset Special tickets purchased online are scanned from 6pm only. Why not round up friends and family, pack your camera and pick a spot to soak up the atmosphere as the sun sets over the infinite ocean below? A sky-high showcase and panoramic perspective awaits. You can also enjoy a meal with a view at the top of Cape Town’s New7Wonder of Nature, with the Table Mountain Café and Wi-Fi Lounge offering a variety of food and drink options including authentic South African cuisine, quick meals, snacks, wine, ice cold cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. For more information visit www.tablemountain.net
Kirstenbosch summer sunset concerts set to thrill this season It’s that time of the year again where we look forward to ending off the weekends with music that satisfies the most diverse tastes in the spectacularly beautiful Kirstenbosch Garden in Newlands. Meet with friends and family, gather your picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy the floral heritage and the mountain and let the music end your weekend on a high note. The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts provides all this and more from November 2016 through to Sunday, 2 April 2017 with a magnificent line-up which has something for everyone.
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset 2016/17 Concerts are a celebration of 25 years of outstanding concerts. Back by popular demand are: Jimmy Nevis, Mango Groove, The Parlotones, Prime Circle, Mi Casa, The Soil, Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival, Goldfish, The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Zonke, Lira, Jeremy Loops, Dan Patlansky, The Soil and Just Jinjer. There are some interesting duos in the mix, including the Parlotones’ Khan who will be on stage with Richard Stirton, 2016 winner of the Voice South Africa. Beatenberg and Opposite The Other share the stage, as do Johnny Clegg and Slow Jack, Matthew Mole and Jesse Clegg, Karen Zoid and Francois van Coke, Shortstraw and Al Bairre, and sibling duo Bobby & Karlien van Jaarsveld. Jah Prayzah and the 3rd Generation Band will be performing for the first time at the concerts. Mukudzeyi Mukombe, who performs under the name Jah Prayzah, is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician and lead member for the band 3rd Generation.
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Tickets are available from Webtickets
The Galileo open 6pm (Tuesday to Friday), 5pm (Saturdays), 4pm (Sundays), and the movie starts at sunset. Arrive early to reserve your spot on the lawn, hire a comfy backrest and a warm blanket and treat yourself to a delicious spread of food, alcohol, soft drinks and sugary treats - all on sale at each handpicked venue. For more information visit www.thegalileo.co.za
Get Ready for Cape Town Sushi Festival 2016 Cape Town Sushi Festival 2016 will be taking place on 16-17 December at Green Point Cricket Club. Expect mouth-watering sushi from some of Cape Town’s favourite restaurants, craft beer and wine pairings, champagne lounges, live entertainment and a supervised kids area, all set within the picturesque greenbelt of the Atlantic Seaboard. Two days filled with sushi, sun, fun, family, friends and live music - All at Cape Town’s first ever sushi festival. You will be rocking along to the likes of Good Luck and Rudimentals, while tantalising your tastebuds with sushi from restaurants such as Sushi Box, Active Sushi, Asami’s, Hokkaido, Blue Marlin, Sanctuary Sushi, Woy Your Way and many more still to be announced. This allows for access into the festival, 11 hours of live entertainment (bands & DJ’s), a supervised kids area, limited tasters of approximately 3 - 4 pieces of sushi (after which more sushi may be purchased from the vendors at their applicable prices), and access to a large range of your favourite sushi restaurants and complementary services all within one safe and secure venue. The VIP tickets will further allow you a separate entrance, more upmarket VIP toilets, the shaded VIP area with seating, private bar and access to the champagne lounge. The VIP area will be one of casual sophistication where you will get to mingle and rub shoulders with our celebrities and socialites while sipping on only the best and getting to devour the wares of your favourite restaurants all within one venue. Children 12 years and under have free access into the festival and the kids play area. Tickets are available from Webtickets
CYCLING EVENTS
Exciting Madison Competition for National Track Title
Cycling South Africa’s Track Commission is pleased to announce an upcoming action-packed weekend of racing at the Bellville Velodrome from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 December 2016. Included in the weekend’s activities, will be an Open Men’s and Open Women’s Madison National Championship.
Grootbrak Grabadoo 2016 The Grootbrak Grabadoo is one of the largest summer cycle races in the Southern Cape, attracting an average of approximately 1 200 participants each year.
The evening of Friday 16 December will see the Western Province Track Classic #12 event taking place, which kicks off the track action for the weekend. Saturday, 17 December will welcome the Open Men’s Madison National Championship event, as it was postponed in April this year due to bad weather.
Photo Credit: Ruanieman Photography
On Saturday, 31 December the event will celebrate the 14th year of its existence and participants can expect a top-class mountain bike family fun day with breath-taking routes through some of the most beautiful flora in the Kingdom of the Southern Cape.
There will also be an Open Women’s Madison event – a first time for a National Title. In between these events, will be smaller competitions and races throughout the day. On the morning of Sunday, 18 December the Track Inter-provincials will be taking place, where provinces will be competing for the President’s trophy. Cycling South Africa’s Interim Track Director, Martin van Wyk said: “We are excited to be introducing track cycling’s blue ribbon event to women’s cycling and we encourage ladies to start practising their Madison slings.”
Western Cape Road & TT Champs The Western Cape Road and Time Trial (TT) Champs will return to Oudtshoorn between 28-29 January, and will take place at Highgate Ostrich Farm.
The morning kicks off with a 4.8km Fun Walk around Great Brak River during which runners, walkers, families and even pets can participate. Mountain bikers can choose between four routes: a 15 km, 36 km, 53 km and 71 km, all of which have been professionally designed and tested with a large amount of passion and attention to details. As part of the Grootbrak Grabadoo a Race Village will be located at the Peperboom Restaurant, Long Street, Great Brak River from 30 - 31 December, which will provide riders with a relaxed seating area, refreshments and cycling related stalls. Entries available at www.onlines.co.za or visit Coimbra Cycle House in George
The Road race is scheduled for the 28th, and the TT on the 29th. Both events will take place within the 33km distance of the Highgate circle and will start at 07h00. The race is open to the following categories: U/10 and U/12 (20km); Elite men and U/23 (136km); Elite Ladies, Junior (Male & Ladies), Vet 30+ (Male & Ladies) Vet Men 40+ (102 Km); Vet Ladies 40+, U/16 Boys, Vet 50+ (Male & Ladies), and Vet Men 60+ (66 Km); U/16 Girls, U/14 Girls, U/14 Boys, and Vet Ladies 60+ (33 Km). The race is also open to Para-cyclists.
The event will be held under UCI and Cycling SA rules. The closing date for entries is 23 January 2017. For more information contact Corné Botha 073 194 2948 cornebotha01@gmail.com or Corné Bence 071 886 3787 bence.corne@gmail.com
SA National Championships The South African National Championships is the blue ribbon event for each cycling discipline and is held each year. The prestigious event crowns the National Champion in their chosen discipline, for their respective gender and age groups. All participants must have a Full Racing Licence issued by Cycling SA. The following categories of riders can participate in the 2017 SA Road Championships: From Elite categories, to under-23 and Junior, right through to the Masters from 30 years to 70+, as well as Para-cyclists. Each category has a chance to earn the title of SA National Champion. The SA National Road Championships will stage a Time Trial and Road Race in Wellington from 7-12 February 2017.
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Big Goals For Africa’s Leading Professional Cycling Team The 2016 cycling season concluded a couple of weeks ago and once again it has been an incredibly successful one for Africa’s leading professional cycling team. Based out of Johannesburg, Dimension Data for Qhubeka managed to win 32 races this year, while climbing the podium more than 70 times. 5 stage wins, a “Yellow” and “Green Jersey” at the Tour de France was also among the achievements as was the team’s first ever win in a special category at a Grand Tour, taking home the “Best Climber” classification of the Vuelta a Espana. During the Training Camp Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka stayed at the Southern Sun, The Cullinan, while preparing for the upcoming season in the Western Cape. It was the first time the 2017 team met.
Team Dimension Data For Qhubeka Reveals 2017 Team & Race Outfit at Nobel Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Photo L - R: Nathan Haas, Tyler Farrar, Bernhard Eisel, Edvald Boasson Hagen and Igor Anton
The riders went out on several training rides and spent some time with its main sponsors Dimension Data, Deloitte and Cervélo, to name a few. On 24 November 2016 the team presented itself to the public at the scenic Cape Town Waterfront. In an engaging event all 28 riders were introduced to fans and media. Lead by Mark Cavendish, Omar Fraile, and Daniel Teklehaimanot the team also revealed its fresh new look. In recent years the 5-finger-salute has become synonymous with the African team. The hand will once again feature on the back of the jersey. However, the jersey also reveals 28 smaller hands on the front. Subtly printed on the green livery they symbolize the children who receive help through the way how the 28 riders are racing, through the amount of awareness they are able to raise for Qhubeka and through their way of competing at the highest level of our sport. During the training camp each of the riders personally gave a child a Qhubeka bike at a distribution ceremony. Furthermore, the team also echoed Qhubeka’s new call to action: #DoYourPart, an innovative way to contribute to the charity. Supporters can now fund single parts or a complete bike to help mobilising people in Africa. To find out more, go to doyourpart.qhubeka.org. Mark Cavendish, Rider, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka - “We had some incredible success this year. The amount of exposure that we got for Qhubeka was beyond of what we could have imagined, stepping up to the World Tour. That’s what we want to build on to do more. We want to do more together as a team, with our partners and fans and raise more than the 5.000 bikes that we raised this year.”
Douglas Ryder, Team Principal, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka - “2016 was a year that fulfilled many dreams and out performed our expectations as a team, with our partners and the Qhubeka charity.” “Our goal for 2017 is to be even better together, better in the way we integrate as team mates, better with our partners and better connected to our fans. With this team of incredible individuals we look forward to building on our successes of this year.” Dimension Data for Qhubeka will take on the 2017 season with riders from 12 different nations. Once again the team will race ambitiously as it has set itself some serious goals. Racing to race awareness for the Qhubeka charity, the following 28 riders will sport the colors of the African team: Igor Anton (Spain), Natnael Berhane (Eritrea), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Norway), Mark Cavendish (Great Britain), Stephen Cummings (Great Britain), Mekseb Debesay (Eritrea), Nicolas Dougall (South Africa), Bernhard Eisel (Austria), Tyler Farrar (USA), Omar Fraile (Spain), Ryan Gibbons (South Africa), Nathan Haas (Australia), Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (South Africa), Jacques Janse van Rensburg (South Africa), Ben King (USA), Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea), Lachlan Morton (Australia), Adrien Niyonsuti (Rwanda), Ben O’Connor (Australia), Serge Pauwels (Belgium), Youcef Reguigui (Algeria), Mark Renshaw (Australia), Kristian Sbaragli (Italy), Daniel Teklehaimanot (Eritrea), Jay Robert Thomson (South Africa), Scott Thwaites (Great Britain), Johann van Zyl (South Africa), Jaco Venter (South Africa).