KZN’s Big 5 Mountain Bike Series secures two-year MiWay sponsorship

MiWay has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Zululand’s Big 5 Mountain Bike Series, a major fixture on the annual KZN cycling calendar.

“We sponsored the Big 5 for the first time last year and are thrilled to have cemented a long-term relationship with this great team,” says MiWay’s Head of Marketing Carine Conradie-Haffejee. “The series is a perfect fit for our MTB sponsorship strategy. We have a long history with South Africa’s mountain biking community and we intend it to carry on growing and developing in future.”

The 2011 Big 5 was a great success, adds Conradie-Haffejee. “The KZN cycling community is enthusiastic and close-knit, and it was a great opportunity to get to know them. We expect this year to be an even greater success. They are hoping to attract even more riders from outside KZN, which will help to promote tourism in the wider Zululand area at the same time.”

In line with MiWay’s commitment to growing the sport and giving it more exposure, this year’s sponsorship includes funding video production, says Conradie-Haffejee. “High-quality TV footage means the series has a better chance of gaining more exposure, especially outside the KZN area.”

Started in 2006, the Big 5 series has grown rapidly. This year the event will again begin alongside the Zululand Outdoor and Fitness Expo at the Umfolozi Casino on May 12, with time trials and registration on the same day.

The series proper kicks off on May 13th with the Zini Estate Super Classic in the coastal resort town of Mtunzini. The race offers spectacular views of the coast and forest, with both 25km and 50km rides as well as a 10km fun ride.

The Heatonville Leopard Classic follows on June 24th, with the Hluhluwe Rhino Charge on July 22nd, the Monzi Hippo Challenge on September 2nd and the Kwambo Lion on September 30th.

Riders can compete in any single race, or sign up for the Big 5 Challenge, which will rank riders according to their four best times.

MiWay Big5 Series quick Links:

• Race 1 of 5: Zini Estate Buffalo Classic – 13 May 2012
• Race 2 of 5: Heatonville Leopard Classic – 24 June 2012
• Race 3 of 5: Hluhluwe Rhino Charge – 22 July 2012
• Race 4 of 5: Monzi Hippo Challenge – 2 September 2012
• Race 5 of 5: Kwambo Lion MTB Race – 30 September 2012

joBerg2c reaches new frontiers

Kenyan riders Davidson Kamau (left) and David Kinjah will be leading the African contingent at the Old Mutual joBerg2c mountain bike race from Heidelberg to Scottburgh on April 27. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

While some companies have decreased their investment in sports sponsorship, Old Mutual is finding it an effective tool to reach new frontiers.

The financial services provider has invited cyclists from emerging markets such as Kenya, Swaziland and Namibia to be part of the annual Old Mutual joBerg2c, the country’s longest paired mountain bike stage race, which takes place from April 27 to May 5 this year.

“Inviting riders from those markets where we have customers presents us with an excellent opportunity to broaden our reach and create a positive experience for them,” said Joy Khaole, head of sponsorships at Old Mutual.

“By sharing events we aim to do great things for the growth and cohesion of these markets.”

Kenyan riders David Kinjah and Davidson Kamau have been particularly strong contenders since the race’s inception in 2010, finishing second in the inaugural event and placing fifth overall last year.

Over the past three years, the event has grown an enthusiastic following and this year 300 teams will take on the challenging 910km route from Heidelberg in Gauteng to Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal.

Khaole said some of the well-known names taking part this year included racing driver Gugu Zulu, Survivor SA: Maldives runner-up Letshego Moshoeu and former Protea cricketer Nicky Boje, who will all be riding in a celebrity relay.

The race is one of several sports sponsorships under the Old Mutual banner. These include the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, Old Mutual Mangaung Cup, Old Mutual Om Die Dam Marathon and Old Mutual Buffalo Marathon.

“Our growing focus on sport gives us a great mainstream platform from which to encourage physical wellbeing and drive a healthy spirit of adventure, camaraderie and competition among participants from all over Africa,” Khaole added.

The other African countries in which Old Mutual does business are Nigeria, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Further afield, Old Mutual Emerging Markets also operates in Mexico, Colombia, India and China.

For more information, visit www.oldmutual.co.za or www.joberg2c.co.za.

Evans and George to challenge at joBerg2c

Nedbank 360Life’s Kevin Evans and David George confirmed yesterday that they would challenge for the title at this year’s Old Mutual joBerg2c.

An on-form Kevin Evans confirmed that he and team-mate David George would challenge for the title at this year’s Old Mutual joBerg2c, which starts on April 27.

Fresh from his win at the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge this weekend, the Nedbank 360Life rider said he was looking forward to his first outing in South Africa’s longest stage race.

With Evans still recovering from a collarbone injury, the duo missed last year’s nine-day, 910-kilometre trek between Heidelberg in Gauteng and the coastal town of Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal.

“It was nearly healed but I had to err on the side of caution even though I really wanted to ride. If I’d had a mishap it would have set me back further.”

The Plettenberg Bay rider demonstrated his return to racing fitness this season by taking consecutive second places in the first two legs of the MTN Ultra Marathon Series at Barberton and Tulbagh.

He followed that up with victory in the third race at Sabie, which was especially significant as it doubled as the opening round of the UCI Marathon World Cup. George, a Capetonian, placed third.

Evans said he and George were both in top form ahead of the Absa Cape Epic, which takes place at the end of the month. They will be among the top local teams vying to become the first all-African winners of the eight-day race.

“I should be near peak now and then it’s just a matter of fine-tuning in the next two to three weeks. Dave’s very good at determining when he needs to peak, so he will have timed it right for the end of March.”

Evans said after that their focus would shift to the Old Mutual joBerg2c, which offers a total prize purse of R330 000. “We won’t go there to play around; we’ll definitely try and win.”

Not having done the race before, he said they were not entirely certain what to expect. “We’ll have to approach it a bit conservatively, like we do most stage races, and just take our chances when they present themselves.”

As a four-time BoE sani2c champion, Evans will certainly have the advantage during the final three days, which follow the well-known route.

“We know that section really well, so, if worst comes to worst, we could try to stay out of trouble until that point and then give it a full go.”

The 33-year-old said they would use the multistage race to build up towards their international programme, which includes the Trans Germany in June and Trans Alp in July.

They were strong contenders in last week’s three-day Columbia Grape Escape until illness put George out of action on the final stage. “He’s back on the bike and feeling all right so he should bounce back pretty quickly.”

New Berg2c gives riders a break

Mountain bikers who find the nine-day Old Mutual joBerg2c too daunting can now opt for the six-day Berg2c. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

Mountain bikers who find South Africa’s longest paired mountain bike race a bridge too far, may want to consider the exciting six-day derivative announced by the organisers of the nine-day Old Mutual joBerg2c today.

The new Old Mutual Berg2c starts on April 30, four days into the main event, and picks up the existing route from Sterkfontein Dam in the eastern Free State to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. It covers 577 kilometres of some of the country’s most pristine mountain biking territory at a moderate elevation of 10 119 metres.

Organiser Craig Wapnick said there had been a strong demand for an event of this length as it was more challenging than the average three-day race but more accessible than the full Old Mutual joBerg2c.

“The nine-day race remains the ultimate journey as riders cross the whole country and all its different terrains. But this is an amazing opportunity to get a sense of what the joBerg2c is all about.” According to Wapnick, the new option would be a good intermediate choice for riders who were perhaps not fit enough or could not afford “nine days out of the system”.

He advised those that were intent on racing competitively to rather enter the main event as the six-day version would be more of a full-service ride than a race. “However, all participants will still receive official times.” Wapnick cautioned riders not to ease up on their training simply because the event was more relaxed in nature. “Don’t be fooled, it’s still going to be quite a ride.”

He said participants could look forward to some technical sections and massive climbs from the very first day as they headed over the mountain passes into KwaZulu-Natal.

The route would then traverse the central and southern Drakensberg from Winterton to Kamberg before linking up with the world-renowned BOE sani2c course for the final three-day stretch between Underberg and Scottburgh.

Wapnick said entries were available for two-person teams but a limited number of solo entries would also be accepted. “Although Berg2c riders will be absorbed into the main race, the overall field will still be limited to retain the event’s personal atmosphere.”

Catch SuperCycling on SuperSport 2 at 7pm on Tuesday for more details. Entries open at 8pm, directly after the show.

Alternatively, visit www.joberg2c.co.za or email kelly@joberg2c.co.za.

For the latest updates, follow joberg2c¬_journo on Twitter or joBerg2c on Facebook.

Prize money sets the stage for joBerg2c

Contenders in the nine-day Old Mutual joBerg2c, South Africa’s longest paired mountain bike race, will now compete for prize money on individual stages. Photo: Full Stop Communications

Contenders in the Old Mutual joBerg2c, South Africa’s longest paired mountain bike race, will now compete for prize money on every stage, organisers announced today. The third edition of the nine-day event, which sets off from Heidelberg south of Johannesburg on April 27 next year, will give daily winners a greater share of the increased R330 000 prize purse.

According to co-organiser Craig Wapnick the top men’s team stands to win R100 000 while the most successful women’s pairing will pocket up to R50 000. “We’ve done this to keep the racing interesting. While for most this remains a ride across the country, the organisers and sponsors realise that we need to make it viable for the top pros to race this incredible route.”

He said the new system meant that rank outsiders could still have their day and benefit from a stage victory even though they weren’t in contention overall. “Our philosophy has always been to boost mountain biking as a sport and to uplift aspiring and existing professionals from this country and elsewhere.” Wapnick said the revised prize structure and “Ride Like a Pro” initiative, which makes sponsorships available to unsigned talent, were just two of the ways in which this vision was being brought to fruition.

By offering substantial rewards in the women’s category, he said organisers also hoped to assist in the development of this sector. “We need to start encouraging more young ladies to take the sport seriously. We can’t do it alone but having a nice route and attractive prize money is a good start.” Wapnick said stage prizes would only be awarded from days two to nine as a result of the untimed first stage, during which riders cross the Vaal Dam in Chinese dragon boats.

“We will announce the daily winners at the festive presentations in the race villages every evening and the overall winners will be revealed at the finish.” He said in addition to the monetary incentives for the elites, other awards would be made in the non-racing categories. Non-competitive riders could also look forward to lucky draws and giveaways. Wapnick said Team RE-CM’s Neil MacDonald and Waylon Woolcock, who won six stages en route to overall victory in the men’s elite section in 2011, would be back.

Team Contego’s mixed champions Ariane and Erik Kleinhans, who are set to face stiff competition from Transact’s Yolande Speedy and Paul Cordes, have also confirmed their entry. Although Team Bizhub were still finalising their 2012 schedule yesterday, Ischen Stopforth, who won the women’s race with British teammate Catherine Williamson, said defending their title was a priority.

The 910-kilometre course takes riders from Heidelberg in Gauteng across the eastern Free State and over the escarpment into KwaZulu-Natal, where it traces the famous BoE sani2c route between Underberg and Scottburgh.

For more info on the Jober2C, click here.

94.7 Cycle Challenge 2011 – event & expo information

Event info

• Date: Sunday, 20 November 2011
• Venue: For the fourth year running, the 94.7 Cycle Challenge is taking place at the Waterfall Country Estate & Village, in Sunninghill.
• Start: The start of the 94.7 Cycle Challenge is on the R55 before Maxwell Drive in Sunninghill, from 05h30 until 09h21.
• Distance: 94.7km
• Cost of entry: R241,20 + R33,80 VAT + CSA Rider Levy of R5,00 = Total R280,00.
• Photographs: R110 – pre-ordered when you entered

Sorry – Entries closed on 3 October 2011!

Downloads you may find useful

• 94.7 Route Map: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Route map 2011
• 94.7 Route Profile: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Route profile 2011
• Start Groups & Times: 94 7 Cycle Challenge Start Groups 2011
• 94.7 Kids start times: 94.7 Cycle Challenge 2011 kids start times
• Cut-off times and Sweep locations: 94 7 Cycle Challenge Cut-off & Sweeps 2011
• Waterpoints: Medical assistance and physiotherapy support is provided at all ten waterpoints along the route. There is also a hospital and physio area located within Waterfall Country Estate and at the Finish. Click here for Waterpoint info: 94 7 Cycle Challenge Waterpoint info 2011
• Parking map: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Parking Access 2011
• Road closures Map: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Road Closures 2011
• Road closures List: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Road Closures and Times 2011
• Woodmead Area map of the route: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Woodmead map 2011
• Alternate routes for cricket fans & those living near Wanderers Stadium: 94.7 Cycle Challenge 2011 Alternate routes near Wanderers stadium
• Gautrain info: 94.7 Cycle Challenge Gautrain info 2011

Source of all downloads and info: Cyclechallenge.co.za

Race number collections & Expo Details

The Cycle Challenge Expo is taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 17 – 19 November 2011. This is where you can collect your race number and browse the stalls!

• Where: Sandton Convention Centre
• When: Thurs, 17 Nov from 10am – 6pm | Fri, 18 Nov from 10am – 6pm | Sat, 19 Nov from 8am – 3pm
• What to bring: Please ensure that you have your SMS/email confirmation with your Race Number and Start time in order to collect your race pack!
• For more info regarding the Race Number Collection, please email cyclechallenge@highveld.co.za.

Good luck to everyone participating!

Results – 94.7 MTB Challenge 2011

• Click here to see provisional results for the 94.7 MTB Challenge which took place on Sunday, 13 November 2011!

Did you find this information helpful? Leave a comment below & share with your friends!

Namaqua MTB Challenge 2011

Pronutro Magalies Monster 2011

Event Date: Saturday, 28 May 2011

Location: ATKV Resort, Buffelspoort, Magaliesburg
Province: North West
Race distances: 75km, 45km, 20km
Race start times & costs: 75km (R150) @ 08h00, 45km (R90) @ 08h30, 20km (R40) @ 09h00
Event info: www.magaliesmonster.co.za
Online pre-entries: http://entries.magaliesmonster.co.za/CaptureDetails/Registration.aspx

Late entry fee of R50 will be charged!

Enquiries: 0861 383 591

Registration:

MiWay Big 5 MTB Series – Race 5: The Kwambonambi Lion Challenge

The fifth and final race in the MiWay Big 5 MTB Series takes place on Sunday 25 September 2011. Register now!

Event Date: Sunday, 25 September 2011
Location: Kwambonambi Country Club, Zululand
Province: Kwa-Zulu Natal
Race distances: 50km, 25km, 10km fun ride
Online entries: http://www.roag.co.za/
Entries close: 21 September 2011
Late registration on the day: 06h00 – 08h30

Keep up to date with this race by following MiWay MTB on Facebook or for checking the website regularly for updates.

Accommodation: www.visitzululand.co.za.co.za 

MiWay clients get free race entries*!  Why not click here to get more information?

All races in this series: 

• 15 May 2011 – Zini Estate Classic (Big 5 #1)
• 26 June -  The Umfolozi Heatonville Leopard Classic (Big 5 #2)
• 31 July – Nashua Hluhluwe Rhino Charge (Big 5 #3)
• 4 Sept –  The Monzi MTB Hippo Challenge (Big 5 # 4)
• 25 Sept – The Kwambonambi Lion Challenge (Big 5 #5)

The series gala dinner takes place on 1 October – click here to buy your tickets and reserve your seat!

*Terms and conditions apply

MiWay Big 5 MTB Series – Race 4: The Monzi MTB Hippo Challenge

The fourth race in the MiWay Big 5 MTB Series takes place on Sunday 4 September 2011. Register now!

Event Date: Sunday, 4 September 2011
Location: Monzi Club, Monzi, Zululand
Province: Kwa-Zulu Natal
Race distances: 50km, 25km, 10km fun ride
Online entries: http://www.roag.co.za/
Entries close: 31 August 2011
Late registration on the day: 06h00 – 08h30

Keep up to date with this race by following MiWay MTB on Facebook or for checking the website regularly for updates.

Accommodation: www.visitzululand.co.za.co.za 

MiWay clients get free race entries*!  Why not click here to get more information?

All races in this series: 

• 15 May 2011 – Zini Estate Classic (Big 5 #1)
• 26 June -  The Umfolozi Heatonville Leopard Classic (Big 5 #2)
• 31 July – Nashua Hluhluwe Rhino Charge (Big 5 #3)
• 4 Sept –  The Monzi MTB Hippo Challenge (Big 5 # 4)
• 25 Sept – The Kwambonambi Lion Challenge (Big 5 #5)