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Virtual Cycle Challenge

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The Nedbank Sports Trust Virtual Cycle Challenge #Piketberg takes place on 30 & 31 October 2021. This challenge was launched last year during the COVID-19 pandemic as an alternative to the annual cycle race in Piketberg on the West Coast.

‘Instead of postponing the Piketberg event, we transformed it into a virtual cycling challenge for everyone to participate; it’s not a race, it’s a challenge to achieve your personal best or simply to ride any distance and have fun,’ says Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank. ‘Last year’s event attracted over 1000 cyclists and this year we are expecting far more from South Africa and worldwide.’

This year, instead of asking for entry fees, the challenge is free for everyone to enjoy, and those who would like to make a voluntary donation can do so on www.quicket.co.za on The Sports Trust Virtual Cycle Challenge #Piketberg event. All donations go towards the Piketberg Ride For A Cause Project, namely the development of a new BMX Bike Park in BMX-mad Piketberg, which will offer young people in the community the opportunity to learn to ride and enjoy this Olympic Sport.

Cyclists anywhere in the world can ride any distance with family and friends as part of the challenge. To participate, simply join The Sports Trust Cycling Club on STRAVA (www.strava.com/clubs/sportstrust) the world’s leading mobile app and website for cyclists and runners. On the 30 and 31 October, cyclists can share images from their cycle challenge, using Hashtag #STHero #STCycle and tagging @SportsTrustSA on STAVA and via Social media platforms. By doing this, cyclists stand a chance to win a lucky draw prize from Disfruta Sports Tours – either an EKOI Corsa Evo 2019 white black helmet valued at R1 999.00 or two entries to the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2022.

‘Irrespective of your age or whether you have a road bike, mountain bike, BMX or any other kind of bike, everyone is encouraged to participate,’ says Mike Tippett, the manager of the Nedbank Sports Trust Cycling Development Programme.

Prior to the pandemic, the Piketberg cycling event was hosted by the Bergrivier Municipality and Steynville Senior Secondary in Piketberg, one of 12 participating schools. Over the years it grew into a major event on the cycling calendar as well as a popular community festival.

On the 30 and 31 October, keen cyclists in the Piketberg area can ride the 98 km distance covered during the live annual event. The route heads out of the town and deep into the wheat-, canola- and fruit-farming countryside. The last stretch is the magnificent but daunting 8 km mountain climb up the Versveld Pass. Those cycling for fun can ride any distance along the route, no matter how short or long, and enjoy the ride and community spirit, observing all COVID-19 regulations.

Each of the 12 cycling development schools in the Nedbank Sports Trust Cycling Development Programme will ride in their communities and participate in team-building sessions afterwards. The programme supplies bikes and supports the training and participation of over 200 cyclists annually in the 12 high schools, funded by Nedbank. The programme also supports and trains 15 elite programme cyclists from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. They compete regionally and nationally, with opportunities to cycle overseas.

The Sports Trust welcomes all donations of cycling gear, bikes or any other contributions to the cycling development programme. ‘‘The programme makes a tangible difference to these young people’s lives, and they then go home to a family of several people, including siblings, and their positivity is shared,’ says Tippett. ‘Every day I see kids’ happy faces on this programme. It also improves their concentration and schoolwork, and helps to keep them away from harmful influences like drugs and gangsterism. This is cycling at its best, where an absolute love of the sport is uplifting communities and developing talent in under-resourced high schools and communities.’

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.