Nashua signs on as naming rights sponsor for new-look Grape Escape

Local office automation company Nashua has signed on as the new naming rights sponsor of the Nashua Grape Escape. Entries for the 2013 iteration of this fast-evolving MTB stage race are now open.

The event, now in its third year, offers a brand new route and a three-day or two-day option for local mountain bike enthusiasts, and has been evolved to include a Race Village where riders can camp and stay in the midst of the action and experience all the pre- and post-race excitement and atmosphere.

David Bellairs, Marketing and Sponsorship Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, organisers of the Nashua Grape Escape, says that the tremendous success of the past two years has allowed them to evolve the race into a must-do MTB stage race. “Since our inaugural race in 2011 we have grown the Grape Escape into an annual highlight for local and international riders. This year, we offer a brand-new route, camping facilities, increased prize money and a host of other improvements that should give riders an unforgettable MTB experience. This growth in stature of the event is perfectly complemented by our new naming rights sponsor Nashua, who we will work with over the next few years to put the Nashua Grape Escape firmly top-of-mind among  MTB enthusiasts; we trust that this is the beginning of a very successful long-term partnership.”

Dave Hallas, Marketing Director of Nashua Limited, says he sees a bright future for their involvement in this exciting event. “As a company, we pride ourselves on our commitment to sports development in South Africa. We are excited to align ourselves with the Grape Escape and to help make this event one of the top mountain bike experiences in South Africa.”

The 2013 Nashua Grape Escape offers a brand-new route designed by experienced MTB trail enthusiast and guru Meurant Botha, and starts at the Riebeek Kasteel Primary in Riebeeck Kasteel on Thursday 28 February 2013. Riders will follow a 75km route on Day 1 and finish at the DJ de Villiers Stadium in Wellington, where the official Race Village will also be located for the duration of the event.

Day 2 starts and finishes at the DJ de Villiers Stadium and takes riders on a short, although very challenging, 60km route. On Day 3, riders will tackle a 70km trail to the finish line at Boschendal Wine Estate.

Entry information

Riders can enter by visiting www.grapeescape.co.za. Entries are limited to 600 solo riders (no team categories) and close on 31 January 2013 or when entries are full. The three-day race entry fee is R2350 per person, while the entry fee for the two-day race is R1600.

For event-related queries, please contact the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust Events Office on 021 681 4333 during office hours.