$1 million to win a MTB race

Yesterday, the world of mountain biking and endurance racing was flipped on its head - when the world’s toughest, most demanding - yet most rewarding - mountain bike race was launched. The Munga - a 1000km, single-stage race will elevate the sport of mountain biking (MTB) by giving these sports enthusiasts a prize to be excited about – one that has never been offered before!

“The Munga offers more than just a race, it’s a test against the toughest of external elements and against the human body, but most importantly, it’s a game changer,” says Alex Harris, renowned explorer, athlete, founder of Xplore Authentic Experiences and Race Director of The Munga. “With The Munga’s prize money significantly more that of current event prizes, it is a massive leap for the sport and one that we hope will bring greater recognition to the sport and to the racer in all of us.”

In a first for the world, The Munga has introduced a two-person team, single stage mountain bike race that will take place from the 3^rd of December 2014. The intense, 1000km route for The Munga’s inaugural race will start in Bloemfontein, leading riders through vast distances across the Karoo, and conclude at the finish line at the Waterford Wine Estate, in the heart of Stellenbosch. The route has been designed to combine endurance, experience and strategy to satisfy those riding enthusiasts looking for a compelling story. It is set to take riders through some of South Africa’s lesser travelled paths - a trail that showcases South Africa’s remoteness – while testing the strongest of wills.

“The world is not short of tough things to do. It’s short of tough people willing to tackle tough things. And this is set to be one of the toughest races on earth. Do you have what it takes to compete in The Munga and win your share of a million dollars?” concludes Harris. 

Find out more at themunga.com

AmaShova Off for Durban’s Favourite Cycle Race on October 12!

It’s time to get your bikes dusted off and start your training for KwaZulu-Natal’s premier cycle race – and with its newly announced sponsor, Tsogo Sun, it  means a return to the very popular finish  -  the beautiful Suncoast on Durban’s Golden Mile on Sunday, October 12.

“We are proud to announce that Tsogo Sun – South Africa’s leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company, with over 90 hotels and 14 entertainment destinations across South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles – will be sponsoring this year’s Amashova Durban Classic. This exciting new partnership means bringing together one of KwaZulu-Natal’s proudest brands and what is undoubtedly this province’s premier cycling event,” said Annie Batchelder, who heads up the race organisers, Right On the Night.

“Tsogo Sun has been a proud accommodation partner to most of South Africa’s official sporting bodies for many years, an alignment that has seen us providing accommodation to all the major national teams as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Our sponsorship of the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2014 heralds a new beginning for both brands. This will be the first time that Tsogo Sun has embarked on a title sponsorship of any kind, which is a clear indication of our belief in this cycle challenge as one that has enormous potential for growth and appeal to our target market. For the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2014, the sponsorship gives the race the opportunity to grow beyond its firm foundation as a much-loved annual cycle challenge to one that appeals to a far wider audience of novices, serious riders and families. We believe the partnership is a perfect fit and are excited and privileged to be part of taking Amashova to new heights,” says Neil Fraser, Group Sales Director - Tsogo Sun.

With this change comes a whole heap of new attractions for spectators and cyclists alike. For starters, there is the reintroduction of the 1km and 5km mini Shova kids’ race which was always a big hit amongst families and littlies alike.

Another big news item for the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2014 will be the exciting criterium lap race, which is sure to draw cycling enthusiasts. This exhilarating cycling is a must for spectators as well – join us late on Saturday afternoon – October 11, for this exciting addition. To add to this, the Amashova have also recently become part of the UCI world cycling tour which is sure to attract top seeded national and international riders, giving the race the international status it deserves. Comments Fraser, “The fact that the race starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban this year is part of Tsogo Sun’s commitment to assisting the eThekwini Council to reposition Durban as a destination of choice. We are firmly committed to aligning with events that will assist in putting Durban back on the map and boosting tourism to the region.”

“With the decision to add exiting new events to our line up – cyclists and spectators can expect to see a variety of riders crossing the finish, which always creates an adrenaline rush for all. For the more seeded riders, there’s the criterium and for the kids, a fun ride which is set to commence along the newly completed Snell Parade to Durban’s Blue Lagoon and back. This way, with so much on offer, we have peddling good fun for everyone,” added Batchelder. 

Tsogo Sun & Amashova are excited about the relationship with Malcolm Lange, owner of Lange Sports. The Amashova event has been very close to Malcolm's heart over the years, since he has won it 6 times, and at the age of 17 for the first time. The partnership with Lange Sports brings experience in cycling, vision and know-how to our relationship and involvement with the event. Lange Sports is a sports sponsorship management company that specialises in connecting brands with appropriate properties to maximise brand reach across various consumer touch points.

For those who are also unprepared or not quite ready to tackle the full 106km Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic, then there’s the 65km half challenge and a 35km fun ride starting from Hillcrest – which promises to be a fun and ‘healthy’ day out for all. 

Remember, online entries close on Monday, September 8th at 4pm. For further information or to register, log on to www.shova.co.za or call the Shova organisers during office hours on 031 312 8896.