Rabie and Stenerhag to defend Stellenbosch Cycle Tour titles

Winners of the 2013 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, Johann Rabie and Jennie Stenerhag have set the benchmark for this year’s race, aiming to defend their titles at the 8^th instalment of the event on Sunday, 30 November 2014.

Both Rabie and Stenerhag secured podium finishes at the FNB Wines2Whales MTB race earlier this month, and have set their sights on finishing the year on a high at the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour.

Rabie, who clinched the title in 02:27:04 in 2013, says:  “Hopefully I can win the race again this year.  I completed the short route a couple of times when I first started cycling, and I’ve won the long route twice.  I always enjoy this race because it is the last event of the year for me.  I’ve done a lot of racing recently and am starting to feel a bit tired, but am going to give it my all and look forward to another win on Sunday.”

Commenting on the route change this year, Rabie adds, “I enjoyed the Old Helshoogte Climb, but I like the fact that the New Helshoogte one is a bit tougher.  I love this race because it’s a local ride close to home, and I can’t wait to tackle it again.”

Stenerhag holds the record for the most wins in this race.  She clinched the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour title (previously named Die Burger Cycle Tour) six times in the past seven years, only missing out in 2012 when she finished third.

Coming off the back of a victory in the Bestmed Paarl MTB Classic, followed by her team’s win in the mixed category at the Coronation Double Century last Saturday, Stenerhag says she’s relishing the opportunity to defend her title.  “My training has been going really well and I feel I am really getting into the swing of things now.  I often train on the Old Helshoogte Pass because I live in the area so I know it really well.  The New Helshoogte Pass is a lot tougher as it’s quite a bit steeper in the beginning, but I’m excited about the change of scenery this year.”

Stenerhag finished in a time of 02:41:47 in 2013, adding “It really isn’t about the time that I finish in, but rather the effort I put in and how well I do in terms of skill and technique on the day.”

Other top riders looking to wrestle the trophy from 2013’s champions include 2010 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour champion, Moolman Welgemoed and 2013’s third place finisher, Stefan Ihenfeldt.  2014 PPA OneTonner, winner Shameeg Salie and newly-crowned 2014 Coronation Double Century champion, Evan Carstens are also likely to provide fierce competition on race day.

2014 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour event details:

The Western Cape’s second-largest road cycling event will once again start and finish at Stellenbosch High School in Jannasch Street (just off Merriman Street), with the first group of riders scheduled to start at 06h00.  The challenging 95km route will remain the final seeding opportunity for next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour, which takes place on Sunday, 8 March 2015.

To stay informed of developments of the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, join their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/stellenboschcycletour or follow them on Twitter at @StellenboschCT.

Alpecin donates 20 bicycles to disadvantaged SA school children

The manufacturers of Alpecin, one of the world’s most effective anti-hair loss shampoos and a major player in international cycling, has donated 20 bicycles to an impoverished KwaZulu Natal community through the Qhubeka Foundation.

Alpecin, a caffeine-based shampoo to stem hereditary hair loss in males, has been sponsoring cycling for more than 60 years. It recently announced its sponsorship of Team Giant-Shimano which will be renamed Team Giant-Alpecin from January next year when it  competes in the UCI World Tour – the “Formula 1” of professional cycling.

In South Africa, Alpecin was involved in this year’s Momentum 947 Cycle Challenge – the world’s second largest timed cycle race -- through contributions to goodie bags and via the Qhubeka Foundation which raises funds for bicycles for children who have to walk over 5km to school every day.

Alpecin’s donation will effectively provide new bicycles to 20 school children in KwaZulu-Natal – with the proviso that they improve their academic results.

Qhubeka’s Executive Director, Sarah Phaweni, said the donation formed part of their festive season “Give Hope” campaign which is aiming to raise funds for 250 bicycles.

“Alpecin’s donation will positively impact on at least 100 people because, on average, five people – which include family and friends -- benefit from one bicycle delivered through our Bicycle Education Empowerment Programme,” she said.

She explained that recipients sign a contract undertaking to improve their academic results and school attendance, further assisting the development of individuals and communities.

Phaweni said Qhubeka bicycle packages included a helmet, lock, pump, tools and delivery. For every 250 bicycles donated, one bicycle mechanic was trained to set up a viable business.

“We appeal to the public to match Alpecin’s donation by helping to fund a bicycle and change a child’s future,” she said.

Alpecin becomes a new major sponsor in professional cycling

As of January 2015, Alpecin will become a new major sponsor of international professional cycling team, Team Giant-Shimano. After its renaming to Team Giant-Alpecin, a team with a German partner will be present in cycling’s highest tier for the first time in five years. The globally successful producer of caffeine-shampoo plans for a long-term commitment, and with it underlines its international orientation.

 “Alpecin has been committed to cycling for more than half a century. With this important step, for us the circle is now complete. For Alpecin unique opportunities to activate new worldwide markets open up, working in cooperation with Giant, the biggest worldwide bike producer”, Eduard R. Dörrenberg, executive director and shareholder of family-run Alpecin explains.

The family-run company, based in Bielefeld, has been connected with professional cycling for a long time and is in charge of an equally long tradition of partnerships in sport.

“This partnership with Alpecin sends out a strong message, also for global cycling. Our international team gets a German heart”, states Team Giant-Shimano General Manager Iwan Spekenbrink, who currently has five German riders contracted.

The commitment has been made for four years and is part of an international strategy. Title sponsor Giant, worldwide leading bike producer, also sees a valuable alliance in it.

"In partnership with Shimano, we made a strong commitment to the team this year so they could compete at the highest level. We’re happy that the performance and dedication of the riders and staff has led to the addition of Alpecin as a new long-term partner. Our mission to advance the sport of cycling, and to promote this healthy activity worldwide, will continue with Team Giant-Alpecin", said Giant CEO Tony Lo.

Alpecin appreciates the team’s way of working, to help cycling develop a new culture through constant innovation, scientific research, as well as the individual support of its athletes. For years now Spekenbrink has fought for more credibility and transparency in cycling with the help of his “Keep Challenging” philosophy.
Until the end of this year, Alpecin and the team will outline the strategy of their partnership more specifically. They will be supported by former Tagesschau newsreader Marc Bator who has actively been supporting the credibility and transparency of cycling for several years.

New name for Stellenbosch’s largest Cycle Tour

The Western Cape’s second-largest road cycling event, previously known as Die Burger Cycle Tour, has officially been renamed the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, to honour its iconic location and rich history.  The 2014 event is presented by Liberty – Own your life Rewards,

David Bellairs, a director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust which organises the annual event, explains the rationale behind the name change: “Stellenbosch is undoubtedly one of the oldest, most scenically attractive and historic towns in South Africa.  We wanted to uphold the event’s heritage, while highlighting its beautiful route through the iconic winelands and mountains of Stellenbosch. The new Stellenbosch Cycle Tour name and logo perfectly aligns with this vision.”

Liberty – Own your life Rewards, the value added services and rewards business for the Liberty Group, has come on board as a sponsor of the newly named event this year.  Commenting on their involvement in the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, Managing Director of the Own your life Rewards division, Rebecca Eliot says, “We are excited to be a part of the 2014 Stellenbosch Cycle Tour. This involvement, we hope, will provide a springboard to many rewarding events for current and prospective customers.”

Bellairs endorses Eliot’s view on the new partnership, adding: “The event has been looking for a corporate sponsor for a number of years, and while previous sponsors offered us great support, we were faced with ever increasing financial operational burdens, also resulting in the 44km route unfortunately not being viable this year.  We are very excited to have Liberty – Own your life Rewards on board and believe their vision and rewards programme is a perfect fit for individuals who enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle.”

The Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, now in its eighth year, takes place on Sunday, 30 November 2014.  In addition to the new name, a significant change to the route sees the inclusion of the New Helshoogte Pass to replace the currently unsuitable Old Helshoogte Pass – taking the route from 97km to 95km.

Entries for the 2014 race are now open, with just under 1 000 still available.  Cyclists can visit www.stellenboschcycletour.co.za and follow the easy instructions to enter online.  Entries cost R330 for PPA members, or R350 for non-PPA members, and are limited to 7 500.

Starting and finishing once again at Stellenbosch High School in Jannasch Street (just off Merriman Street), the challenging 95km route will remain the final seeding opportunity for next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour, taking place on Sunday, 8 March 2015.

To stay informed of developments of the Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, join their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/stellenboschcycletour or follow them on Twitter at @StellenboschCT.

For more information about the Liberty – Own your life Rewards programme, visit www.ownyourliferewards.co.za.

Manchester Football Legends to play Orlando Pirates Legends in Johannesburg

A dream team of Manchester’s football legends are travelling to Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium to play an exhibition match against the Orlando Pirates Legends on Saturday 15 November at 18H00.

Former England and Liverpool Captain, Mark Wright (Director of FC Tours, who provide Legends Tours), has secured the following players for the tribute match:

Paul Scholes, Lee Sharpe, Louis Saha, Viv Anderson (MBE), Jesper Blomqvist, Ronnie Jonson, Raimond van der Gouw, David May, Quinton Fortune, Lee Martin, Clayton Blackmore, Keith Gillespie, Russell Beardmore and Ben Thornley.

Fans will be travelling from all corners of the globe to see legends like Paul Scholes, Lee Sharpe and Louis Saha (formerly with Manchester United) getting back on the pitch to make football history.

Viv Anderson (MBE) said: “I’m excited to be joining some legendary players to take on one of South Africa’s oldest and best established football clubs, Orlando Pirates. Ellis Park Stadium will provide a fantastic setting for this one-off match bringing together a truly memorable mix of players for one time only. It’ll be a treat for the players and the supporters alike – a truly special game played in a spectacular setting.”

Paul Scholes commented: “For the supporters and the players alike, this will be a really exciting match, giving fans the opportunity to see Manchester’s legends return to the pitch to take on the Orlando Pirates Legends. We’ll all be honouring the memory of Senzo Meyiwa and are proud to have the chance to help to raise funds to support his family.”

The Legends will also be going head-to-head on the golf course at Sun City for a Corporate Golf Day on Thursday 13 November, followed by a series of gala dinners at both Sun City and The Maslow Hotel. In light of the events leading to the passing ofSenzo Meyiwa, the organisers have agreed to donate some proceeds of the gala dinners & match tickets to Meyiwa’s family.

Floyd Mbele, Orlando Pirates Football Club, Administrative Officer said: “We’re looking forward to taking on the Legends. It’ll make for great football and will offer our fans the chance to see some of the game’s most legendary names in action.  We are overwhelmed at the support for Senzo Meyiwa, through the Manchester Legends and FC Tours kindly offering a percentage of the proceeds to Senzo’s family. The game at Ellis Park will be special for many reasons.”

Tickets for the Manchester Football Legends vs Orlando Pirates Legends match taking place on Saturday, 15 November 2014 are available and on sale at all Computicket and Shoprite outlets for R40, R60 and R100.

European Ryder Cup stars confirmed for 2014 Nedbank Golf Challenge

Half of the victorious European Ryder Cup team as well as two Major winners and three former world number ones are amongst the first group of players to confirm their place in this December’s Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Tournament Director Alastair Roper, in announcing the first 12 players that will tee it up in the 4-7 December tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Sunshine Tour and played at one of Sun International’s flagship golf courses in the Gary Player Country Club, said he was delighted with the response of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars.

“To secure half of the European Ryder Cup team, which is by far the biggest representation of that team to be playing in a single tournament anywhere in the world at this same time, is a major coup for us in a year when European golfers are in such demand following their Ryder Cup victory,” Roper said.

The European Ryder Cup stars in the Nedbank Golf Challenge field include Thomas Bjørn, Martin Kaymer, Victor Dubuisson, Jamie Donaldson, Stephen Gallacher and Lee Westwood. Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiminez, who was a vice-captain on the team, is also in the field.

Bjørn is back to defend the title he won in spectacular fashion last year, claiming a two-stroke victory at the age of 42.

Westwood is making his 10^th appearance in the Nedbank Golf Challenge and returns as a back-to-back winner of “Africa’s Major” in 2010 and 2011.

Kaymer is back hoping to add to his 2012 triumph in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and the 2014 US Open champion and former world number one is joined by other former world number ones in Westwood and Luke Donald.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, leads the South Africans in the group, which includes 2013 Sunshine Tour Order of Merit winner Dawie van der Walt.

Thai golf legend Thongchai Jaidee will be joined in the field by his younger counterpart Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who qualified by virtue of his first-place finish on the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit.

NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE CONFIRMED PLAYERS:

Thomas Bjørn (Denmark)

Martin Kaymer (Germany)

Lee Westwood (England)

Charl Schwartzel (South Africa)

Victor Dubuisson (France)

Jamie Donaldson (Wales)

Stephen Gallacher (Scotland)

Dawie van der Walt (South Africa)

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand)

Luke Donald (England)

Miguel Angel Jiminez (Spain)

Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand)

BY THE NUMBERS:

Past Champions (3):

Thomas Bjørn – 2013

Martin Kaymer – 2012

Lee Westwood – 2010, 2011

Major Champions (2):

Martin Kaymer – 2010 PGA Championship, 2014 US Open

Charl Schwartzel – 2011 Masters

2014 European Ryder Cup players (6):

Thomas Bjørn

Martin Kaymer

Lee Westwood

Victor Dubuisson

Jamie Donaldson

Stephen Gallacher

Former World Number Ones (3):

Martin Kaymer

Luke Donald

Lee Westwood

Countries Represented (9):

Denmark, Germany, England, South Africa, France, Wales, Scotland, Thailand, Spain

VOLVO OCEAN RACE IS SAILING INTO THE V & A WATERFRONT

The 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race finishes its first leg in the Mother City between 2 and 6 November. The race, which started in Alicante, Spain with an in-port race on 4 October, departed for Cape Town on 11 October and will see seven syndicates take on the grueling journey, which could take anything between 23 and 27 days to complete.

Known as the Everest of sailing and one of the toughest races in the world, the Volvo Ocean Race is the biggest event on the yachting calendar. It attracts the strongest and most experienced sailors, who will no doubt experience massive sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion and of course the wrath of Mother Nature.

Luckily for us landlubbers, there’s some fun and entertainment to be had from these athletic exploits during the stopover period from 1 to 19 November. While the sailors tackle a nine month stint with which to cover 39 000 nautical miles of the most treacherous sea, the V & A Waterfront becomes a hive of activity.

The lead boat is expected to arrive in Cape Town at the beginning of November. You can welcome the sailors as they arrive from 1 to 6 November at Quay 6, and join in the fun at the official Race Village opening at 5pm on the 1^st of November.

Be part of the Open Ocean Festival action in the Race Village during the stopover period, featuring activities such as stand up paddling, fly boarding and dragon boat racing. You can also catch the IRC National regatta, the Ocean Film Festival, the Ocean Long Table Fish Braai and other Volvo Ocean Race Experiences.

The race restarts on 19 November with the ceremony starting at 3pm and competitors leaving at 6pm. Catch the pro-am races on 14 and 16 November, or the in-port race on 15 November. The Volvo Ocean Race Academy will also offer activities from 16 to 18 November. There will be an on-site classroom and playground for aspiring sailors as well as sailing officials to better hone their skills.

The Volvo Ocean Race offers something for everyone as well as every budget with many free and paid for options. The Volvo Ocean Race, the Everest of sailing, on at the V & A Waterfront from 1 to 19 November.

Visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com for more info on the race en first leg results.