Experienced cyclists and businesspeople on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast are proving how committed they are to growing new talent.
With the inaugural Seabreeze Build-It ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge scheduled to take place on October 17th and 18th this year, development riding has once again been placed in the spotlight.
While the competition caters to all levels of riders, including professional, in a two-day event, it is most notably an opportunity for development riders to get first-hand experience taking part in an official race.
These candidates are often from previously-disadvantaged backgrounds, and enter the cycling world through sponsorships and mentorship from experienced riders.
Rocky Bay Resorts, Bushlife Adventures, Seabreeze Build-It and Illovo Sugar have thrown their weight behind the initiative.
Driven by passion, commitment and pure love for the sport, the race organisers have managed to handpick some raw talent.
One of these candidates is Sihle High School matric pupil Zwelani Biyase, who is thrilled to be part of the Seabreeze Build-It ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge. “We used to have a bike at my house in Ixopo. That’s where I started learning how to use it, but it was only for fun,” Biyase says.
Now, with the skills he’s learning from experienced riders, Biyase is getting fully-acquainted with mountain biking.
Under their close mentorship, he dreams of going pro. “My sponsors are helping me become a good rider. I hope I can be a professional cyclist one day, because I enjoy it.
Biyase is among four youths chosen by the race organisers, from two local schools in the Malangeni area and sponsored by Illovo Sugar, as part of Illovo’s Corporate Social Investment Initiative for the Seabreeze Build-It ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge.
Darrell de Wet, Illovo’s marketing and communications manager, says the sugar giant is always happy to add value to the communities they operate within. “Supported by our philosophy of promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle and our belief in supporting our communities, Illovo is excited to be associated with these new development MTB riders. “Our aim is to carefully nurture and develop this young talent into successful MTB riders, who in turn can share their passion and expertise with others in their community.”
The title sponsors of the ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge, Seabreeze Build-It, have also thrown their support behind development riders on the South Coast.
They will be sponsoring two of their own employees for the big race.
Experienced cyclist Rickey Hulley from Bushlife Adventures, who is the race organiser’s development rider coordinator in the area, says working with the local youth is a truly rewarding experience. “It gives me an opportunity to share the knowledge and passion I have for the sport of mountain biking with these young riders, who under normal circumstances would not have had the opportunity to partake in the sport,” Hulley says. “The most rewarding aspect is being able to witness the excitement and gratitude these young guys have expressed in being afforded this opportunity. For this, we are really grateful to Illovo Sugar and Seabreeze Build-It for their generous sponsorships.”
MTB enthusiasts are still able to enter the highly-anticipated two-day race which is also open to under-19s, since the routes do not exceed 60-kilometres on either day. The organisers are encouraging riders of all skill levels, to join the fun.
Entry for a team of two will cost R3 500, while single entries will be charged at R2 000 each. In addition to a spectacular experience, entrants will receive a complimentary goodie bag and a t-shirt. The price also includes access to both days of the two-stage event, as well as dinner on Friday, breakfast, light lunch and dinner function on Saturday. Breakfast will be served on Sunday morning. Accommodation for entrants is not included in the entry fee, however Rocky Bay Resort is offering the following specials to all entrants:-
OPTION ONE – Log Cabin Accommodation at Rocky Bay Resorts
R1100 per TEAM entry and R825 per SINGLE entry – lodge@rockybay.co.za
OPTION TWO – Tented Camp Site, including 2-man tent & 2 mattresses at Rocky Bay Resorts
R620 per TEAM entry and R465 per SINGLE entry – lodge@rockybay.co.za
Own sleeping bags/pillows/linen required
LIMITED to 100 tents – first come, first served
OPTION THREE – Camp site at Rocky Bay Resorts
R540 per TEAM and R405 per SINGLE entry – lodge@rockybay.co.za
Own caravan/tent etc. required
OPTION FOUR – Race Ticket with tented accommodation included www.roag.co.za
R4120 per TEAM
To accommodate the families and friends of participants, Rocky Bay Resort will be running a special over the race weekend. Log cabin accommodation will cost R275 per person sharing, while bringing children between the ages of 5 and 12 will cost just R135 each per night. Kids under 5 get to stay for free.
If your family can’t get enough of the outdoors, camping is the way to go. It’s only R135 per person per night, or R70 per night for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Again, there’s no charge for kids under 5.
Get your entries in for the Seabreeze Build-It ‘Bitter-Sweet’ MTB Challenge now by logging on to www.roag.co.za.
For more information in English, isiZulu or Afrikaans, please do not hesitate to contact Lodge Reception on 039 976 0336 or lodge@rockybay.co.za
