The 10th anniversary of a local cycling race saw the participant rate for this year’s event double compared with last year.
This is according to Sipho Madolo, programme manager of the Champions Race, which took place in Kayamandi on 13 March.
Over 90 cyclists participated in this year’s competition, compared with 47 across all categories last year, said Madolo.
Cyclists taking part in the Songo.info Champions Race held in Kayamandi on 13 March. The event was broadcast live on the fibertime.tv YouTube channel, according to the Songo.info website. PHOTO: Kuhle Tshabalala
“The Champions Race is getting famous because [it is] an event that goes through the townships, which is something you don’t get every day,” said Madolo.
Last year, the Champions Race had a total of 47 participants between e-bike, men’s race, and the women’s race, according to Madolo.
This year, 14 women participated in the race, 38 men in the elite race, 32 participants for the open race, and 15 for the e-bike race category, said Madolo.
Cyclists waiting to take part in the elite men’s category of the Songo.info Champions Race held in Kayamandi. PHOTO: Kuhle Tshabalala
Songo.info is a non-profit organisation (NPO) focused on social development, which uses sport and education to improve the lives of children in Kayamandi, according to its website.
Songo.info’s Champions Race attracts cyclists with its 2.5km course and is an opportunity for cyclists at all levels to practice their skills in preparation for the Cape Epic mountain bike race, according to the Songo.info website.
The event features some of the world’s top cyclists and amateurs in various categories, showcasing talent at all levels, said Madolo.
Christoph Sauser, the founder of Songo.info, standing alongside the winners of the e-bike women’s category in the Champions Race held in Kayamandi. From left to right: Louse Gees, Denise White, and Nikki Haywood. PHOTO: Kuhle Tshabalala
Denise White, a Songo.info representative, won first place in the women’s electric mountain bike race.
White crossed the finish line within 20 minutes plus one lap, the official time limit for each race, according to Madolo.
“Every race is 20 [minutes] plus one lap, [so] this depends on how fast the riders [can move] in one lap, and how many laps they do in that 20 [minutes],” said Madolo, in correspondence with SMF News.
“Cycling has been a big part of my life and keeping me balanced [and] stable,” said White, who is also a chartered accountant. “I’ve been fortunate enough now to combine a passion with an NPO that I work with and support.”
The youth can also benefit from cycling as it is a healthy way to exercise and connect with other people, said White.
Sponsor partnerships
Specialized Bicycles, a bicycle component store in Stellenbosch, is one of the sponsors for the Champions Race, and has been involved with Songo.info for more than 15 years.
This is according to Bobby Behan, managing director of Specialized Bicycles, who said that the Champions Race can inspire children in the community.
“We’ve been involved since 2008 with Songo.info, [and] to have an event like this in the local community shows a lot of kids what they can reach for,” said Behan. “When we started out, the kids couldn’t ride bikes […] and if you look at the kids now, [they are] getting medals at national [level]”.
The Songo.info Champions Race is a mountain biking event that takes place in Kayamandi. It hosts both professional and amateur cyclists who want to prepare for the Absa Cape Epic or simply hone their skills in support of the charity, according to the Songo.info website. VIDEO: Kuhle Tshabalala