Thousands of cyclists from across South Africa were shocked to discover yesterday that their entry fees had been forfeited, after receiving a letter from the liquidators in the Wynand de Villiers-saga.
This comes just four days before the Montecasino Classico, which was due to take place in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Cyclists have expressed their shock and disbelief on social media.
In a statement from De Villiers of De Villiers National Cycling it is said “following the recent successful liquidation action brought against De Villiers National Cycling by Hit Factory, all organisational processes relating to the Montecasino Classico and Emperors Palace Classic have been formally stopped. As a direct consequence of the liquidation order, no further planning, coordination, or execution of these events will take place under the auspices of De Villiers National Cycling. The matter now falls within the jurisdiction of the appointed liquidator, who will oversee all related assets, contracts and financial implications in accordance with the applicable legal framework. We recognise the historic importance of both the Montecasino Classico and the Emperors Palace Classic to the South African cycling calendar. However, until the liquidation process has run its course, no further commitments or assurances regarding the future of these events can be made.”
The Master of the High Court has appointed Mari Haywood and M. la Fontaine as the joint provisional liquidators of the company.
De Villiers was also involved in the controversial Theuns Jordaan tribute concert in Amsterdam earlier this year where he and several singers including Bok van Blerk and Kurt Darren butted heads.
Cyclists from Middelburg Cycling Club also entered several races after De Villiers offered up to fifty percent on entries.
Some cyclists also paid for family members’ entry fees and lost double the amount.
The same happened to participants in the Tour du Cap. A five-day cycle tour on 2 March from Wellington in the Western Cape next year.
Participants entered by the hundreds after De Villiers lured them with ridiculously low entry fees. R1900 was paid per entry.
The Meals on Wheels race will be held in Heidelberg next week and on Sunday 19 October and the Rooiwal race will be held on 18 October just outside Pretoria.
Several local cyclists have also signed up for the RideJoburg on October 26 through the streets of Johannesburg.
