Bittersweet nurtures new talent
The mountain bike challenge takes place at Rocky Bay on October 17 and 18.
WITH the inaugural Seabreeze Build it Bittersweet MTB Challenge taking place at Rocky Bay, near Scottburgh, on October 17 and 18, South Coast cyclists and business people are committed to using the race as a vehicle to grow new talents.
Development riding has come under the spotlight with organisers pointing out that, while the competition caters to all levels of riders, it offers development riders a change to experience an official race. The two-day challenge comprises a 60km route on the first day and a 45km route on the second day.
The development riders are often from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and they 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 and the race organisers have handpicked some promising raw talent.
One of these candidates is Sihle High matric pupil Zwelani Biyase who is thrilled to be part of the 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,” he said. Now, with the skills he’s learning from experienced riders, he is getting fully acquainted with mountain biking and even dreams of going pro.
He is among four young riders 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 challenge.
Experienced cyclist Rickey Hulley from Bushlife Adventures, who is the race organiser’s development rider coordinator in the area, said working with the local youth was 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 take part in the sport,” he said.
Mountain bike 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 take part.
Entry for a team of two will cost R3 500, while single entries will be R2 000 each. Entrants will receive a goodie bag and a T-shirt, access to both days of the event, dinner on Friday and breakfast, light lunch and a dinner function on Saturday. Breakfast will be served on Sunday morning.
