NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
Staff Reporter
ENTRIES for the 35th Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the largest timed cycling event in the world, opened today and this time the race will do even more for charity.
The event is set to take place on March 11.
David Bellairs, CEO of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, said 5 000 entries were available for charities and corporates through charity bonds.
“Having seen the success achieved by large international sporting events like the London and New York marathons, which allow charities to use their events for fund-raising, the Cycle Tour Trust decided to encourage registered charities and social investment projects to enter by purchasing premium rate charity bonds for participation,” he said.
Each charity bond would contain 10 entries.
“These will be allocated, on a first come first served basis, to charities and corporates applying to the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.
“The great benefit to charities who buy bonds is that they will be permitted to ‘late enter’ the names of their bond participants up until January 13, only eight weeks before the event,” said Bellairs.
Online individual entries have been limited to 30 000.
“Once the individual online entries have been received people will be directed to charities who will use the bonds to raise money for a worthy cause. “
An average of 35 000 cyclists register to participate in the Cycle Tour each year.
Bellairs said: “For years the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle tour has generated millions of rands for cycling development and charitable projects supported by the Pedal Power Association, the Rotary Club of Claremont as well as various other Rotary Clubs. It makes complete sense that we use the popularity of the Cycle Tour to encourage participants to … give back to their communities.”
Cape Argus executive editor Gasant Abarder said the newspaper was delighted the Cycle Tour was enhancing its commitment to charity.
“The Cycle Tour is the perfect opportunity for corporates to do their bit but also to engage with their staff in a way that promotes a healthy lifestyle in the form of cycling.
“The move to benefit even more charities befits the legacy of this great event, which started out as a small race designed to draw awareness about cycling safety and has grown into a global phenomenon,” he said.
Bronwen Rohland, Pick n Pay marketing and sustainability director, said the Cycle Tour was a great opportunity to get involved in the most family-oriented event of its kind.
“A number of charities and service organisation projects benefit from the money raised and it has always been our policy to give strong support to South African communities.”
l To enter, you need your ID or passport, a valid credit card, medical aid details and membership number as well as an emergency contact number.
Submit online entries to www.cycletour.co.za.