READY FOR ACTION: The Eastern Cape Motors Ford team will once again be backing The Herald Cycle Tour 2025 showcasing a line-up of their latest prime Ford vehicles. Riders from this year's edition showing their support are, from left, Helene Nepgen, Caroline Viljoen, Karen Barnard and Nigel Ladwig of ECMG. Image: Richard Pearce

The Eastern Cape Motor Group (ECM) will once again provide valuable operational support as the official vehicle sponsor for the upcoming The Herald Cycle Tour, fuelled by Astron Energy 2025.

The 39th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour includes mountain bike races at the Addo Polo Club on Sunday February 9, and road races at Pollok Beach on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16.

The prime Ford line-up of the latest vehicles on the market is bound to turn some heads as support vehicles, which include lead vehicles for the elite riders, as well as other vehicles tasked with route checks, route markings and other travel logistics.

ECM North End dealer principal Dale Cuthbert said the group was proud to be associated with this world-class event and looking forward to a great turnout, and some “good, clean fun for the whole family to enjoy”.

“We have had an outstanding long-standing relationship with The Herald, and The Herald Cycle Tour for many years, basically from the beginning.

“It has always been an honour to be part of this event. The level of excellence of the event delivered by the organisers makes it a pleasure for us to partner as ‘Delivering Excellence’ is very much a part of our DNA,” Cuthbert said.

Partnering with the 2025 The Herald Cycle Tour also makes perfect sense for ECM because of its drive to support local.

“Partnering with a real, home-grown Eastern Cape event and seeing how well it has grown over the years makes it very easy for us as a group to keep our partnership.

“The participant numbers have grown exponentially along with the entrants and visitors from various other parts of the country.”

Some of the ECM-sponsored vehicles that will support The Herald Cycle Tour 2025 are the Next-Gen Ford Ranger (Single Turbo and Bi-Turbo variants across the range), Next Gen Ford Everest (Adventure vehicle of the Year), All New Ford Territory (known for its space and versatility), and the underestimated, punch-packing Ford Puma (available in Titanium and ST derivatives).

Entries for the Herald Cycle Tour close at midday on February 3.

To enter, and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

Riders who tackle both feature races for road and mountain bikes can enter as an Ultimate Quest participant.

For other queries, contact The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.

FUELLING CHAMPIONS: The Herald is thrilled to announce Glenryck as a top-tier partner of the 2025 edition of The Herald Cycle Tour. Here, cycle tour rider Royce Griffon refuelling with a powerhouse high-protein recovery meal after a gruelling training ride. Image: BERNA ULAY-WALTERS

Riders of The Herald Cycle Tour, fuelled by Astron Energy 2025 will be getting a healthy protein boost from Glenryck, which is supporting the 39th edition of the popular Eastern Cape racing event.

The Herald Cycle Tour consists of mountain bike races at the Addo Polo Club on Sunday February 9, and road races at Pollok Beach on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16.

Glenryck is a great fit for the cycle tour, since the brand is focused on promoting wellness, accessible nutrition, and community connection, Glenryck sales executive Sakkie Luther said.

“Glenryck is proud to support The Herald Cycle Tour because we believe in building healthier communities and fostering memorable experiences through active lifestyles.

“This partnership aligns with our mission to encourage wellness and engagement within the community.

“By offering high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, we make balanced, active living more attainable, supporting overall wellness for individuals and families alike,” Luther said.

Glenryck products deliver essential nutrients, including lean protein and omega-3s, which support athletes, like cyclists, by sustaining energy levels and endurance.

“Our products offer lean protein, which is crucial for muscle endurance and recovery.

“During long rides, Glenryck’s protein content helps maintain muscle mass and wards off fatigue, while omega-3s promote joint health and reduce inflammation, enhancing both endurance and comfort,” Luther said.

African Pioneer Marine (APM) acquired the brand Glenryck in 2020, and the South African icon has been around for more than 80 years.

“Looking ahead, Glenryck anticipates a growing focus on personalised nutrition for athletes, with an emphasis on sustainable, high-quality protein sources.

“As athletes increasingly recognise the impact of diet on both their performance and recovery, we expect trends toward nutrient-dense foods that not only fuel endurance but also support long-term health.

“We’re excited to provide cyclists with nutritious, ethically sourced options that align with this evolving approach to athlete wellness,” Luther said.

Entries for the Herald Cycle Tour close at midday on February 3. To enter, and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

For other queries, contact The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.

UP FOR GRABS: Showcasing the TREK Top Fuel 5 (2025 model) bike valued at R55,000 which Standard Bank clients who enter The Herald Cycle Tour stand a chance to win is the banks' client coverage, personal and private banking Eastern Cape head, Unathi Maqalekane, who is busy training to take part in the race. Image: WERNER HILLS

Standard Bank is excited to connect with cyclists while gearing up for the action at the upcoming 2025 edition of The Herald Cycle Tour.

Entries have opened for The Herald Cycle Tour, fuelled by Astron Energy.

The tour consists of the mountain bike races at the Addo Polo Club on Sunday February 9, and the exciting road races at Pollok Beach on Saturday February 15 and Sunday February 16.

Standard Bank will again support The Herald Cycle Tour by creating a welcoming hospitality area for riders and their families at the road race events at Pollok Beach.

“Driving Africa’s growth is at the heart of everything we do.

“For that reason, Standard Bank sees The Herald Cycle Tour as an opportunity to not only support sustainable causes but also to connect with our clients, staff, stakeholders, communities and societies through impactful financial solutions and responsible business practices,” Standard Bank client coverage, personal and private banking Eastern Cape head Unathi Maqalekane said.

Riders who register online before December 31, and are Standard Bank clients, stand a chance to win access to the Standard Bank VIP Lounge at the road race event on Sunday February 16.

“The hospitality area allows us to enrich the overall event experience by offering premium service, comfort, and access.

“By joining our VIP lounge, riders can enjoy a great day filled with camaraderie, great conversations, and delicious food with their family and friends,” Maqalekane said.

In 2025, Standard Bank will also give away a TREK Top Fuel 5 (2025 model) bicycle, valued at a whopping R55,000, as a lucky draw prize for Standard Bank clients who are race entrants.

“Standard Bank is proud to be #MoreThanABank. This is why we get involved in initiatives that support sport.

“Our contribution to the development of sporting events such as The Herald Cycle Tour has helped elevate the role of sports in the Eastern Cape’s story,” Maqalekane said.

He said The Herald Cycle Tour also aligned with Standard Bank’s values.

“Our activities are guided by value drivers against which we assess our progress and impacts.

“Each edition of The Herald Cycle Tour drives socioeconomic progress and fosters community while supporting various charitable causes.”

Maqalekane, who will be entering The Herald Cycle Tour as a rider, encouraged his fellow Standard Bank colleagues to hop in the saddle too.

Entries have opened and will close at midday on February 3.

To enter, and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

For other queries, contact The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.

FUELLED TO THE BRIM: The Herald welcomes Astron Energy as the new co-title sponsors of the 2025 edition of The Herald Cycle Tour. Getting ready for the February event are, from left, Tanya Jackson (Mountain Events), Sithsaba Xhala (Eyona Energy retail and marketing general manager), Matshepo Ramokolo (Eyona Energy sales and marketing coordinator), Berna Ulay-Walters (The Herald marketing manager) and Julie Briggs (race director). Image: Werner Hills

Having The Herald Cycle Tour fuelled by Astron Energy is an incredible chance to engage and promote health, energy and resilience to various communities.

This is according to Sithsaba Xhala, retail and marketing general manager of Eyona Energy, which is the authorised franchiser of the Astron Energy fuel brands in the Eastern Cape.

The 39th edition takes place over two action-packed weekends, starting with a return to the trails of the Addo Polo Club for the mountain bike races on February 9.

The road events take place at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on February 15 and 16.

With options for the whole family, the Tour, which traditionally attracts about 3 000 participants and 8 000 spectators, is a celebration of cycling and the city.

Xhala said the event reflected their dedication to supporting local programmes that promoted active living and raised environmental awareness.

“It also marks a milestone in our efforts to forge stronger connections with South Africans and, in particular, Eastern Cape communities and show our dedication to making a positive effect beyond providing fuel.”

Given Astron’s strong belief in innovation, community engagement and sustainability, Xhala said The Herald Cycle Tour aligned with the brand’s values of environmental responsibility and a healthy, active lifestyle.

“We aspire to do more than just sell fuel — our goal is to be SA’s largest fuel brand that actively gives back to the communities we operate in,” he said.

“Our partnership with The Herald Cycle Tour demonstrates our dedication to this vision by building local connections, promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing our brand’s effect in the Eastern Cape.

“We hope our involvement will help foster a greater appreciation for cycling, both as a sport and a sustainable mode of transportation.”

Furthermore, Xhala hoped that their partnership would be of great benefit to the local economy by showing off the region to encourage tourism and community pride.

The Herald’s marketing manager, Berna Ulay-Walters, was thrilled to announce the partnership as Astron Energy’s commitment to excellence and community upliftment perfectly aligned with the spirit of The Herald Cycle Tour.

“The synergy between Astron Energy and The Herald exemplifies a forward-thinking approach encompassing a shared vision for a healthier and more vibrant community,” she said.

“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at Astron Energy for partnering with us on this incredible journey.”

The 80km Extreme is the feature event on the off-road programme, which also offers the 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 5km Family Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash races.

The following Sunday’s road programme is headlined by the 106km Classic for various racing categories and complemented by the 55km Adventure for age-groups and tandems. The 2km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash take place on the Saturday.

Riders tackling both feature races can enter the Ultimate Quest.

The race village will offer picnic zones, a family tent, beer garden, children’s play park, live entertainment and Standard Bank’s VIP lounges.

Besides Astron, the event has drawn support from a wide range of businesses, including top-tier sponsor Glenryck.

Other partners include the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape Motors Group, Standard Bank, Powerade, Town Lodge Group, Relay EMS, Talisman Hire & K&W Amusements, Trek and Cyclo Pro, Thule, Wayne Pheiffer Cycles, Coimbra, Goshawk and Omega Security.

Entrants can support the Helmet Heroes initiative, which was introduced in 2022.

It is aimed at educating and providing protection for those who live on the race route and commute by bicycle. Organisers have increased the target number of helmets earmarked for distribution.

Entries opened on November 6 and close at midday on February 3. To enter and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

Other queries can be directed to Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.

GEARING UP: Excited for 2025’s edition of The Herald Cycle Tour are UThando Youth Cycle Academy development riders, from left, Lundi Kakana, Sihle Ningi, Luthando Fatyi (chair) and Chuma Tshayingca. To enter and support the various beneficiaries, go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za. Image: SUPPLIED

The Herald Cycle Tour will spread the love in 2025 by supporting four beneficiary organisations when the highly-anticipated event takes place early next year.

The tour consists of the popular mountain bike races, which will be held at the Addo Polo Club on Sunday, February 9, and the well-supported road races at Pollok Beach on Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16.

For the 39th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour, riders who tackle the road and mountain bike feature races can enter as an Ultimate Quest participant.

The four charities that will be supported are Uthando Cycle Youth Academy, Bayethe Multisport Academy, Reach for a Dream Foundation and Smile Foundation.

“Together, we can harness the transformative power of cycling to foster a better future for those who need it most within our community,” The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters said.

“Each year, our ambition for The Herald Cycle Tour is to reach new heights, empowering us to better support our beneficiary riders and the vital charities we stand behind.

“By participating, we are not just cycling; we are making a tangible difference in our community – for the young development riders who aspire to cross the finish line or individuals simply eager to learn how to ride.

“Every turn of the wheel serves as a step towards strengthening our partnerships with these organisations and fostering meaningful change.”

Uthando co-founder Luthando Fatyi said donations from the 2025 event would assist the Academy to maintain its bikes while allowing members to participate in races around South Africa, including the national track championships in Cape Town.

“It means the world to us being beneficiaries of this great event that’s been part of Gqeberha for more than 35 years. It has been a great help and assisted us in getting riders to different events around the Eastern Cape and SA,” he said.

About 10 Gqeberha riders from the Academy, aged between 10 and 35, will participate in The Herald Cycle Tour in 2025. Around seven riders aged 15 to 40 and hailing from Addo, Paterson and Kirkwood will represent the Bayethe Multisport Academy.

Academy head Xola Williams said being a beneficiary again would enable it to further its mission of developing young and adult athletes in underserved communities.

“The partnership raises awareness of our programmes and brings crucial resources to enhance our training and equipment.

“The support from The Herald Cycle Tour has made it possible to invest in high-quality training, equipment and [has brought] exposure for our riders,” Williams said.

“Many of our athletes have had opportunities to participate in major events, compete at higher levels and received mentorship that they may not otherwise have had access to.

“This has accelerated their development and built confidence and discipline in each rider.”

In addition to the partnerships with these charities, The Herald Cycle Tour will again run the Helmet Heroes initiative to encourage safe cycling in the region. Participants can drop off new or preloved helmets and cycling kit at registration.

Donations will be distributed to local cyclists, commuters and development riders.

Entries close at midday on February 3. To enter, and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

For other queries, contact The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.

GEAR UP: Entries are officially open for the 39th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour, which takes place in February 2025. To register and for more information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za. Image: RICHARD PEARCE

Gqeberha is once again gearing up for a festival of cycling as entries for the 39th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour in February go live today.

The event has showcased the city for more than three decades and the 2025 action returns to the trails of the Addo Polo Club for the mountain bike races on February 9.

The following weekend, on February 15 and 16, the road races take over at Pollok Beach in the city.

The cycle tour, which traditionally attracts about 3 000 participants and more than 8 000 spectators, is uniquely positioned as a celebration of cycling and the region, with options for the whole family.

The 80km Extreme is the feature event on the off-road programme. Alongside the main race will be a 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 5km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash.

The road programme is highlighted by the 106km Classic for various racing categories on the Sunday. This race is supported by the 55km Adventure for age-group entrants and tandems.

The 2km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash are scheduled for the Saturday.

Riders who intend to tackle the on and off-road feature races can target the Ultimate Quest, which aims to identify the top all-rounders.

With family picnic zones, family tent, beer garden, children’s play park, live entertainment and the Standard Bank VIP lounges, the race village at the start-finish area will offer an even bigger and better family experience.

The Herald editor Rochelle de Kock said it was hoped 2025’s event would be the biggest yet.

“With every year that we have hosted this premier event on the Nelson Mandela Bay events calendar, it has grown and we’ve attracted national and international riders,” she said.

“We aim to ensure next year’s cycle tour races will be even bigger and that we can assist more beneficiary riders through the charities we will be supporting.

“With the Cycle Tour set to celebrate its 39th year since inception, we would like to encourage all cyclists, young and old, along with their families, to join us in the festivities.

“It has a positive economic impact on our city by not only benefiting the hospitality industry but also small businesses that form part of the team that organises the event to ensure its success.

“We’d like to encourage as many entries as possible, and support from our local community, to mark the 39th year of the event as the biggest and best yet.

“And, in 2026, when we celebrate year 40, we will ensure this is the cycle tour that every cyclist must tick off as a bucket list event,” she said.

It has drawn support from the Sarah Baartman District Municipality and a wide range of businesses including the Eastern Cape Motors Group, Standard Bank, Powerade, Town Lodge Group, Relay EMS, Talisman Hire, K&W Events and Amusements, Trek, Cyclo Pro, Thule, Wayne Pheiffer Cycles, Coimbra, Goshawk and Omega Security.

The event will also continue its support of worthy causes by generating funds for the Smile Foundation, Reach for a Dream, Bayethe MultiSport Academy and Uthando Youth Cycling Academy.

All road and MTB entrants will also stand the chance to win a Marlin 4 GEN2 bicycle, sponsored by Trek and Cyclo Pro, valued at R12 500.

Standard Bank road and MTB entrants also stand in line to win one Trek Top Fuel 5 (2025 model) valued at R55 000, compliments of the financial institution.

Entrants can also support The Herald’s Helmet Heroes initiative, which was introduced in 2022.

It is aimed at educating and providing protection for those who commute by bicycle.

The organisers have increased the target number of helmets earmarked for distribution to commuters on the race route.

Entries close at midday on February 3.

To enter, and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

For other queries, email The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.