The Herald Cycle Tour supports cycling inclusivity and growth in the region
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.