sani2c mountain bike race kicks off

The race comprises three separate events: the sani2c trail from 15 to 17 May; the sani2c adventure from 16 to 18 May; and the sani2c race from 17 to 19 May.

Day one kicks off at Underberg School and takes riders to MacKenzie Country Club in Ixopo. Day two ends at Jolivet, south of Highflats, and day three finishes at Scottburgh High School. Riders will cross 76 farms and ride alongside the Umkomaas River.

Teichmann, Stransky and Van der Westhuizen

Veteran rugby heroes Gary Teichmann, Joel Stransky and Cabous van der Westhuizen are part of a 14-man Rugby Legends team that will be pitting their mettle against some of the top MTB riders in the country.

Stransky admits that the cycling bug has bitten him hard.

"sani2c is one of the best stage races on the MTB calendar and it's fantastic to compete with a group of mates. Some of us are in the fortunate position of being able to raise funds and promote great causes supported by the organisers and BoE Private Clients," he said.

The race is about more than blood, sweat and mud - figures for the 2011 event show that:

• R5.2 million was paid directly to beneficiaries in surrounding communities
  
• R40m was gained in tourism spend, according to Tourism SA
  
• 2850 community workers were employed before and during the race
  
• 23 charities, schools and environmental groups in nine communities received direct and indirect benefits from the race.

Organisers expect revenue from this year's event to be even higher.

Offsetting the carbon footprint

Brett Lambert, head: KZN region of BoE Private Clients, said that he is overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of riders for the green initiatives planned for the 2012 event.

"We are excited that 1298 trees have already been pledged by cyclists to offset the carbon footprint of the race. The route takes us through some of the most spectacular parts of KZN and we want to preserve this beautiful environment as much as possible."

In addition, revenue raised by the race is channelled to long-term projects aimed at uplifting the region.

"The focus that the organisers place on the sustainable upliftment of the region is a major factor in why we have been involved in sani2c for the past three years. As the only wealth manager with a dedicated Philanthropy Office, that provides advice on managing charitable funds, we share a common passion for uplifting the community as the sani2c organisers, " he concluded.