News & Careers

News Image 1: 

News Image 3: 

5 February 2012
Sunday morning dawned with the expectation of heavy rain which was forecast but with the weather gods being on our side no rain. It was still heavily overcast with a slight breeze just to keep things cool. For the first time this year we had a full Mr Price Vets Team present at the race. Yes, that means that even the wily old fox BRYAN CUSACK was in our midst and, for the first time, the only rose between the thorns Isabel Moolman. In the mix with us we had to contend with the local lad AC Swanepoel, from Cycle Lab there was Werner Moolman, Brett Berriman and Trevor Row, Martin Atterbury wearing his white outfit (brave considering rain was forecast) and the sprightly Mr Price Junior Liam Mooney.

The start gun went at 06H15 with the Juniors, U 23, Elites, Vets 30-39 and Vets 40-49 all starting together. With the first kilometer being a steady climb the pace was very sedate until we got to the top where Sean Merredew took over and showed us how to descend. As the first couple of kilometers was verily all down hill the first attack come from Mr Price's Sean Merredew. This was however reeled in by the Cycle Lab team. The Mr Price Vets team was riding very aggressively with a couple of attacks one after the other. This made the Cycle Lab team work hard to reel in every break. About 1km before the turn off to the dam another attack came from Dirk Barnard followed by team mate Andrew Reeves, Junior Liam Mooney and AC Swanepoel. A gap of +- 20 seconds opened and with the first real climb of the day it looked like the break might get away from the bunch. As we crested the short but steep climbed I glance over my shoulder to see the main bunch behind splintering a bit with the Cycle lab team pushing the pace to reel us in. The break got caught before the next 90 degree turn from where the pace and bunch settled in for a while. Not being content just riding the auto bus Emile Fouche put in a well time attack getting away on his own. The gap grew steadily. With the Cycle Lab team on the front the gap stayed constant. As we made the final left turn toward the turn around point Emile Fouche was still ahead of the bunch but with the longest and most testing climb just a few kilometers away, it would really put Emile to the test, especially with the road not being in the greatest condition, lots of pot holes and even a +- 50 meter stretch of gravel to contend with. As we hit the bottom of the climb Liam Mooney took up the pace and Emile was back in the pack. With the pace and effort picking up all the time Sean Merredew attacked about half way up the climb followed by team mate Mike Viljoen and local lad AC Swanepoel. By the half way turning point they managed to open a small gap on the following bunch consisting of Mr Price's Andrew Reeves, Brian Cusack, Liam Mooney, Martin Atterbury and Cycle Lab's James Burne.

A small chasing bunch of 6 formed behind the 7 leading guys with the Cycle Lab team having the most to lose. The gravel section on the descent proved to be somewhat of a race decider as unfortunately Werner Venter punctured and Mike Viljoen picked up a slow puncture which was luckily very very slow. Soon after the right turn back to the dam Sean Merredew, Mike Viljoen and AC Swanepoel were reeled in by a hard working Martin Atterbury and James Burne. As the trio was caught Andrew Reeves' chain somehow managed to twist, which left him standing hopelessly next to the road where Emile Fouche and Cycle Lab's Werner Moolman stopped to assist. With great sportsmanship Werner Moolman gave Andrew Reeves his bike to complete the race, taking himself out the race. The leading bunch of 7 were now just watching each other and riding at a steady pace and things would surely be decided on what the locals call “The 3 sisters” just a few kilometers from the finish line.

The chasing 6 become 4, with 2 Cycle Lab and 2 Mr Price riders. Needless to say Mr Price had a nice ride all the way to the main road where we could see that we were not going to catch the main bunch ahead of us. We started to work with the Cycle Lab guys. Up head the battle started on the bottom of the final sister where AC Swanepoel attacked. He was followed by Martin Atterbury with Sean Merredew not far behind. Battling with his slow puncture Mike Viljoen and Bryan Cusack steadily pulled themselves back to the trio in front with Mike Viljoen managing to pass Martin Atterbury. Bryan Cusack used his experience to hold off the two youngsters. Sean Merredew was now chasing hard to catch AC Swanepoel but to no avail.

In all, a tough undulating route that tested the legs.

Final result:

1 AC SWANEPOEL
2 SEAN MERREDEW Mr Price
3 MIKE VILJOEN Mr Price
4 MARTIN ATTERBURY Mr Price
5 BRYAN CUSACK Mr Price
6 LIAM MOONEY Mr Price
7 JAMES BURNE Cycle Lab
8 ANDREW REEVES Mr Price
9 DIRK BARNARD Mr Price
10 TREVOR ROWE Cycle Lab

News Image 2: 

News Image 1: 

The Cape Yearling Sale is an exciting and prestigious event, where top thoroughbred horses are auctioned. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC), Velotex has been proud to be a part of the event. Herewith a picture of our stand ad the expo, showcasing our top-of-the range jockey apparel.

News Image 3: 

Somerset West teenage mountain biker, Dylan Hattingh recently added a national title to his growing portfolio when he won the Open Men’s division of the 2011 Nissan National Half Marathon Series.
Dylan(16) is the current is the current Western Cape 2011 Junior Cross Country Mountain Bike Champion and a pupil at Parel Vallei High School. To be awarded with the national title was not easy as Dylan had to win a series of eight gruelling races held all over South Africa over nine months.
The series kicked off with the Attakwas in Groot Brak on 16 January, followed by a race in Baberton on 30 January then another in Clarens on 20 February, then in Tulbagh on 15 May, the Gravel Travel in Wellington on 28 July, the Hilton Dirt Fest on 25 September and the final race the Crater Cruise in Parys on 9 October.
Besides these races Dylan also chalked up an impressive tally of mountain biking achievements in 2011, including international racing awards. One of these was in February when he finished sixth in the African Continental Championships in Stellenbosch on 14 February as a member of the South African team.
In April Dylan was selected for the SA Junior first team for the opening event of the 2011 UCI World Cup Cross Country Series in Pietermaritzburg, where he finished in a credible eight place.
On the national level, Dylan also chalked up some impressive 2011 mountain biking achievements.
In March he finished second in the SA National Half Marathon Championships (Junior) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The SA National Cross Country Championships, also March, saw Dylan on the National podium again, taking a third place. He competed in all five of the SA National Cross Country Series races, finishing in overall fifth place on the national log (second among the first year juniors).
On the provincial scene, Dylan won the title of 2011 Western Cape Junior Cross Country provincial race series consisted of five races from May to July. Dylan also finished in first place on the log at the end of series.
Although mountain biking is Dylan’s passion he is no sloth on the road either. As part of the invitational first start group in the 2011 Argus Cycle Tour, his finishing time was a phenomenal 2 hours, 37 minutes, riding on borrowed bicycle as a solo rider.
What makes this achievement even more noteworthy is that the Cape Arhus Cycle Tour took place the day after the SA National Cross Country Championships, where he took second place. Peace Force security was his main sponsor while Helderberg Cycle World assisted with technical and moral support and ASG Sport Solutions made up his third sponsor for 2011.
He is in the market for a main sponsor for 2012 after Peace Force announced it would not be able to sponsor him next year.
Dylan is quick to express gratitude to his trainer Erica Green and Adriaan Louw, his elite age class mentor. If anyone is able to assist this talented young mountain biker, phone his mother Desire on 082 451 5612

Colleges cycle team riding high
By Hannah Spyksma
This year’s season of cycling has ended on an all-time high for a dream team who just keep peddling up the wins. Not content with just taking the national title, the St Cuthbert’s College Senior A Cycling Time Trail Championships in Feilding last month.
“It’s just satisfying because we’ve worked so hard all year,” Devon Hiley, from MT Roskill says.
The team of five, captained by Hiley, beat the existing record held by Diocesan School for Girls with a time of 26.02 minutes.
Although the girls were pretty confident going into the competition, they say at a national level you can never quite judge what is going to happen. A windy course and different location were factors year 12 students Hiley and her team had to account for during the weekend tournament held from October 8 to 10.
Unlike the Auckland competitions, the fastest teams at a national level start last in the time trails – a factor which played into St Cuthbert’s hands.
Even though the competition is a race against the clock it meant the girls were always trying to catch up with those ahead of them.
The national competition ends a successful season for the cyclists and means the students now get a few extra sleep-ins – twice weekly trainings at 5.15am before school are on hold until next year. “Getting up in the morning is hard but it’s all worth it in the end,” Danyela van der Sande, a year 13 student from Epsom, says.
Most of the team members put in an average of 15 hours training each week.
Their commitment to cycling never ceases to amaze St Cuthbert’s head of cycling Coach Scott Hotham.
“They’re quite a unique bunch – their dedication is impressive,” he says.
He has seen hard work translate into solid results- the Senior A team now hold the Auckland, North Island and National time trail titles for senior girls cycling.
They have also broken all records in these categories. Hotham says the next step is for the girls to work on improving their personal bests.
But he also believes it is important the team keeps grounded about its success.
“The allure of New Zealand team selections can take over school competitions- they do need to remember their roots.”

News Image 2: 

Velotex is sponsoring all the apparel for the Citizen International Jockeys' Challenge to be held at Turfontein Race Course on Friday the 11th of November and at Kenilworth on Sunday the 13th of November 2011.

A team of South African jockeys will complete against tthe best jockeys in the world, who are travelling to South Africa for the event.
The clothing will be fully sublimated and make use of the ultimate in aerodynamic qualities, as is featured in prfoessional cycling, to maximize the jockeys chances on the race course.

Velotex prides itself in being at the forefront of producing professional sports apparel specialising in aero-dynmic features. It is a pleasure to be involved with the Citizen International Jockeys' Challenge.

Tickets are available to attend the event - please contact Turfontein or Kenilworth race course.

It is never over till it is over...

After a long and very successful campaign Max Knox of Team GHOST DOITNOW took some time out to collect himself and prepare for what may say are the biggest Mountain Bike events in Southern Africa next to the Cape Epic.....

With loads of Support from Management, sponsors and many many days just looking at his Ghost Bike the time came to build for and exciting 4th quarter of the year and before Max knew is he was ready to tackle to MTN Series Race held at Hilton in Kwazulu Natal and to top it off he was one of the pre race favourites next Stander and Adrien dawning the series leader jersey to prove it.

Max Know tells how it all went down...
“Round #7 of the National Ultra Marathon series saw a very strong elite field gather at Hilton college to shoot it out for the honour of being crowned the champion of the dirt festival. I had high hopes going into the event as last year’s winner by over 8 minutes and being awarded the series leader jersey on the day. I had decided to ride my Ghost 26” mountain bike as I felt it would really suit the course which was considered very hilly and tough, a real mountain bike route.”

“All the big players of mountain biking were present and one couldn't help but feel like u were are on the start grid of an international event. Mountain biker riders in Africa have really lifted their game thanks to companies like Advendurance and series sponsors like MTN and Nissan for getting involved and hosting world class events on our front door steps.”

“The race started out at a pretty steady pace and soon a lead group formed that would have the honours of fighting for the top step of the podium box on the day. The new route really was a great success in my eyes, I took time to enjoy being out there in the forests of Hilton, so many fond memories from my early days of racing are from those areas and it was very special being there doing what I love to do.”

Anyway back to the race, a large group was staying together without anyone showing any sign of cracking or weakness. Going up the King of the Mountain climb a few gaps emerged and I was forced to ride my own rhythm as I tried to save my one leg which was struggling with a bit of cramp. After a while it eased up again and I settled into the fastest pace I could maintain and tried to claw back some time.”

“I fought back and passed some of the other riders and found myself chasing Burry and Adrien up the last climb of the race. I did however not manage to bridge the gap back up to them and crossed the line in third spot with Burry Stander getting the win and Adrien claiming silver.”

“I was happy to put my feet back on the podium box and a good sign for me heading into the last round of the national series in two weeks when we all gather to trot around the mighty Parys.”

“Till then there is still some work to be done.”

Look out for Team GHOST –DOITNOW, coming to Win a race near you soon.....”

Image: 

News Image 2: 

Let’s stand behind the Springboks and show our pride on our bikes this Spring by flying the SA colours. South Africa 2010 Cycling Jersey in Vento / PV combination.

Image: 

News Image 1: 

We were very proud when a local Government Department expressed their immense praise, complimenting our Sonia Peters on her fine efforts in securing and facilitating their recent Cannibal Clothing business and also in ensuring the meeting of their delivery date.

Herewith their letter of commendation:

" ERKENNNING VIR UITSTEKENDE DIENSLEWERING – SONIA PETERS

Die Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling wil hiermee graag erkenning gee aan Sonia Peters vir die uitstekende dienslewering wat deur haar verskaf is. Sy was deurentyd uiters professioneel in haar optrede en het werklik baie moeite gedoen om die bestelling T-hemde betyds vir die Gesinsdag gereed te kry. Haar vriendelike optrede het dit ‘n plesier gemaak om van Velotex/Cannibal Clothing se dienste gebruik te maak.

Daar sal in die toekoms weer van Velotex/Cannibal Clothing se dienste gebruik gemaak word en die kwaliteit van u produkte sal beslis aanbeveel word.

Vriendelike Groete

Annelene Coetzee
Maatskaplike Werker
Departement Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling

11 Julie 2011 "

Our Congratulations and Sincere Thanks are extended to Sonia as well to all concerned, behind the scenes, for their excellent and speedy efforts herein!

News Image 1: 

The Family Expo Day is a yearly event hosted by the Department of Social Development" Cape Winelands/Overberg - Children & Families Programme.

This day is normally packed with treats and entertainment for the whole family. Awareness programmes are run during the course of the day for both adults and children. T-shirts was issued to both adults and children whereby the kids T-shirts had the own handprints on their t-shirts. This was indeed an excellent initiative by the Department of Social Development.

The Department of Social Development approached Cannibal to supply both the Adult and kiddies t-shirts and to assistant in sourcing the correct inks to be used for the handprints on the kiddies T-shirts.

2:55:36

"I've done it, have you?"

Sanet's time of 2:55:36 qualifies her to wear the official SUB3 signature collection by Velotex.

If you have broken the  3 hour barrier, don’t miss the opportunity to order this select achiever’s range in the SUB3 lounge throughout the 2011 Cape Argus Lifecycle Expo.

Earn it to own it!

Image: 

News Image 2: 

News Image 1: 

News Image 3: 

Do it for Conservation

JOIN THE RACE FOR THEIR SURVIVAL. LEAVE YOUR GREEN MARK ON THE LAND AND IN THE MINDS OF PEOPLE AROUND YOU

THE CHALLENGE

Raise awareness and funds for leopard conservation by wearing these cycling shirts. Leopards need territo-ries that go beyond the boundaries of national parks. On farms they are gin trapped, hunted with dogs and even poisoned. The Landmark Foundation works with progressive farmers to change this. By using improved livestock protection methods, losses are limited and predators are conserved as an essential part of the ecosystem. The leopard is an ambassador for other wildlife that walks within it’s ranges. Its pro-tection ensures their conservation as well.

Biodiversity belongs to everyone. Join us in building the conservation economy.

THE SHIRTS

Made from Velotex Vento/Polyvent, a high quality per-formance wear with excellent breathability, durability and comfort. Funds raised through the sale of shirts goes to the Landmark Foundation Leopard and Predator Project. Cost of shirt: R500

ORDER

Fill in the order form and email it to landmark.

DO IT FOR LEOPARDS

People across the globe are using their passion and love for sport to raise funds for charities. Take this challenge for leopards, contact Kate or look at www.doit4charity.org.za to see what others are doing.

JOIN US

Send us your photos of where you go with your shirt! Watch the blog for updates.

Visit our website for more information about the conservation project.

Support racers at www.doit4charity.org.za

CONTACT US

Information and orders: kate@landmarkfoundation.org.za

Blog: http://racingforleopards.blogspot.com/

Website: www.landmarkfoundation.org.za

News Image 1: 

Velotex-sponsored Jennie Stenerhage is not only The Champion of Sweden, but also the winner of 2009 Alphapharm Series, confirming her as the Best Lady Cyclist in South Africa during 2009!

You shall also note Robyn de Groot and Anriette Schoeman on these photographs, wearing only Velotex Ladies Red Label Bib Shorts with their othewise manufactured jerseys.The reason for this is that although not sponsored by Velotex during 2009, they nevertheless insisted on our shorts, which had to be accordingly purchased by their team!

News Image 2: 

News Image 1: 

We at Velotex are proud supporters of Bafana Bafana in their bid for glory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup!

News Image 1: 

Hi Pauline & Staff

Thank you so much for your kind donation of cycling gear for our team, which rode the Argus Cycle Tour 2010. We landed up with 7 riders who had varied levels of success.

The idea was started about August 2009, when when we decided that it would be a great idea to train some of the local community members of Sutherland to ride the Argus. We identified a number of people, and they as time went by some of the riders fell out and other joined in, but by February 2010 we had a handful of riders that are all very keen and able. The riders were all either unemployed or had limited incomes, which made the purchasing of equipment by them almost impossible, Sutherland is an town that has a high level of unemployment and high levels of alcohol abuse. The bicycles were either borrowed or donated by people that had bicycles standing around not being used in their garages, from the start of the project we drummed into the riders head "it's not about the bike". Occasionally we would arrange a team ride, with a support vehicle, so that the riders were able to get in some distance training, and some of the training was left to them to train in their own time. Sutherland was an ideal location for training as it is located on a plateau 1500 metres above sea level and the roads are clear of traffic. The great challenge was to train the riders to ride amongst a bunch and keep their line. To put the challenges into perspective, Sutherland has a population of 3000 people and the Argus has around 30000 riders.

On one of our team rides the cycling clothing was handed out, and it made an immediate impact on the team, straight away you could now see that they felt they were cyclists and the spirit of the team was lifted. We went out on our team ride, and the next day I heard a number of comments by community members about how professional the riders looked, and a number of the riders that were no longer taking part were regretting the fact that they were no longer team members.

We were able to arrange that the team arrived in Cape Town on Friday, two days before the Cycle Tour, for some of the riders this was their first time looking at Table Mountain. On Saturday, the day before we took the team to register at the Expo, which was really packed and got the riders into the spirit of the Cycle tour. After registration, we were able to take them on the route and show them the magnitude of the hills and what they could expect on the day. For lunch, we stopped at Fishhoek and played on the beach for an hour, which was the first time that some of the riders had been onto the beach and dip their toes in the surf. Going along "Chappies" one of our riders had to lie flat on the floor of the bus as he was so scared of heights that he was unable to look at the view, on the ride he was hugging the rock face and riding with groups so that he was not able to see the edge of the road. At the end of the day we took them for supper which was part of the carbo loading, and they then retired for a disturbed sleep filled with anxiety.

Early on Sunday morning, we rounded up the team, bikes all packed and headed for the start. Nerves were running high and the riders were anxious to get to the start and get going, they had a start time of 9:51. The ride went off well with only one of the riders not completing the course in the required time, but she was pulled off at the top of Suikerbossie, after having done all the hard work, but she has promised that next year she will be back. The rest of the riders completed all under 6 hours with the two best times being one of 4:43 and one of 4:47.

I have included two photo's of the team in their clothes, which really looked smart. Thank you again for your great donation.

Regards Grant.

News Image 2: