One lucky amateur rider in next month’s RECM Knysna 200 mountain bike event could walk away R30 000 richer – and raise an additional R20 000 for sports development – without even putting foot on the winners’ podium, organisers have announced.
Amateur riders in the three-day RECM Knysna 200 stand to win R30 000 worth of unit trusts at this year’s event, which starts on the Garden Route on June 6. Photo: Julie-Ann Photography
Race director Patric Mosterd said the three-day Knysna race, which starts on June 6, would offer a lucky draw prize of unit trusts to the abovementioned value, courtesy of the title sponsor.
“We introduced this raffle last year and it was incredibly well received,” said Mosterd.
“This event is specifically aimed at those riders who aren’t racing snakes; those of us who have regular jobs and families and can’t spend hours on our bikes every day.
“While we do have some awesome prizes lined up for the pros, these are the people we want to acknowledge and reward for coming.”
With an exclusive field of just 350 participants, he said the chances of claiming the unit trusts were great, as only entrants who purchased raffle tickets stood a chance of winning.
“That’s not bad odds – even if you’re not a gambling man.”
Mosterd said limited places were still available for the 200km race, which offers three days of manageable riding through the magnificent Knysna forests.
“Many of these pristine trails are only open to the RECM Knysna 200 riders, specifically because our numbers are so limited, so it really is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
He said this year’s highlight would be the introduction of timed 2km downhill enduro sections on each stage.
“These form a race within the race, giving the not so pro riders a gap to feature on the podium.”
As part of the investment initiative, Mosterd said the Knysna Sport School would receive R20 000 worth of unit trusts, as well as the proceeds from the ticket sales, which cost R200 each.
“The school is an incredibly deserving organisation as the work they do with local underprivileged children is unprecedented,” said Mosterd.
“Obviously, it was their involvement in development cycling that got us interested initially but it is just one of many sporting disciplines that these children would not usually be exposed to.”
He said giving back to the community was an integral part of the sponsors and organisers’ approach to the event and that the unit trusts provided another sustainable investment avenue for the beneficiary.
“If we want to continue to live in this wonderful country of ours, we believe there is no other way than to try and help those less privileged – at grassroots level. The school is actively involved in this on a daily basis and at this point relies solely on private funding.”
The winner of the unit trusts will be announced in an attendance-only draw during the final lunch at the Sirocco restaurant on Thesen Island on Sunday, June 8.
“We’ve also got a number of additional giveaways, like exclusive accommodation from The Lofts boutique hotel, special offers from Knysna Elephant Park, loads of Cape Storm clothing as well as product hampers from our other sponsors.”
To book your spot, visit www.recmknysna200.co.za. Follow @recmknysna200 or find the Garden Route Events page on Facebook for updates.
