The TransCape mountain bike race has been boosted by the announcement that Volvo Car South Africa will extend their sponsorship to 2018.
The seven-day, 614km journey from Knysna and Franschhoek in the Western Cape will start on February 4.
ASG Events chief executive Wynand de Villiers said the contribution for 12 XC90 vehicles by Volvo had proved a key element in this year’s race as a shuttle service to and from the race villages.
“It was many riders’ first experience in an XC90 and without exception they were all blown away,” said De Villiers.
Volvo Car South Africa have extended their partnership with the TransCape mountain bike race to 2018. Photo: Irma Marren Coetzee
“It’s a truly exceptional SUV with safety features that redefine the way cars can be driven.”
He added that the shuttle service gave the riders first-hand knowledge of the vehicles.
“It was not a matter of just seeing the vehicle at a distance. They were intimately exposed to what the XC90 has to offer.”
De Villiers said they had a genuine partnership with Volvo Car South Africa, with the sponsors contributing in many ways to the success of the race.
“Besides the fleet of SUVs providing a superb shuttle service, the rest of the staff helped at waterpoints and assisted with marshalling and rider hospitality, which is an important part of our offering.”
Volvo Car South Africa marketing and PR director Michelle Naudé said they were delighted to engage with the cycling community as a core market for their brand.
She said the sponsorship allowed them to expose the advanced safety features of their vehicles to the cyclists, while also including the adventure element many people were seeking.
She said they were pleased to be so closely involved with the race logistics.
“Many participants complimented us for incorporating our vehicles in its day-to-day running and adding value by transporting them in luxury.”
