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#Maties100 ready for Cape Town #CycleTour2018
Author: Asiphe Nombewu/ Corporate Communication
Published: 28/02/2018

​​​#Maties100 ready for Cape Town #CycleTour2018

Marking the Stellenbosch University (SU) Centenary, a large group of staff members, students, alumni and friends of the University will be participating in the Cape Town Cycle Tour on 11 March 2018 to raise funds for student bursaries.

So far, 63 riders have signed up to tackle the world's largest timed cycle race, which extends over 109 km, under the name #Maties100 and the slogan “forward together". The additional amount that each paid on top of their entry fee, as well as donations from the public, will be going towards bursaries.

Among the cyclists will be the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, and his daughter, Gera, as well as the Vice-Rector: Learning and Teaching, Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel, and several lecturers, including Profs Sophia du Plessis, Bob Mash, Sadulla Karjiker, Anton Basson and Johan Hattingh.

Each of the riders will be receiving a special #Maties100 cycling shirt as part of their entry package.

“Only 100 shirts are being produced exclusively for the University's Centenary year. Fewer than 40 shirts are still available for purchase to other riders participating in the #CycleTour2018. The team can also still accept additional full entries until 1 March," said Marvin Koopman of Alumni Relations.

MATIES100 shirt.jpg 

“Higher education is the youth's gateway to the future. This is a way to enable students to attend university," said Prof De Villiers.

Asked about his expectations for the race, he said: “I am looking forward to no wind, great camaraderie and beautiful views to balance out the fatigue."

Le Roux van der Westhuizen, an alumnus who will be riding the Cycle Tour for the 16th time, said: “This is a fantastic way to give back because not only is it something we will be doing for fun, but the money raised will go towards bursaries."

Prof Du Plessis, a lecturer in Economics, said riding the Cycle Tour for student bursaries combines two things that she and her husband, Francois, love doing – exercising and giving back. They will be riding a tandem bicycle.

“We have supported many charity initiatives in the past, but this one is the best so far. The fact that SU is celebrating its Centenary was an added inspiration. I have a very strong connection with this institution because this is where I completed my studies, and we also brought our son to this year's Open Day with a view to him studying here from next year."

Geo Erasmus, a second-year BA Sport Science student, said: “I think #Maties100 is an excellent initiative that will influence so many lives in a positive way. So, there can't be a better cause for which to ride my first Cape Town Cycle Tour!"

A hospitality tent will await the riders at the end of the race.

“I would like to invite all Maties riding this year's Cycle Tour to visit our Maties post-event hospitality marquee, where you can put your feet up and enjoy a cold drink after the race, while reconnecting with fellow Maties. I look forward to welcoming you there," said Shaun Stuart of Alumni Relations.

* Visit http://bit.ly/Maties100 for more details. To enter or buy an exclusive #Maties100 cycling shirt, send an e-mail to stbfound@sun.ac.za. ​