Share

Cavendish sprinting to Cape Town

Cape Town - This year, Mark Cavendish, one of Etixx - Quick-Step’s biggest, and his lead-out man, Mark Renshaw, will participate in the Cycle Tour for the first time.

The Cycle Tour attracts 35 000 cyclists to Cape Town every year and, over the past 36 years, has emerged as one of the greatest cycling events on the planet, with everyone from rank amateurs to Hollywood celebrities to top pro riders taking part.

The headquarters for Cavendish and Renshaw will be the beautiful wine estate of Klein Constantia, which is also owned by Bakala. Starting this year, Klein Constantia will be a jersey sponsor for team Etixx - Quick-Step. 

As they did in 2014, Klein Constantia and Etixx-Quick-Step will host a special cocktail function and auction, and a short bike ride to support Francois Pienaar’s MAD CHARITY (Make a Difference) on Friday, the 6th of March.

Mark Cavendish and five-time Tour de France winner Eddy Merckx, the undisputed greatest pro cyclist of all-time, will be guests of honour at the event.

"I've never been to South Africa before," says Cavendish.

"I've heard great things about the Cycle Tour and I'm excited about the trip. I’ve heard from a few riders who have been there before that it's a lovely place, and a beautiful event to race.

" To ride with 35 000 people, that's not something I've ever done in a bike race before. But I'm looking forward to it. Klein Constantia is a new sponsor of the team this year, and I want to do them and Mr. Bakala proud by going and showing my support.

"Also, I am happy to be associated with the charity actions they will sponsor. I'm really looking forward to visiting South Africa for the first time and taking part in a well-organised event that comes with a history of goodwill and charity attached to it."

With 25 stage victories at Tour de France to his name, Mark Cavendish will add a new dimension to the 2015 Cycle Tour.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1142 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1327 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2026 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE