The 17th edition of the world’s largest full-service mountain bike stage race, KAP sani2c, took place this past week from Thursday, 13th until Saturday, 15 May 2021. Participants took part in three events (Trail, Adventure and Race) across 270km of the KwaZulu-Natal province. The race was completed within three days, and kicked off from Underberg (Sani Pass) in the Southern Drakensberg, and heads up to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
As one of the oldest stage races in the country, the event is also known for the fantastic vistas with participants starting at the foot-hills of the iconic Sani Pass and the route, which is 99% off-road, then winding its way through well over 40 farms. The race is synonymous with developing and upskilling the local communities along the route who are taught skills and employed during the event and in its lead-up.
Atlas Copco, a multinational company specialising in the manufacture of industrial equipment, has partnered with Kap sani2c by sponsoring and supporting the development of key elements of the race. This included providing employment for the local community through the Atlas Copco sponsorship. Through their enterprise development, they were able to sponsor the Kap Sani2c bike park, bike wash as well as supply generators plus light plants that powered the event.
“As the home of industrial ideas, innovation is one of our core pillars at Atlas Copco, our innovative spirit is reflected in everything we do, and our involvement in supporting the building and the construction of a clever floating bridge is a reflection of our interest in helping to develop unique solutions for our client’s challenges,” says Marilyn Govender, Human Resource and Compliance Manager.
The racing event used a community inspired model, which assisted schools and communities in the area with their fund-raising efforts – and for the majority of these schools and communities, this event was the main instrument through which to raise funds during the year. 12 communities and more than 20 schools, local charities and environmental groups benefitted from the event. In 2019 Sani2C raised over R10 million in support of these beneficiaries.
The leading provider of sustainable productivity supported 150 community members who were employed in roles including as security, site managers and bike washers/stackers at these muddy pit stops. All activities had a strict Covid-19 protocols in place. “As a business we are committed to growing with communities. We place a large emphasis on supporting local communities and we really see the impact of this race. We are grateful for the value the race organisers place on empowering the community. Sustainability is an integral part of Atlas Copco’s mission to deliver sustainable, profitable growth, this event signified our commitment to that.” adds Marilyn Govender, Human Resource and Compliance Manager.
The gruelling mountain bike adventure race saw four Atlas Copco teams, comprising of staff members and customers taking part in the race.
Racers at the recent KAP sani2c adventure race Photo: Provided by Atlas Copco
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