Donate funds in support of JAG AllStars Epic efforts

South African sporting celebrities, Breyton Paulse, Mike Bayley, Marius Hurter, Braam van Straaten, Willie Engelbrecht and Erica Green participated in this year’s Absa Cape Epic in support of the JAG Foundation, a sports and education charity which seeks opportunities for young people.

Besides Mark Fish and Linus van Onselen, who both had to withdraw from the race due to medical reasons, the remaining JAG AllStars received the finisher’s jersey on Saturday at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.

Ex Springbok, Breyton Paulse, who was participating in the race with Linus van Onselen, had to team up with a new partner, after van Onselen had a serious crash at Stage 4, 2km from the third water point.

Van Onselen was unconscious for about 30 minutes after which the ambulance fetched him and immediately took him to Somerset West Hospital. Fortunately, he is out of the hospital and suffered no major injuries. When asked about his partner, Linus applauded Breyton for his “true determination and hard work in conquering each day of the race”  

Paulse rode the remaining stages of the race accompanied by Absa rider David Kinjah who had to pull out of the race when his partner crashed. “David was very helpful and patient. He’s such a strong rider and even had to push me on the hills from time to time. The race was very tough and I pushed my body to the extreme.” says Paulse.

Other rugby stars, Braam van Straaten, Marius Hurter and Mike Bayley also did their part for charity. Van Straaten participated with Corne Klem, Bayley partnered with John Swanepoel (also a former rugby star) and Hurter with long-time friend Dr Christiaan Schutte.

Says Van Straaten: “The Absa Cape Epic was fantastic. We trained really hard, but I believe no amount of training can fully prepare you for this race. It’s definitely by far the toughest human experience I’ve ever had.” Van Straaten also comments that the JAG Foundation is a worthy cause. Adds Van Straaten: “The JAG Foundation gives children wonderful opportunities and shows them that if you’re strong minded you can achieve anything. The focus of the foundation is actually a wonderful life lesson.”

Willie Engelbrecht, a cycling legend, and Erica Green, who is South African Olympic athlete were one of the most popular teams (ABSA/JAG Legends) in the Mixed category in this year’s Absa Cape Epic. They grew from strength to strength and finished at 14th position overall.

Says Engelbrecht: “I had a fantastic partner. Erica and I enjoyed the race very much and we’re having a lot of fun. I’m proud to be supporting the JAG Foundation and love the fact that I can do something to help others.”

Elana Meyer, CEO of the JAG Foundation, comments that they are extremely proud of the JAG Allstars. “They really went beyond the call of duty. With massive challenges and the loss of some of their partners, they persevered for the ultimate benefit of the JAG Foundation and our kids. We applaud them and urge more sporting personalities to come out of their comfort zones to participate in events like ABSA Cape Epic,” says Meyer.

 View JAG AllStars Cape Epic blog

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JAG AllStars Teams 7th stage results (Oak Valley to Lourensford) and overall positions:

ABSA/JAG Legends - Erica Green and Willie Engelbrecht - finish time: 4:05’31 position: 22:  overall position: 14

ABSA/JAG Vuvuzelas - Owen Hannie - finish time: 3:31:31 position: n/a ( due to riding individually as Mark Fish pulled out due to medical reasons)

ABSA/JAG Pocket Rockets - Breyton Paulse and David Kinjah - finish time: 5:23:28 position: n/a (due to riding with a new partner in place of Linus van Onselen who had a crash earlier in the race )

PRAGMA/JAG 200 Kilogrames of Racing Snakes - Mike Bayly and John Swanepoel - finish time: 4:45’25 position: 88 (masters): overall position: 91

PRAGMA/JAG Living Ball - Braam van Straaten and Corne Klem - finish time: 4:08:41 position: 154: overall position: 145

CYCLELAB/ JAG Warriors - Marius Hurter and Christiaan Schutte - finish time: 4:58:58 position: 259  overall position: 286