South Africans, fearful of a declining rand and uncertain property laws, could consider investing in Switzerland where one of the world’s top ski resorts offers safe and attractive returns and an idyllic getaway, says a leading SA property expert.

Toni Enderli said Andermatt ski resort -- rated among the best in the world for its incredible year-round lifestyle and recreational facilities, significant tax incentives and attractive returns -- has drawn a flood of global interest, including from South Africans.

Enderli, a Cape-based property entrepreneur, said pricing in Andermatt is on par with the Atlantic Seaboard and recorded an almost 90% surge in sales last year. The diverse property options include “headache-free ownership” and a guaranteed 3% annual net return on fully managed and serviced, one-bedroom apartments.

He said the resort, which is undergoing a R22-billion redevelopment, is ideally located, 1.5 hours from Zurich or two hours from Milan – both just a 12-hour flight from SA.

“For me, Andermatt is arguably among the world’s top 10 investment and lifestyle resorts, offering 180km of skiable slopes, an 18-hole golf course, and some of the finest biking routes in the world – in addition to almost every other sporting or recreational activity available – all in the spectacular Alps.”

“The village centre is car-free with beautiful hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions contributing to an incredibly safe, friendly and communal environment,” he said.

Enderli said Andermatt was exempt from restrictive foreign property ownership laws, resulting in a deluge of new investors from Italy, Germany, the UK, the Middle East, China and recently, South Africa.

“I invite South Africans to take advantage of this incredible opportunity while it’s available,” he added. 

Contact Toni Enderli on 082-497-4302, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or for more info, visit http://andermattswissalps-summer.pagedemo.co.

songo.info celebrates 11 years of making a difference with Cape Town fundraiser in March

Cape Town, February 18, 2019: From humble beginnings 11 years ago as a safe space for township children to ride BMX bikes after school, songo.info has evolved into a sport and education support programme helping brighten the lives of children living in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch.

On the 7th of March this year, songo.info will once again be celebrating the amazing children that come through their programme every day, and acknowledging the friends and supporters who have helped the charity to be the success it is.

The event, which will take place at Jack Black’s Brewery in Diep River, will include a live performance from well-known South African band Watershed.

“We encourage everyone who believes in the power of bicycles to change lives to join us,” says Christoph Sauser, co-founder of the songo.info programme and multiple World Champion mountain biker. “Celebrating the achievements of the charity is not only fun, it is also an opportunity to join the cycling community in being a part of something bigger – the future of our kids. With you we can make a difference!”

The evening fundraising event is an opportunity to meet and mingle with World Champion cyclists and bid on a selection of incredible items up for auction. The two custom-painted 2019 Specialized S-Works Epics that will be ridden in the 2019 edition of the Absa Cape Epic by defending champions Jaroslav Kulhavy and Annika Langvad, will once again be up for grabs. More details on the songo.info website.

“We will be unveiling the 2019 Investec-songo-Specialized S-Works Epic and team race kit that will be ridden by all three of our teams at this year’s Absa Cape Epic,” says Sauser. “The kit will make its racing debut at our annual songo.info Champions Race, held at the Kayamandi clubhouse on the 13th of March.”

The songo.info Champions Race, which loops through the Kayamandi township, is an annual cult event that has been dubbed the “Unofficial World Cup” because of the calibre of rider in attendance, and the throngs of local supporters who line the track in Stellenbosch. Used as a fundraiser for the charity, the Champions Race attracts some of the world’s biggest names in mountain biking. Olympic Champion Jaroslav Kulhavy and multiple World Champion Annika Langvad will line up next to some of the world’s best riders, who are all in town for the Absa Cape Epic. The Champions Race is a fast-paced spectacle that Cape Epic contenders use as a leg-loosener.

To buy your ticket to attend the charity auction on the 7th of March, stand a chance to win one of the limited edition Investec-songo-Specialized S-Works Epics, or to view details about the Champions Race please visit www.songo.info

Web & Social Media:
Website: www.songo.info
Facebook: songo.info
Twitter:@songoinfo
Instagram: songoinfo

-- ENDS --

Notes to the editor:
The official Investec-songo -Specialized Teams racing at the 2019 Absa Cape Epic are:
1. Annika Langvad DEN & Anna van Der Breggen NEL
2. Jaroslav Kulhavy CZE & Howard Grotts USA
3. Christoph Sauser SWI & Simon Andreassen DEN

Racing for The Specialized Foundation, in support of Investec-songo-Specialized are:
1. Alan Hatherly RSA & Sam Gaze NZL

The Charity Auction event details are:
Venue - Jack Black Brewery, 10 Brigid Road, Diep River, Cape Town
Time 6pm – 12pm
Ticket price - R350 per person which gets you a burger, a beer, live performance by Watershed

South African ultra-endurance and marathon mountain biker and SPOT athlete, Timothy Hammond, will officially be crowned the first South African Epic Legend, when he completes the New Zealand Pioneer Mtb race later this month.

“The reality that I could soon be South Africa’s first Epic Legend hasn’t really sunk in for me yet,” explains Timothy. “I lined up for the start of the FNB Wines2Whales at Lourensford last week for the first time since the ABSA Cape Epic used to finish there many years ago. Back then there was a small race on the last day of Epic called Vigne a Vigne. It was before I started racing seriously and can recall very clearly waiting for the leaders of the Epic to come in after our small race around Lourensford had finished. I remember being in complete awe of them and wondering if I would ever be capable, or get the chance to finish a Cape Epic one day. I stood there on the start of day 1 of W2W last week with 3 Cape Epics under the belt and on the verge of becoming the first South African to complete the series. I really had to calm myself down. Being able to ride the best trails in Switzerland, New Zealand and South Africa is a real blessing, too stoked!”

Founder and CEO of the Epic Series, Kevin Vermaak says he feels very proud that Timothy will be the first South African to take this title. ““With the Epic Series, we’ve created a global community of like-minded athletes who want to challenge themselves and their teammates on the world’s most iconic mountain biking terrain. Any rider who has conquered the Swiss Alps, New Zealand’s backcountry wilderness or the untamed African Absa Cape Epic has passed the ultimate test of any mountain biker,” says Kevin. “To complete all three Epic Legend Races deserves the utmost respect of the mountain biking community and of course the coveted Epic Legend medal. It’s always a proud moment for me when a South African achieves something great. We are holding thumbs for Tim as he aims to complete the final leg at The Pioneer this month.”

Becoming an Epic Legend was not a title Timothy ever thought he would be able to add to his belt, mainly because he didn’t think it would be financially possible for him to complete all three events. “When I met Sean McCormick from SPOT Africa a few years ago, it didn’t occur to me that his Botswana based company would very soon become a leader in satellite based tracking; that would eventually become integral to the Epic series,” says Timothy. “I am very proud to have been part of SPOT’s growth in the sport and will forever be grateful for the opportunities they have given me to race around the world.”

Despite injuries and falls during 2018 Timothy has still achieved great results, setting a new course record with his cycling partner, Ben Melt Swanepoel, at Trans Baviaans, of 7hrs52min. “I learnt a great deal this year from Ben Melt and Arno du Toit about the true value that you have whilst racing with a team mate,” says Timothy. “The dynamics in team events are way more important than I ever realised. You are capable of achieving so much more when you and your partner look after each other sacrificially.”

Timothy has big plans for 2019, where he and his racing partner, Alan Gordon, will be backed up a fully supported racing crew thanks to SPOT Africa and Insect Science, a biological pest control company from South Africa, to take on their goal races of Attakwas, Tankwa Trek, ABSA Cape Epic, JoBerg2c, Swiss Epic and Cape Pioneer Trek.

To follow Timothy’s journey on twitter @timothy_hammond or through the SPOT Africa social media pages –
Website - Africa.FindMeSpot.com
Facebook - @SPOTinAfrica
Instagram - @spotafrica

Group of Creatives is proud to announce that EVERYTHING CYCLING is coming to Cape Town at the end of April 2018!

BIKE FEST SOUTH AFRICA, is a cycling orientated lifestyle event encompassing everything from mountain biking to road cycling, and aims to cater for all levels of rider from the weekend warriors to those who live and breathe the sport.  Featuring more than 100 exhibitors with a twist on the traditional expo, the BIKE FEST expo places an emphasis on the stands providing a touch, see, try and buy approach.   Featuring not only all the major bicycle, component and accessory brands under one roof, the exhibition also features everything related from insurance through to travel and nutrition ensuring that guests are able to get the maximum experience in the wide open expo marquees.  But for many guests, the draw card will be that they can test ride almost every single bike manufacturer in one space, back to back on a custom designed Mountain Bike trail around the grounds by TokaiMTB, or head out onto the road to see how the road bikes perform.    

But there's a lot more to BIKE FEST than the expo, there is also a huge outdoor cinema and stage, which not only has a full schedule of talks, presentations, workshops and classes during the day, but at night comes alive to offer two cycling films each evening on the Friday and Saturday.  Talks from cycling pros, nutrition, bike fitness, explorers and those who have done crazy things with bikes, the talks run throughout the three days and all guests can sit down and enjoy them.   Surrounding the field are the hospitality marquees and a great selection of food trucks, beer gardens and a lot for the kids and family to do, from kiddies bike park through to a pump track and relaxing zone.

BIKE FEST aims to entrench the culture of cycling in South Africa, by providing a great place for everyone who enjoys the sport of riding a bicycle, whether off road or on road, or even BMX'ing, to come together and enjoy the latest gear, films, talks and hanging out with friends and family.   The rise of cycling has seen South Africa take centre stage with events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Cape Epic putting the country on the map, and an amazing selection of trails and parks is continually growing, and BIKE FEST is uniquely positioned to cater to this growing market, connecting them with new experiences, and the industry.

BIKE FEST CAPE TOWN 2018 takes place at the Constantia Sports Centre, located in the picturesque Constantia valley, Cape Town from 27 through 29 April 2018, with the cinema evenings on the 27th and 28th.     There is a JOBURG event taking place in November 2018 at Innesfree Park in Sandton.   There are a variety of ticket options available online on www.webtickets.co.za 

For more information, please contact Group of Creatives on
(021) 788 9430
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.bikefest.co.za

Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo together with the Hollard JURA & JUMA team have put in some serious work to ensure the Braamfontein Spruit is nice and clean before the race.   Taking all the feedback from previous years the Hollard JURA & Hollard JUMA team, together with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, have taken steps to improve the sections of the route that were a little less than fragrant.  

“Our aim is to maximize the participants experience and together with Johannesburg City Parks we came up with using Effective Microbes (EM) as a water cleaning and odour busting solution to the problem. Now riders and riders can enjoy everything the route has to offer and have fresh, clean fun along the way,” explains Event Organiser Mark Castel. 

Ben Masalesa, Senior Training Facilitator, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, hails the Bokashi balls as an excellent water cleaning solution. “The balls are created from a mixture that includes bran, wheat bran, molasses and a combination of various bacteria endemic to South Africa. The balls sink to the riverbed, where they slowly release effective microbes (EM) for up to a month, improving water quality as the ‘good bacteria’ eats away the ‘bad bacteria’.” 

Over 1 000 EM Bokashi Balls were released into waterways along Killarney Golf Course, Wynberg, Emmarentia, Alberts Farm and Innesfree Park. Each Bokashi Ball can clean approximately 1000 cubic metres of water over its lifespan. The naturally beneficial microbes in EM act to biologically consume odour-causing toxins and break down waste and they are 100% eco-friendly. 

Louis Gordon, General Manager: New Business Development for Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo comments: “The Johannesburg City Parks team of Region E and Region B assisted in cleaning some of the areas that the race runs through, collecting over 150 bags of litter along the way. The team were also tasked with releasing the Effective Microbe (EM) based Bokashi Balls as part of their entry fee, it was a fantastic team building exercise and we can’t wait to participate in the race this weekend. “Huge improvements have come from the partnership with Hollard JURA & Hollard JUMA events, it’s a race that raises awareness of the environmental issues we face and encourages the use of the beautiful public parks we have in Johannesburg.” concludes Gordon.    

Entries are still open! Entry fees for the Hollard JURA are R249 ex VAT for the 6km Fun Run, R299 ex VAT for the 12km Adventure and R330 for the 18km Adventure ex VAT. Visit www.joziadventure.co.za for entries and more information. Entry fees for the Hollard JUMA are R399 (ex VAT) for the 54km and R299 (ex VAT) for the 22km. Enter now at www.juma.co.za.

The Hollard Jozi Urban Mountain Bike Adventure, taking place at Marks Park on the 28th May 2017, is NOT your average mountain bike race. Naturally this means it comes some not so average prize categories! Here’s a breakdown of the prizes up for grabs in 2017. 

You don’t need to be a racing snake to ride the Hollard JUMA, but if the thought of carbon frames and podium finishes excites you, there is over R80 000 up for grabs in the race categories. For the 54km, prizes for Juniors up to Grand Masters, with a trophy and prizes for the Top Ten. For the 22km the there’s R6000 in total waiting for the top three.  For those in it, just for cleats and giggles, why not enter one of the following fun categories.  

For those who love riding with your saddle down low, the 54km BMX category for you! First BMX rider home on the 54km will shred their way to R3 000. If  you like big bikes (and you cannot lie…) we have R2000 to give away to the winner of the Fatboy / Girl bike category. And for those lean, mean single speed machines… the Single Speed category, where the winners can ride away with up to R2000 in prize money. 

Making it a family affair? Make some pocket money by entering the Parent & Child category, a total of R3000 to give to the winners of the 55km and up to R5000 for the 22km winners. 

Fancy yourself a bit of a Spielberg when it comes to single track? Why not enter the Best Rider video category; we have a whopping R5 000 up for grabs for both the 22 KM and 54 KM Best Rider Videos. Requirements: 3 – 4 minutes long. Must include music that best fits the Hollard JUMA and the sponsor’s logos.  For the corporates, it’s time to settle that office beef and do some good while you’re at it. The winners of the Fastest Corporate Team for both the 22km and 54km will receive R5 000, a trophy plus R5 000 to the charity of your choice!  

The Hollard JUMA is not your average mountain bike race and we want to see some out of the ordinary outfits. Winners of the Best Dressed Team, for the 22km and 54km, will sashay away with up to R3 000.  

And finally… first prize as always, whether you win or lose, just experiencing the Hollard JUMA on the 28th May 2017. Entries are open! Entry fees are R399 (ex VAT) for the 54km and R299 (ex VAT) for the 22km. Don’t miss your chance to experience a whole new kind of MTB race. Enter now at www.juma.co.za. 

Mud Buster powered by Kärcher South Africa will be cleaning your assets on the 28th May for FREE at the #HollardJUMA. Not only that, we are aiming to break the World Record for most bikes washed at one event! So book your spot online today http://bit.ly/2pFGI4E and take a clean bike home! #FearNoMud.

The Hollard Jozi Urban MTB Adventure and Hollard Jozi Urban Run Adventure are brought to by Hollard and BAM Specialist Events in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Follow all the latest news and announcements via social media by following us on www.facebook.com/urbanmtb or on Twitter @JUMAMTB

You’ve read about, you’ve heard about it. Now it’s time to saddle up and accept the Hollard JUMA challenge for 2017.

Think you’ve done and ridden it all? Think again, because the Hollard Jozi Urban Mountain Bike Adventure, taking place at Marks Park on the 28th May 2017, is NOT your average mountain bike race.

This isn’t your usual rocks and roots or bushes and bergs. The Hollard JUMA is pedaling (carefully) through storm water drains and down 700-metre tunnels, navigating your way under concrete beams and rocketing your way down custom-built scaffolding.

It’s only 2hr flight from the Cape and guaranteed to be even more epic than any race you’ve tried before. Breathless just reading about it? More exciting details, Braamfontein Spruit development plans and sneak peeks to be announced...

In the meantime, entries open on 21st October 2016. To enter visit www.juma.co.za or come visit our stand at the Africa Cycle Fair from the 21st  - 23rd October at Saints St. Stithians College.

The Hollard JUMA will be running a competition to stand a chance to take home some exciting prizes and Hollard JUMA merchandise. All you have to do is enter the Hollard JUMA and take your best “I’ve just accepted the challenge!” selfie to stand a chance to win.

And finally… the most difficult obstacle you need to overcome, for now, is the wait until 28th May 2017.

Follow all the latest news and announcements via social media by following us on www.facebook.com/urbanmtb or on Twitter @JUMAMTB   Entries open from Friday, 21st October 2016, to enter visit www.juma.co.za. Entry fees are R399 (ex VAT) for the 54km and R299 (ex VAT) for the 22km. Don’t miss your chance have the best adventure on two wheels Johannesburg has to offer.

The Hollard Jozi Urban MTB Adventure is brought to by Hollard and BAM Events and Experience creators in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.

KWAZULU-NATAL, 26 JULY 2016 - The weekend saw Jeep Team Multisport athletes, Michael Lord, winning gold in the Standard Bank Duo and Trail Challenge in Boschendal, and Mikaela Jonsson (19) winning her first Olympic Distance Triathlon at the Tinman Tri-series in Durban. On Saturday, 23 July 2016, Michael Lord competed in the Standard Bank Duo Challenge – the Duo Challenge Long, which consisted of a 25 km MTB and a 10 km trail run. During the bike leg, he had a quick start and managed to break away from the rest of the field with fellow competitor, Andrew Houston. Completing the bike leg together, Lord was then able to put some distance between him and Houston during the run, finishing in a winning time of 02h04m26s.

Says Lord of his weekend win: “The two of us rode the whole of the bike course together. I have never ridden Boschendal before. There are some absolutely stunning trails and awesome little nooks and areas on route. At one stage we were riding just below the cliff faces with huge views of the whole of the Franschoek Valley. I definitely want to ride here again. We finished the bike together and then I managed to get away on the run. Super fun race, thanks Andrew.” The TinMan Tri-series took place in Durban at the Suncoast Sundeck on Sunday, 24 July.

The TinMan Triathlon is a fast-paced, action-packed Triathlon and Running event. From the 4 different races offered, junior triathlon superstar, Mikaela Jonsson, competed in the tough, highly contested Ultra Tri Challenge - the Olympic Distance Triathlon - a 1km swim, a 30km cycle and a 10km run. Despite only being back in training for 3 weeks, Jonsson’s performance was impressive in all 3 stages, coming out of the water in a close 3^rd in 13m27s, she gave it everything in the cycle leg, finishing in a close 2^nd in 59m21s, and again ran hard to finish 2^nd in 43m46s, winning in an overall time of 01h58m34, ahead of 2^nd placed Teneal Featherby in 01h58s42, and 3^rd placed Hayley Mee in 02h02m14.

Jonnson won women overall and her age category, but interestingly, as in all triathlons, the transition time taken between legs can mean the difference between winning and losing, as in this race. Jonnson’s race-time against Featherby was slower overall by 8 seconds, but 1m03s faster than Featherby in transition time.

Says Jonsson of her experience: “I'm so happy to have taken the win overall in my first-ever Olympic Distance Tri at the Tinman Triathlon in Durban. I had such a fantastic race. Thanks to some incredibly strong ladies for pushing me all the way, especially on the bike course. Finally feeling like myself again, after only being back at training for 3 weeks after battling with illness for over a month, and my first swim race after doing shoulder rehab for more than 2 months. I'm so grateful to everyone who has helped me with such patience and wisdom over the last few months. Onwards and upwards.”

RESULTS

Standard Bank Duo and Trail Challenge

Men

1. Michael Lord (Jeep Team) 02:04:26
2. Andrew Houston 02:05:48
3. Dylan Janos 02:09:37

Women

1. Carla Beyers 02:36:46
2. Esther Lategan 02:45:00
3. Hanlie Booyens 02:48:06

Tinman Tri-series

Women

1. Mikaela Jonsson (Jeep Team) 01:58:34
2. Teneal Featherby 01:58:42
3. Hayley Mee 02:02:14

Men

1. Rudolf Naude 01:38:14
2. Gareth Marquiss 01:38:52
3. Brad Venter 01:39:32

Other Jeep Team results MTB
The Ashburton Investments’ National MTB Series consists of seven events spanning across six provinces. The fifth in the series was hosted at Holla Trails, Collisheen on 23 July. Jeep Team’s Thinus Redelinghuys took part in the 102km Ultra Marathon Event achieving a Top 20 position overall, coming in 19^th place, in a time of 04h10m24s. Most of the country’s top mountain bikers completed this event, which ultimately saw Max Knox (3h45), Gert Heyns (3h46), Nico Bell (3h46) take the podium respectively.

Editor’s Notes Standard Bank Duo and Trail Challenge photo of Michael Lord by Govan Basson (Totalkaos Studio).

Have a look at the following platforms to keep up to date with Jeep Team SA: Website: www.jeepteam.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeepteamsa Twitter: @jeepteamsa Instagram: @jeepteamsa

For more information, please contact:

• Bronwen Blunden - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Viv Quann - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.