Cyclists unite for a brighter future in the Vice-Chancellor's Cycle Challenge

SOL PLATJE University's 5th Annual Vice-Chancellor's Cycle Challenge brought together over 120 cyclists from across the region to raise funds for the Lesedi La Afrika Endowment Fund. The event, held on November 8, aimed to support student financial aid, social impact initiatives, and the university's long-term sustainability.

Despite grey skies, the riders' energy was unhindered as they set off from the SPU South Campus, united in their quest to champion education and upliftment. Participants came from as far as KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, and various towns in the Northern Cape and Free State provinces.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Paul Green, welcomed cyclists to the event, emphasising the importance of the Cycle Challenge in promoting health, wellness, and community impact. "Every kilometre you ride today contributes to that vision," he said. "Every turn of the wheel helps light another student's path to success."

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Debra Meyer, praised the cyclists for their commitment to fitness, discipline, and pride in their participation. "In my view, everyone who got on a bike today is a winner," she said, commending the event's organisers, volunteers, and sponsors for their support.

The Lesedi La Afrika Endowment Fund is a long-term initiative designed to enrich student lives and ensure the university's sustainability for generations to come. 

From start to finish, these cyclists led the pack:

25km Male:

1. Mr Atlegang Ntshoe: 1 hour 11 minutes and 32 seconds
2. Mr Jacobus Johannes Rossouw: 1 hour 11 minutes 47 seconds
3. Mr Danie Steyn: 1 hour 11 minutes 50 seconds

25km Female:

1. Mari-Zanne le Roux: 1 hour 14 minutes 30 seconds
2. Millicent Selloane Itumeleng: 1 hour 24 minutes 26 seconds
3. Marne Sciocatti: 1 hour 35 minutes 24 seconds

50km Male:

1. Meyer Botha: 1 hour 17 minutes 58 seconds
2. Marcel Karsten: 1 hour 23 minutes 26 seconds
3. Ben Van Der Linde: 1 hour 24 minutes 18 seconds

50km Female:

1. Ulrike de Wit: 1 hour 31 minutes 36 seconds
2. Karin Erasmus: 1 hour 37 minutes 10 seconds
3. Heidi Hanekom: 1 hour 42 minutes 21 seconds

100km Male:

1. Egon Cambell: 2 hours 37 minutes 49 seconds
2. Izak Strauss: 2 hours 41 minutes 13 seconds
3. Jean Fourie: 2 hours 41 minutes 14 seconds

100km Female:

1. Elmien Voster: 3 hours 40 minutes 58 seconds
2. Anica du Toit: 4 hours 4 minutes 36 seconds
3. Carla van Jaarsveld: 5 hours 4 minutes 35 seconds