The MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung squad is one of five wild-card teams in the
world's biggest cycling race that features a total of 22 teams. Represented by
a selection of home-grown African cyclists, as well as a few mentors to
accelerate their progress, it is the first African-registered team to take part
in the race, now in its 102nd edition. Louis Meintjes, Jacques Janse van
Rensburg, and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg are the three South African members
of the selected squad.
Renowned chef David Higgs of The Saxon Boutique Hotel Villas & Spas
in Johannesburg, will be accompanying the team and taking care of all their
meals on the trip. He will also be serving Nederburg wines to the team's VIPs.
According to Dr Carol Austin, head of performance
support and medical for the Africa team, Higgs will be an invaluable addition.
“During the tour our riders will be under relentless, extreme athletic load. To
ensure that they perform at the best and remain healthy our team nutritionist,
Dr Robert Child, has designed individualised sports nutrition plans for each
athlete. David will be preparing food which is nutritious, delicious and
diverse for our athletes in accordance with these plans. We are delighted to
have David on board; he is a highly regarded South African culinary expert and
passionate team fan. As a two-time finisher of the Cape-Epic mountain bike race
he has personal experience of the extreme demands of our sport, and the
importance of food as nourishment to an athlete's body, mind and soul!"
Africa's participation in the 2015 Tour de France is the realisation of
a long-held dream by South African cycling hero, Douglas Ryder, who is the team
principal.
Claudia Colussi, global general manager for Nederburg, said: "It is
an honour for Nederburg support this major boost for the sport on the
continent. By investing in talent and training, the initiative is investing in
Africa's future."
She said Nederburg's support for the team mirrored mother company
Distell's investment in South African winemaking. Amongst its many projects to
promote skills and transformation is Papkuilsfontein Vineyards, one of the most
significant empowerment ventures in the South African winemaking industry. Its
975 ha farm, situated near Darling in one of the Cape's premier wine-growing
areas, is owned jointly by Distell, a consortium of entrepreneurs and a
community trust. It also supplies grapes to Nederburg, contributing to its
award-winning wines.
Commenting on his role, Higgs said: "I have done some special
events and cooked for incredible people in my career. But looking after the
nutritional needs of the first African team at the world's biggest bike race is
an honour. I would like to thank Douglas for entrusting me with the task ahead
and The Saxon Hotel and Nederburg for the opportunity and time."
Visit www.nederburg.co.za for more on the brand, or send an e-mail to nedwines@distell.co.za.
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