Phillimon has a long history inside not only the team but has also been involved with our partners and the people we work with. Everywhere he's touched, fruit has come from. Parting ways with an individual as inspiring as Phillimon is definitely not easy, but we know that he will make a big success wherever he is. "Philli" has been there, done that. He has gained valuable experience everywhere in the cycling industry. From distribution, technical work, sales, and riding as a professional. He has worked hard to get where he is, and up until today he is continuing his journey upward in the South African cycling scene.  From racing at the UCI Mountain bike Marathon World Championships twice, to winning the last stage of the KAP Sani2C whilst working full time at TRAILWOLF Cycles is a massive achievement. Phillimon's new endeavor will be alongside the Curro Schools South Africa, Future Coaches Cycling, and Grit Procurement Solutions are known as C2R. He will fulfill a management and ambassador role within the development brand, to encourage and develop the skills in young individuals heading into the cycling industry in South Africa. We re very excited. Things are happening, even during this lockdown period South Africa is facing. We only see positive things coming out of this." ~ Izak Coetzee, Co-Founder of Cycle 2 Ride
"There are three key things to me: humility, determination, and just genuine character. "Philli" has had an incredible journey in his life. He had an introduction into cycling, sunk his teeth into it and we've literally been able to see him take that opportunity and take it to the next level. He is the first black man to win a stage at a major stage race in South Africa. He took the third stage at the 2019 Sanic2C and he's also won a number of individual events." ~ Richard Crous, PYGA Mountainbikes CEO As Team PYGA Euro Steel, and all our partners we would like to thank you Phillimon. The time we have had with you as a professional mountain bike rider in our team will never be forgotten. Our doors to you will never close and we look forward to sharing the next step in your life with you.
Take care Mr. Sebona.
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 Photograph of Matthys Beukes lifting his PYGA MoBu over his head after completing #lockdown1000, captured by Deidre Cloete As a team, we are not very familiar with ultra distanced races or rides. Especially single staged attempts at anything over 200 kilometers. Matthys Beukes, has gone and made a change to this statement, claiming 1000 kilometers over 5 days and 3 hours.
Scenes of Matthys' last few laps and his emotional finish to a 1000 kilometer journey. Photographs by Deidre Cloete. On the 11th of April, Matthys took on a challenge many other South African professional athletes have also shared in, 24 Hours around his garden during the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown. An attempt to ride for 24 hours in close proximity is surely a big challenge for any person. Matthys rode extremely well and conquered the ride. Completing a total of 260 kilometers in a total of 21 riding hours. This attempt landed him a few interviews and some considerable achievements during these challenging times. But, two weeks later. Matthys went searching for something much bigger. Much, much bigger.  Image of Matthys Beukes on the first day of his attempt at 1000 kilometers by Deidre Cloete. Riding for a personal achievement like 24 hours straight is surely satisfying and emotional for anyone. Add about 750 kilometers and a good cause, and things weigh much more. It roots deeper and becomes important to thousands, maybe millions of people in the rainbow nation. That is exactly what Matthys has done. He has given hope to people that felt hopeless at times. People that felt left behind. Before embarking on a mission like this, choosing the right organisation is crucial to the effect of the funds raised during the event. That is exactly why Matthys chose the Humanitarian Empowerment Fund NPC as the related cause. https://hefund.org/ The HEF is a South African group of individuals who have committed themselves towards assistance in helping those who do not have the means to help themselves during the countrywide lockdown. HEF operates in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Areas include the West Rand, Rand West, Westonaria, Elsies River and Bloekombos. HEF is partnered with NIKA Capital for the raising of funds during this challenge.  Matthys started his challenge on Tuesday, the 28th of April 2020 and finished it 5 days later. Included in his challenges of rain and mud, Matthys also overcame sleep deprivation and many physical challenges, including blistered hands and intense muscle pain. Matthys concluded his ride with some very meaningful and passionate words. "When people stand together, nothing is impossible!" - Matthys Beukes
Matthys completed the distance of a Nissan TRAILSEEKER and a Attakwas Extreme, raising over R 10,000 towards struggling families in South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating financial impact.
The second day of Matthys' ride started off better, with the course drying up and conditions looking better. During a challenge like this, saving time means riding until 11 PM and getting up at 3 AM to continue pushing on to make up time and distance. Matthys set goals for this challenge, also hoping that this would encourage donations and also a social sharing as the challenge continues. Below is a few images of challenges that Matthys had overcome over the 5 days. During the second day of the challenge, Matthys also started facing mental challenges due to the constant remembrance of his current km's. The media updates then became increasingly difficult, leaving Matthys' wife, Michele with the difficult task of balancing updates to the team and not intruding in the mental battle Matthys needed to overcome. Michele was a massive part of the attempt at 1000 kilometers. Ensuring her husband stayed hydrated and well fed to avoid any medical difficulties that might occur. Nissan TRAILSEEKER, Attakwas Extreme, Wines2Whales, Berg & Bush, Sani2C, Tankwa Trek, Cape Epic, Joberg2C and the MUNGA MTB were all milestones Matthys, and the team behind him used to track progress through the challenge. Although it might have been difficult at first, breaking up a massive effort like this into nine smaller pieces is great for one's mentality. This gave Matthys smaller distances to achieve before going for the two bigger chunks of riding. The first six, being the easiest and fastest goals to accomplish. What came thereafter was the more difficult goals. Each spaced out, almost as much as the first six goals after one another. The last three goals is multi-day stage races, iconic to not only the South African mountain biking calendar. These races are world renowned for the toughness in distance and length. Each with their own distinct characteristics, features and stories.
"I never really wanted to sign up for this challenge but I felt like I didn’t have a choice. Every moment of the first 3 days felt like a nightmare that I couldn’t get out off and I was looking for excuses to quit. With every passing moment, more and more people gave their support and in turn it motivated me to keep going. After 3 days of struggling, I realised that I wasn’t doing this on my own and that so many people are part of the support team, working together to make this project happen. Getting off the bike at 00:30 and on it, two hours later on the fifth day isn't something I could've done on my own. When I saw how people climbed in backing my effort, fellow South Africans who not only believe in me, but believe in supporting one another. Something bigger stirred in my heart. This was a spiritual journey for me, and the message is that we need to stand together. It makes the impossible possible. We will get through this. Just have faith." Matthys has done a great deal for South Africans struggling during these difficult and uncertain times. Although he was on his bike for five days, Matthys said that he couldn't have done it without the huge group of people behind him. Every pedal stroke of the 1000 kilometers.
We thank everyone involved in this initiative. Thank you to NIKA Capital and the HEF. Everyone that donated and sent messages of encouragement. Thank you to Michele and Anabelle. Deidre Cloete for capturing amazing pictures and the rest of the team sharing Matthys' message. Together we have raised R136 000 and counting. We want to encourage everyone reading this press-release to please continue to donate towards this cause. Even though Matthys has completed his 1000 kilometers, the fight for struggling families and individuals continue. & as Matthys said perfectly, "together, we can do anything".
How are you dealing with being locked inside your house? Mentally and Physically.So mentally I am doing great with the lockdown. Everyone around me is positive. We all are motivated to get through this. My coach gives me great training to keep my spirit high whilst on the indoor trainer. Physically I am also doing great. We are fortunate enough to stay on a rather large piece of land, and we have more than enough to keep us busy. I also have an awesome, self-built workshop in my garage where I can keep myself quite busy. What positives are you taking from this lockdown?I am super positive. The time spent on the indoor trainer has also been a great exercise and motivation to focus on staying positive through tough times. What do you miss most about the trails?Although I miss the trails, I really miss the traveling and time spent with the team much more.  Are there any skills that you are learning in this time?So there is some skills I am trying to learn in this lockdown. The first is my cappuccino art. Secondly I am training my core strength and working on my balance. Lastly, my welding skills as my dad and I put up a steel parking roof where he teaches me all he knows about welding. Fitness and Skill. How are you keeping up?I think my fitness is going on strong. I am doing my training just as it is uploaded so that is great for me. I think my skills are taking a few shots, if I have to be totally honest. You live with your family on a plot in Potchefstroom. How is this time opportunistic for quality family time?This is some great time to spend with family. We are making the most of it . Myself and my dad were rather busy for the entire 3 weeks already and we have a lot to do still, so I am enjoying this. What ride are you going to do when you get to ride outside? Distance, terrain and goal?Well when the lock down ends I might do a long ride on the indoor trainer just for the joke. I also won't mind doing my favourite loop around Potchefstroom. What is your next racing goal?My next racing goal is to race whatever comes first, to go for the win and just to enjoy being able to do what I love after looking forward to it for so long.
Being a participant in the 2012 Olympics, and numerous time South African Cross-Country and Marathon Champion, Philip surely has a knack for the trails. He answered a few questions regarding the #lockdown South Africa and other countries are facing.  Photo by Milan de Beer for MEDIATIC Studios. How are you dealing with being locked inside your house? Mentally and Physically.Apart from that we are not allowed to train or race outside, my day is going pretty much as usual. I am fortunate enough to have an indoor trainer so my current riding is good enough to at least maintain fitness. I am also doing more core and stability work which is great for overall performance. What positives are you taking from this 21 day lockdown?All my home improvements and maintenance will be done. I am hoping this time will raise awareness and that everyone will be more conscious and considerate towards people around them with regards to spreading any kind of virus or contagious illness. What do you miss most about the trails?The rush and risk of pushing my limits on the trails..  Photo by Daniel Coetzee. Edited by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios. Is there anything that you could take from this experience?There is a lot that you can get done online. Are there any skills that you are learning in this time?I did an online SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) course. I am improving my balancing on a gym ball whilst juggling. Fitness and Skill. How are you keeping up?I have an indoor trainer specific plan and also do a 30 minute coordination and stability exercise routine indoors. I have also activated my Zwift account, which also helps with the riding part. You and your wife have two children. How does this time create ideal opportunities to spend time with the family?My wife also works from home, so our routine is not much different than usual.  Photo by Milan de Beer for MEDIATIC Studios. Taken at the 2020 Attakwas Extreme. What ride are you going to do when you get to ride outside? Distance, terrain and goal?It will probably be a 2 hour ride to Wolwespruit with a few runs down the “flowline” and then end it off meeting the family at Spout for a coffee and fresh croissant. What is your next racing goal, being said if the quarantine time stays 21 days?If we look at the bigger scheme of things, my plan will be built backwards from 2021 Epic.
Matthys is a long time local to the trails of the Western Cape, especially George. We asked him some questions and we would love to share his insights with you regarding the #covid19 lockdown South Africa is facing.  Photo and Edit by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios How are you dealing with being locked inside your house? Mentally and Physically.Trying to take it day by day and like everyone else, I’ve got my ups and downs. It’s tough times for most people out there and there’s no escaping the fact that it is a depressing time on planet earth. I think it's important to realize and accept and know that it isn’t a sin to be a bit down and in the dumps. Once you have come to terms with that, it's important to know that the power to turn this around lies within us all. What positives are you taking from this 21 day lockdown?Personally this time is filled with good rest and quality family time. I needed a bit of a reset and for me this has provided a great opportunity to start fresh. The trails in George is definitely one of your loves, especially on the bike. What do you miss most about the trails?The freedom. Is there anything that you could take from this experience?That sometimes, taking a few steps backwards is the best way forward. Are there any skills that you are learning in this time?I'm reading up on a few things, but between housekeeping, family time and getting my riding back on track I haven’t done as much as I would have liked.  Photo and Edit by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios Fitness and Skill. How are you keeping up?I'm doing a mix of general strength training and endurance on an indoor trainer. Some of my explosive/intensity training I complete on a lap I designed in the garden around the house. You and your wife have a daughter. How does this time create ideal opportunities to spend time with the family?Well we have plenty time now so we try and do at least one or two activities with Annabel per day to keep her stimulated. What ride are you going to do when you get to ride outside? Distance, terrain and goal?Most likely a four to five hour cruise, trail/gravel/road/mountain/forest/beach mix with a coffee stop. My second option would be to have no goals, just enjoy the riding and be thankful for everything I already have in my life. What is your next racing goal, being said if the quarantine time stays 21 days?At this moment Im not thinking about racing, I have taken a proper break for the first time in years so Im just thinking about doing my best day by day.
If I do that well, the rest will fall into place. Each season starts long before the first race. It also does not begin in the same year but has a lifetime that is determined by the athlete. Although this is true, the build-up to a new season always proves itself within the first few race/s. That is why athletes like Matthys Beukes, Philip Buys, Phillimon Sebona and Pieter Du Toit use the festive holidays to prepare themselves for the next season of racing. Building a good base during the holidays proves itself better than you might think, especially in the first race of a season.  Phillimon Sebona warming up in the early morning hours before the 2019 Attakwas Extreme. Photographed by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios.The "Atta" is a lot about survival, whether you are battling for the win or struggling to keep your pedals turning at 100km. We asked our athletes what advise they have regarding the race and how you can make the gruelling 121 km easier and thrive through the farm roads, mountainous climbs and rocky descents.  Young gun, Pieter Du Toit battling it out against DSV Pro Cycling mountain biker Arno Du Toit during the 2019 race. Photographed by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios.Pieter Du Toit is the youngest cyclist within our team and has only in the past 2 years, been introduced to ultra-marathon distances. During the 2018 season, Pieter completed his first Multi-day Marathon Stage race alongside Phillimon Sebona after Philip Buys fell ill unsuspectedly. "The race is super tough, a good thing to know from the start. Ride as hard as you can, for as long as you can. Keep hydrated and push through the tough times." ~ Pieter Du Toit Phillimon Sebona, on the other hand, has completed every long distanced race there is, including the Munga which stretches over 1000km across South Africa. "It is essential to stay in a bunch of riders. Don't isolate yourself from the rest of the mountain bikers and you'll be just fine, especially within the first 50km."  Philip Buys, making waves after getting dropped by the leading bunch at WP2. Photographed by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios.According to Philip, his equipment makes his job as a professional mountain biker much easier. Especially on longer races like the Attakwas. "Riding with more reliable equipment, and riding slower and a bit slower is always wise when you are facing a long race like the Atta, where you could lose up to 15 minutes if you stumble over a mechanical problem. Manage yourself well, as many riders start facing extreme levels of fatigue during the last 20km. The Attakwas is a great goal for the start of the season and keeps me motivated during the holiday season." Matthys Beukes, the owner of the Attakwas rock and 3-time champion, also advises keeping the start to a relative pace, not burning your matches before the mountains try and break you. " The final 60km is always hard on you and your bike. Play it safe and save yourself for the last half of the race. I would advise you to keep hydrated and take in enough carbohydrates to sustain your effort. I enjoy the Attakwas as it is one of the toughest races on the mountain biking calendar. It is also significant that it takes place around my home-town. Having my friends and family there for support is always unique and adds to the excitement of the race."  Matthys lifting his 3rd Attakwas rock, hoping to make it 4 out of 4 in 2020. Photographed by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios.Good luck to everyone competing at the 2020 Atta. Don't just #surviveattakwas, #thriveattakwas. We are the African MTB Team. We are Team PYGA Euro Steel.Preperation for the 2019 FNB Megalies Monster |
