The South African mountain bike events industry has taken a significant knock as a result of varying restrictions over the past two years. By association, professional mountain bike racing teams have been left in a state of uncertainty, with some unable to continue into 2022. Pyga Euro Steel, however, has weathered the storm and will head into the new year with sights firmly set on more racing success and a unique opportunity for a new partner brand. Started in 2013 by London Olympian, Phil Buys, Pyga Euro Steel is one of the most established mountain bike racing teams in South Africa, consistently finishing on podiums at all the country’s high-profile races, including XCO Events, Marathons and Stage Races. There’s also a full-time staff contingent that ensures the team only has to worry about racing, making sure the bikes and gear are always race-ready and that the team’s transport, accommodation, food and media are all managed to world-class standards. Despite the disruption of a mid-year harder lockdown, the past 12 months were highly successful for Pyga Euro Steel. Gert Heyns and Matthys Beukes won KAP Sani2c with Buys and Pieter du Toit claiming the runners-up spot. The postponed Absa Cape Epic delivered one of its toughest editions to date, with Buys and Du Toit finishing a strong sixth overall and winning the African Jersey. The team concluded the year on a high with Buys and Heyns capturing the hotly contested FNB Wines2Whales title. NEW PARTNER OPPORTUNITY “Going into 2022, we have an opportunity for another brand to invest in the team. Finding appropriate branding space within an established, successful team can be challenging, but we have decided that the team helmets (on the bike) and caps (off the bike) are available should any brands be keen on an association with a top South African racing team,” said Buys. “Obviously it’s more than just having your logo on one of the most visible places on our riders, it’s also about having access to the riders for corporate events as well as developing a relationship with our other team sponsors and partners. We also invest in high quality, consistent media content, which ensures our sponsors and riders are always in the public eye.” “We are very grateful to Euro Steel for their ongoing support, enabling us to maintain and build the team structure. The Covid-19 period has been exceptionally tough on the economy and the sport but Euro Steel has continued to offer its support, which really does make a significant impact,” said Buys. Euro Steel is one of the South Africa’s largest local distributors and exporters of stainless steel, special steels, aluminium and other corrosion-resistant materials. The company has been the team’s title sponsor, delivering financial support since 2017. “Insecurity can have an effect on the performances of athletes. But with the backing of Euro Steel and our other sponsors, we have had the peace of mind that allows us to focus on what we’re paid to do – race fast and be positive mentors to others,” added Buys. “The past two years have been a trying time for the bike industry, but Pyga has maintained its commitment to ensuring we have the best bikes on which to perform. For that we are most grateful and we look forward to continuing to confirm the impressive performance capabilities on this proudly South African brand in the new year,” said Buys. The team has finalised a full racing schedule for 2022, including all the major one-day races, all the high-profile stage races, including the Absa Cape Epic and South African Cup XCO races. For more information on the team, visit www.africanmtbteam.com or make direct contact with Ruan: [email protected]; 0823591743; or Philip [email protected] 0825572081 ENDS. Source: Roots Media Content
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