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What an Alzu Tour de Farm! Recap of the 2024 edition of the iconic race

Pabio November 8, 2024

On Saturday, November 2, the iconic Alzu Farm Tour returned, to the delight of cycling enthusiasts from across the province.

A day of perfect weather and action ensued for trail participants and participants, who were treated to scintillating live performances on stage.

Raffle and water point winners

A draw took place with attractive prizes, here is the list of winners below:

1st draw: PlayStation 5 – Lia Laloo
2nd draw: Titan Rogue Cruz MTB – Aya Skosana
3rd draw: Hisense 70″ 4k UHD smart LED TV – Albertyn Claasens

Aya Skosana receives her Titan Rogue Cruz mountain bike from Go Cycles.

What would the Alzu Farm Tour be without its various popular water points? But one stood out above the rest, with Alzu Feeds being voted the best watering hole of the day.

Cyclists were greeted by name via loudspeaker, endearing Alzu Feeds to participants as more than just a watering hole.

The positive impact of the Alzu Tour de Farm

A key factor in the race is the funds generated for charity, with the following differences in people’s lives:

• Safe and reliable transportation for learners who cannot afford bus tickets to and from school.
• Create a place at school where children can eat their porridge, which the school provides in the morning, away from environmental challenges – especially in winter.
• Food parcels for learners who cannot afford to bring a lunch box to school.
• Monthly grocery store of basic necessities for families to allow children to have a better home environment.
• Access to medical and mental health care.
• Allow some students to attend matric farewells.
• Safe accommodation in the hostel with a stable environment and nutritious meals.

The organizers of the Alzu Tour de Farm shared with the Middelburg Observer a very special story about how the race affected the life of a specific learner:

“This learner lived in a neglectful and abusive home. Throughout their schooling, they had to manage to survive by doing odd jobs to stay afloat.
After a while, the learner was kicked out of his home and began missing school, with survival becoming his main priority. We became aware of the situation and through counseling we identified the needs of this learner. The learner was supported by the school and was even offered accommodation in the school hostel. Funds generated from the Alzu Tour de Farm were used to pay for accommodation costs and to assist with any other necessary expenses.

Through fundraising events like the Farm Tour, learners can complete their education and see a better future, not just living day to day.

The winners of the race

120km winners
Women – Beverley Wingfield; 04:35:57
Men – Callum Ormiston; 03:24:57
70km winners
Women – Samantha Sandes; 02:27:51
Men – Jaedon Terlouw; 02:07:23
40km winners
Women – Lu-Mai du Plessis; 01:28:33
Men – Travis Rademan-Ludeke; 01:17:19
15km winners
Women – Carli Venter; 00:31:12
Men – RJ Ruthven; 00:27:39

Winners of the 70 km electric bike
Women – Hilda Tameris; 02:37:14
Men – Coenraad Moolman; 02:16:01
Winners of the 40 km electric bike
Women – Gerda Behr; 01:30:02
Men – Barry Herbst; 01:29:34.