The Cape Epic Finale (by Bobby Behan, Specialized Global Marketing)
Another Cape Epic is over, an event we have left in 2009 with very mixed feelings, regarding the organization, but very positive feelings because of the impact we have had on the Kayamandi Community, through the Songo.info projects.
Songo.info in Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander dominated the event, winning five of the eight stages, but on the now well-documented stage four, where through a mark of pure sportsmanship Songo.info had support from DCM Chrome, what was initially a 15 minute penalty, two days later was increased to a one hour penalty. Poor organization, lack of sportsmanship and the inability to make concrete decisions left the event in turmoil.
Christoph Sauser’s final words were “I wish the legs did the talking and not the politics”.
On Friday evening as the event was entering it’s final day, Songo.info took stage at The Cape Epic dinner and depicted the Songo.info story. The most important message is that Songo.info, in Christoph Sauser, Burry Stander and it’s partnerships with Specialized Bicycles, JAG Foundation, Pedal Power Association, Stellenbosch municipality, the Kayamandi Community and many other generous contributors, have positively impacted the lives of many underprivileged kids in Kayamandi.
Over a sixteen-month period, the kids in Kayamandi through Songo.info and it’s partners have a BMX Track and associated bikes, plus mountain bikes and the pathway towards creating a cycling club in Kayamandi, which is Songo.info’s next goal. Each day after school kids are seen exercising, smiling and having fun. That’s what counts.
The real victors in The 2009 Cape Epic have been the young kids of Kayamandi. To see some of what has been achieved check this out.
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