A group of South African celebs will be riding with Sir Richard Branson, the 62-year old founder of the Virgin Group, in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday. Flying Virgin Active SA team colours and keeping him company on the 109 km tour will be Melinda Bam and Adriaan Bergh (Miss and Mr SA 2011) as well as ex rugby player Tank Lanning and 5fm DJs, Milkshake and Fikile ‘Fix’ Moeti. Not only is Fix doing the Cycle Tour but competed in the half Ironman 70.3 earlier this year and, like Branson, is passionate about providing opportunities for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
“It is going to be my first Cycle Tour,” says Fix, “ but I am looking forward to taking it fairly easy, enjoying the scenery of the Cape and, of course, riding with someone who I have always admired for his incredible leadership programmes. I was fortunate to meet him last week and feel very privileged to be part of Sir Richard Branson’s A-team.”
Branson says, I’m looking forward to hearing the roar of the crowd and really giving them something to cheer about. While it is my first time taking part in the Cycle Tour, I have experienced the London Marathon and Triathlon, where the crowds really drag you around the course with their support. I’m sure we can help put a smile on their faces.”
It’s been a whirlwind week for the founder of the Virgin Group. Branson attended his son’s wedding at Ulusaba, addressed entrepreneurs at The Branson Centre in Braamfontein and took a tour of the building site of Virgin Active’s newest Classic Club, Alice Lane, which is set to open in August this year. He’s also managed to keep up a steady training schedule.
He says, “It’s not about the time although I am hoping to get around in just over five hours – more than anything I am looking forward to taking on the challenge with the rest of the team.”
