Trek Bicycle has extended its partnership with Team MTN-Qhubeka, Africa’s premier road cycling team. As Africa’s first Professional Continental UCI team, MTN-Qhubeka has experienced meteoric success while raising awareness for the Qhubeka program, which works to mobilize a generation of South Africans.
In its first year as a Professional Continental team, Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung has enjoyed success at the highest level with Trek, including Gerald Ciolek’s electrifying victory at Milan-San Remo. During the 2013 season, the team is utilizing the Trek Madone Seven Series for the majority of the year while the Trek Domane was employed for the cobbled classics and the Trek Speed Concept during time trials. The team’s paint scheme is offered to consumers through Trek’s Project One custom program, and for every MTN-Qhubeka bike sold, $200 is donated to Qhubeka.
“This partnership is bigger than cycling, and Trek is excited to be part of changing the face of racing,” said Trek VP Joe Vadeboncoeur. “We believe that the bicycle is an agent of change in places like Africa, and MTN-Qhubeka is an agent of change in the world of bike racing. We are committed to the relationship and helping them continue moving towards the next level.”
“We are really excited to extend with Trek for next year,” added Team Principal, Douglas Ryder. “The support and commitment to our Pro Conti team and feeder team from the Trek Race Shop is incredible and as an organization they are on the leading edge of the technology curve, which excites and motivates our athletes knowing that they are racing with the best equipment. Trek also supports Qhubeka through the sales of Team MTN-Qhubeka bikes and the Project One program. We are looking forward to the continuity and building on what we did this year.”
“It’s been a fantastic dream to be part of this journey, so we want to be a part of it as it continues to move forward,” said Simon Thompson, Trek’s Sports Marketing Manager. “Everyone really gets behind the project because it fits with our company values, and we are really proud of what the team has done, where it’s come from and the way this team will prove the power of the bicycle in the future.”
Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung race to raise awareness for Qhubeka, an organization working to mobilize people in Africa on bicycles. This work to earn model allows people to earn bicycles through various programs such as growing trees, recycling waste and increasing school attendance.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.