FedGroupItec cycles their way to top honours at Mzansi Tour

Issued by Fedgroup Financial Services
Johannesburg, Apr 23, 2013

South Africa's leading professional mountain bike team, FedGroupItec, made the switch from dirt to tar at last week's inaugural UCI-sanctioned Mzansi Tour. And a good switch it was. The team cycled their way to top honours, winning the Team Classification, placing fourth and seventh on the General Classification, and second in the King of the Mountain.

Joining forces with two of South Africa's acclaimed roadies, the mountain bike team had a winning combination of experience, strength and strategy. Even so, their win was something team owner Brandon Stewart did not foresee. "I knew that we would perform, but I did not predict that we would have three riders consistently crossing the line in top positions. To be the top team among pro-continental teams is a massive achievement."

The team's initial strategy was to secure Ian Mcleod a podium position. However, by stage four, the team had outperformed that strategy. It was then that Stewart realised their strategy would need to be adapted. "Because of the team's performance, we went from working for only Ian to working for Ian, Neil and Nico to ensure a team podium position," he explains.

Despite some serious strategy and tactics, the team had a lot of fun. "Our approach to competing is somewhat different to the roadies, who tend to be very strict with themselves. We know that our riders ride to win. But we also want them to enjoy what they are doing and have fun," says Stewart.

And that's exactly why the team has so much support from their title sponsor, FedGroup. Marketing executive Brett Field, who followed the team on tour, says there is nothing better than the camaraderie between the riders. "Win or lose, the vibe among the team is inspiring. They are committed to winning, but they are also committed to having fun, and that's the most important thing."

FedGroup extended the team's contract at the end of 2012 as part of their fresh approach to life. "Central to this approach is investing in talent. The team's passion and commitment is synonymous with the values held by FedGroup. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow as South Africa's best mountain bike team," says Field.

FedGroupItec's performance automatically secures them an entry into next year's event. Although they will return to defend their title, Stewart says his team prefers the dirt. "The tour was something different for us and definitely spiced things up. But we would never switch. In the tar versus dirt showdown, we prefer getting dirty."

But you never know, there might just be a FedGroupItec road team in the works. Judging by the team's growing success and massive support from their sponsors, it wouldn't be a surprise.