FedGroup Itec’s Neil MacDonald announced on 17 May 2014, his retirement from professional cycling. MacDonald made the announcement prior to the start of the final leg this year’s Nedbank Sani2C race.
Beginning his career on the road before making the switch to mountain biking, MacDonald has both benefitted and contributed enormously to the sport in South Africa. Former South African national road racing captain, MacDonald’s retirement will not spell his exit from the sport.
Over his 15 year career, MacDonald has been awarded national road racing colours 14 times. In addition, he has impressive podium results. He won the 2000 Tour of the South China Seas, claimed a stage win and came second overall in the Tour of Morocco in 2007, and won three stages in the 2002 Qinghai Tour of China. MacDonald rode to victory twice in the Amashova Classic (2000 and 2003), and was awarded the Points Jersey for the Tour of Gabon (2008).
On a mountain bike, MacDonald secured two joBerg2C victories, two overall seconds in the Sani2C (2011 and 2013), and was placed 14th overall in the 2012 ABSA Cape Epic.
“I’ve approached cycling with passion and determination, and have been richly rewarded by the sport over my career. Retiring as a professional racer will in no way signal my departure from it. My plans for the next chapter include a role that will allow me to invest the experience I’ve gained back into the sport. South Africa has some real talent, and I am excited at the prospect of both developing that talent and the sport in general.”
MacDonald has spent the last 18 months in FedGroup Itec colours and, says FedGroup’s CFO, Scott Field, has shown himself to be a true ambassador to the sport and a professional with whom the organisation has been proud to have an association.
“FedGroup wishes Neil every success, and we are going to miss his contribution to the team.”
MacDonald and team mate, Bridgette Stewart completed the Nedbank Sani2C with an overall position of 6th and a time of 11:28:29.
Source: Headlines PR
