The Absa African Icons Invitational is more than a three-day luxury mountain biking experience in the Northern Drakensberg. It’s a gathering of exceptional South Africans including Rugby World Cup winner, Joel Stransky and Downhill mountain biking’s greatest male racer, Greg Minnaar. Here’s why they didn’t hesitate to accept their invitations to be Sporting Icons at this event later this month.
Paid partnership with Absa African Icons
Best known for scoring all South Africa’s points in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, including the epoch-making winning drop goal, Joel Stransky’s career as a professional player came to an end in 1999. However, he’s remained incredibly active ever since and has completed several Ironman Triathlon franchise events. His main passion though is mountain biking and, at the age of 56, he is in exceptional physical condition.
Stransky competes in the annual Absa Cape Epic and has completed 12 editions of the demanding eight-day race. He finished third in the Master’s (40-plus) division with teammate Andrew McLean in 2018 and remains highly competitive in his age category, usually finishing in the top 100 positions overall.
“The African Icons Invitational is such a great cause. Regardless of what you think of them, our policemen and women are under siege in this crime-riddled country of ours. While I appreciate the role played by the police service, I feel heartbroken for the children and spouses left behind fallen police officers. Their parent or spouse dying in the line of duty is a tough burden to bear and that’s why this cause is so wonderful. It should be close to all of our hearts,” said Stransky.
“The other reason I had no hesitation in accepting this invitation is that this initiative is organised by a truly great South African, Rory Steyn. If anyone understands the plight of a changing South Africa, it’s Rory, who isn’t just a good citizen, he’s a true national icon himself. It’s an absolute pleasure to support this man, and his causes,” added Stransky.
During February each year, Minnaar is usually at home in Pietermaritzburg training for the upcoming international Downhill racing season, which kicks off in May. He’s been particularly busy this off-season as he’s joined the Norco Factory Racing team, a move that was unexpected, but which has been widely publicised.
“It’s been pretty crazy changing teams and being involved in the building of a new racing set-up with fresh challenges and objectives. To be honest, it’s taken a lot of my time and I haven’t trained as consistently as I normally would over the Festive Season,” said Minnaar.
“While I am looking forward to the riding over the three days at the African Icons event at Alpine heath from a training perspective, it’s not the main reason I agreed to the invitation to be an African Icon there.
“The fact that this event is primarily focused on supporting widows and orphans of police officers, makes it’s a unique and very special event. The least I can do is give of my time to help raise awareness and funds for this great cause. But it’s also in a very special location.
“The Drakensberg is not far from where I was born and raised and still have home. Strangely, it’s an area I haven’t visited much. This is a cool opportunity to really check it out and get a good feel for the Drakensberg. Being able to explore it on a mountain bike with others who are passionate about riding seems like the ideal way to spend a few days in summer!”
Stransky is also excited about the location of the Absa African Icons event.
“That corner of the Drakensberg is a beautiful part of the world. While I’m looking forward to riding those trails, it’s the energy and vibe of the cycling tribe I’m looking forward to most. Meeting new people who love riding bikes and giving to important causes is what makes these events special,” added Stransky.
The Absa African Icons three-day social event will take place at Alpine Heath from 22-25 February 2024.
Limited places are still available at the exclusive event, which is a three-day celebration of health, nature and humanity. It’s not a race. Three different riding groups catering for all levels of expertise, in three days at a pace you’re comfortable with, is what awaits. Socialising and networking are prominent features of this event that’s supported by leading brands, including Absa, Ciovita, Oakley, Devils Peak Brewery, Painted Wolf Wines and Biogen.
To find out more or to book your spot, click here.
