[Somerset West, 13 March 2025] – Pedal Project is an official Absa Cape Epic charity and a community-based mental health support programme that utilises mountain biking to empower children from historically disadvantaged communities.
Pedal Project is proud to announce the return of the PedalForGood Leaders’ Jersey for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, further reinforcing its mission to celebrate and support the exceptional women competing in one of the world’s most grueling mountain bike stage races while balancing full-time careers, studies, and motherhood – and to PedalForGood.
Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which fostered both fierce and supportive competition among elite female riders, the 2025 PedalForGood Leaders’ Jersey will once again highlight the resilience and determination of these inspiring athletes. The initiative seeks to amplify their stories, provide well-deserved recognition, and elevate the visibility of non-professional women competing at the sport’s highest level.
The connection between the program and the women who are competing for the P4G Leaders Jersey is beyond just mountain biking. It’s about building resilience to conquer the mountains they face in the race and in their everyday lives—to Pedal For Good. The connection between the program beneficiaries and the ladies is there to be seen.
“Cycling teaches you everything you need to know to navigate the complexities of adult life: the importance of planning and preparation, the ability to push through uncomfortable situations, handling adversity, remaining calm under pressure, and it’s a tool to stay fit and healthy.” – Kylie Hannekom.
“It boosts confidence and helps kids get outside in the fresh air and touch with nature. I can also aid to help kids with ADHD into redirecting excess energy” – Cherise Willeit.
Elevating the Women of the Absa Cape Epic – Introducing the Pierre Jourdan P4G Leaders Jersey.
The initiative received a significant boost with the new title sponsor, Pierre Jourdan, which not only assumes the naming rights—The Pierre Jourdan P4G Leaders’ Jersey—but also provides essential support to enable the Pedal Project to continue its work and enhance the competitiveness among this group of women.
Pierre Jourdan recognises that one needs to celebrate all achievements, big or small, and acknowledge the accomplishments of this amazing group of women to raise a glass of MCC at the finish line. To ensure the group of women give it all on the trails during the grueling 8 days, Pierre Jourdaan and fellow Franschhoek partner, Le Clé Franschhoek, has provided the GC winners a two nights accommodation at their estate for winners and their partners – to rest those legs after a full life balancing racing and home responsibilities.
Additional new partners include The Hanger Bike Co, Lanzerac Hotel, Dryland and Cool Heat, all of whom have contributed prizes to increase the rewards at the end of this prestigious race.
The PedalForGood Leaders’ Jersey honours the top-performing ‘Working Heroines’—elite female riders who juggle their love for the sport with demanding professional and personal commitments. More than just an accolade, the jersey symbolises camaraderie, perseverance, and empowerment, values that define these extraordinary athletes.
“Racing the Cape Epic as an amateur in the UCI field is a constant test of resilience,” says Jaco van der Linde, Founder of the Pedal Project. “These women show up, train hard, and compete at an elite level despite the challenges they face daily. The PedalForGood Leaders’ Jersey exists to acknowledge their efforts and ensure they receive the recognition they truly deserve.”
Athlete Insights: What It Means to Pedal for Good
The impact of the PedalForGood Leaders’ Jersey has been profound, with last year’s contenders reflecting on how it enhanced their race experience:
“The competition is always fierce between us all—it heightened it and gave us all some more inspiration to dig a little deeper, especially because it was for such a great cause.” – Juanita McKenzie
“There was certainly more camaraderie among us ladies. Sometimes, it can be a bit intimidating to be in such a serious category in a prestigious race, but the PedalForGood Jersey added a bit more fun and ‘spice. ’” – Sanchia Malan
“Having this category legitimised our participation in the UCI field. It gave us extra motivation and added a new layer of excitement to every stage.” – Robyn Williams.
These testimonials underscore the significance of the jersey—not just as a competition but as a powerful statement that women’s cycling at every level deserves to be seen, celebrated, and supported.
| Team Name | Rider Name | Epics Completed & Best Results | Instagram Handle |
| iRide Africa | Tarryn Povey | 3 & 9th | @tarryn.p |
| Roxanne Kemp | 0 | @roxykemp | |
| Bell/EPT | Hayley Smith | 2 & 10th | @haylzsmith |
| Janice Fourie | 2 & 10th | @janiceventer | |
| Kollisi Songo.info Foundation | Ila Stow | 3 & 10th (Mixed) | @ilastow |
| Cherise Williet | 3 & 9th | @taylorchick | |
| ChemChamp Racing | Juanita Mackenzie | 1 & 13th | @juanitarosemackenzie |
| Michelle Reed | 0 | @mich_reed | |
| Titan Racing | Nicola Freitas | 2 & 11th | @nixfreitas |
| Megan Scribante | 0 | @scribs_megan | |
| Team Blok | Kylie Hanekom | 3 & 9th | @kyliehanekom |
| Rebecca van Huyssteen | 1 & 16th | @becksabby |
In a quick chat with these dynamic women, their response to why mountain biking is the best sport:
“It’s therapy for the soul!” – Tarryn Povey.
“You face so many challenges and learn to overcome so much. It’s an individual sport mostly, but it is something shared and universal. The outdoors is also the best sense of adventure, freedom and independence.” – Ila Stow.
“It brings me closer to God. To be outside and to be able to experience His creation is everything to me. It also teaches me discipline and to work hard for things I’d like to achieve”. – Roxy Kemp
“I have been cycling since I was 12 years old, and it’s always been a big part of my life. It’s a great passion of mine, and I love being out on my bike.” – Hayley Smith.
“Cycling, in general, has helped me cope through the lowest of lows and gave me the ultimate memories; every ride is a new adventure and a new opportunity.” – Cherise Willeit.
“It takes me places I wouldn’t normally go” – Michelle Reed
“So many reasons: The community, the challenge, the freedom, learning opportunities. It’s one of the best feelings in the world to ride a bike”. – Juanita Mackenzie
“It challenges you and your boundaries.” – Nicola Freitas
“What could be better than riding your bike down single tracks, with stunning views and awesome like-minded people???” – Megan Scribante
“We’re so spoiled with the most beautiful outdoor spaces and trail networks in South Africa, and mountain biking gets you to places you’d never normally see or experience” – Kylie Hannekom
Support the Movement
The Pedal Project is an official Absa Cape Epic charity and a community-based mental health support programme which utilises mountain biking as a vehicle for empowering children from historically disadvantaged communities. The Pedal Project remains committed to using cycling as a tool for mental health support and community development. Since its founding in 2020, the initiative has empowered over 400 youth beneficiaries, providing #TrailTherapy through cycling, mentorship, and the great outdoors.
Every weekday, 120 children from Maccassar and Strand are taken to ride mountain bikes on the Wine Lands Trail network by the Pedal Project. Along with getting exercise and burning off some of the insatiable energy of youth, the children receive guidance from mentors and are helped to build the tools to overcome the challenges they will face in life. Mountain bikers and fans of the Absa Cape Epic can support the project’s charitable efforts here and find out more by visiting www.pedalproject.co.za.
Jaco van der Linde
Founder, Pedal Project
jaco@pedalproject.co.za
0611 556677
Follow the journey and get involved:
Website: www.pedalproject.co.za
Instagram: @PedalForGood
Facebook: Pedal Project
About Pedal Project
Pedal Project is a non-profit initiative that harnesses the power of cycling to support mental health and personal development. Through mentorship, community engagement, and competitive cycling, the organisation empowers both young riders and elite female athletes striving for excellence.
