Cycling community to pay tribute to Ertjies
The much loved and well respected Ertjies Bezuidenhout will be remembered by members of the South African cycling community at the 7th annual Bestmed Campus2Campus Super Classic on 23 September 2012.
As a tribute to the cycling legend who sadly passed away in March this year, the event will start from and end at North West University’s Potchefstroom Campus where Ertjies earned his degree, as well as raced and earned his Springbok colours. A moment of silence for Ertjies will mark the start of the event and hundreds of his fans, friends and family members will be taking part.
At the time of his passing, Ertjies was a member of the Bestmed Cycling Team and 30 of his teammates will complete Sunday’s race as a group in his memory.
“We are not racing to do well, but rather cycling as a team to pay our last respects to someone who has played a very important role in the development of cycling in South Africa,” said Chris van Rooyen, Bestmed Team leader.
“Ertjies was not only a committed sportsperson and cyclist, but was someone of integrity and he had the ability to motivate and inspire people,” added Johan Olivier, a member of the Bestmed Team and someone who knew Ertjies for 45 years, having gone to high school with him in Vanderbijlpark “We miss him a great deal and it will be an honour to ride for him on Sunday.”
A field of over 1 000 riders will participate in either the 35km or 95km distance. Each rider who completes the event will receive a special commemorative Ertjies Bezuidenhout finishers’ medal.
“The Campus2Campus is one of many cycling races that Bestmed sponsors each year,” said Sasja La Grange, corporate communications manager for Bestmed “We believe that sporting events encourage people to exercise, which is a key factor in achieving and maintaining optimal health.”
“Bestmed is proud to be associated with this event and we wish all of the riders a safe and enjoyable ride,” concludes La Grange.
