Purpose. Power. Pedal.
South Africa’s First Mixed Para Cycling Team – Old Mutual Wealth Double Century – 22 November 2025
204.5 km | 2,192 m Elevation | Swellendam, Western Cape
Because inclusion belongs on every start line.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Retina South Africa proudly presents a trailblazing opportunity: the first mixed para cycling team – comprising 12 dedicated athletes with physical and visual impairments – to compete in the prestigious Old Mutual Wealth Double Century (DC) in Swellendam, Western Cape, in November 2025.
This team will include visually impaired riders on tandem bicycles with their pilots alongside para cyclists with other physical impairments, marking a historic debut at one of South Africa’s most elite road races.
We seek R500,000 to fully fund this groundbreaking initiative, which aligns with our five-year Para Sport Development strategy. This moment represents more than athletic achievement; it is a powerful story of inclusion, community, and transformation – crafted to inspire, backed by science, and ready to capture the nation’s heart.
Leveraging influence principles such as authority, social proof, scarcity, and commitment/consistency, we invite sponsors to stand with us as history is made.
THE VISION: LEADING A MOVEMENT, NOT JUST A TEAM
- Develop competitive para cycling in South Africa
- Build capacity through inclusive training and races
- Create public visibility for athletes with impairments
- Show the world what happens when difference becomes strength
We believe that when difference becomes strength, the future of sport changes forever.
Success here will inform the rollout of national development programs.
The DC Challenge is not a stand-alone event.
It is the launchpad for long-term national and international competition participation.
THE CHALLENGE & THE OPPORTUNITY
The Old Mutual Wealth Double Century is one of South Africa’s most gruelling road races – 204.5 km of endurance, teamwork, and tactical grit. In 2025, history will be made as, for the first time ever, a fully mixed para cycling team – including athletes with physical impairments and visually impaired riders on tandem bikes – takes on this elite challenge under the Retina SA banner.
Why we ride:
We believe high-performance sport should reflect the strength of all South Africans, not just some. This team exists to prove that inclusion is more than a value; it’s a victory.
When 12 para cyclists ride 204.5 km together as one, we redefine what’s possible – for sport, for visibility, and for every young person living with a disability who has never seen someone like them on a podium.
Why it matters:
This isn’t just another team. It’s a national first. A moment this bold and inclusive is incredibly rare and undeniably powerful.
But this is about more than one race. It’s about changing the perception of what para-athletes can do. It’s about South Africa showing the world that courage, skill, and commitment belong on every start line, regardless of ability.
Led by world-class para-athletes; Ironman Oswald Kydd and Commonwealth Games triathlete Linsay Engelbrecht – this team reflects more than excellence…
With your support, this becomes more than a race. It becomes a declaration. A milestone. A legacy. And as a founding sponsor, your brand becomes part of this historic ride. It’s not just a finish line, it’s a symbol of possibility. With your brand behind this, you’ll help launch South Africa’s next legacy in inclusive sport.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Welcome to the Beast of the Cape:
www.doublecentury.co.za
Distance: 204.5km
Elevation: 2192m
WHY – The Heart Behind the Ride
- We ride to prove that inclusion isn’t symbolic – it’s powerful.
- This isn’t just a race. It’s a national first, driven by purpose.
- We’re here to challenge stigma, not just mountains
HOW – The Journey Ahead
- 12 para cyclists with visual or physical impairments, united in grit.
- Strategic teamwork: tandem pilots + solo para-athletes = harmony on wheels.
- 3 support staff ensure every kilometre is safe and possible.
WHAT – The Physical Test
- 204.5 km of endurance riding through the Western Cape – 8+ hours in the saddle.
- Steep ascents, winding descents, high-speed corners, crosswinds.
THE CLIMB
What It Takes
- 2,192 metres of climbing over 204 km—this race is an endurance gauntlet.
- Riders face headwinds, sharp descents, and climbs that test the strongest athletes.
- Para cyclists will need adaptive gear, physical conditioning, and absolute team cohesion to conquer this course.
- Success isn’t measured in speed – it’s measured in spirit, support, and shared strength
“This terrain doesn’t care who you are. But your courage? That’s what gets you through.” — Oswald Kydd, Team Captain
Athletes must complete this in formation. If one falls behind, the team fails. That’s unity.
INTRODUCING THE TEAM
This pioneering team of 12 para cyclists and 3 dedicated support crew are about to make history at the 2025 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century in Swellendam.
They represent courage, commitment, and the power of inclusion in sport.
Each one brings a story of resilience — and a passion to ride for purpose.
DONOR VALUE PROPOSITION
Why Your Support Matters – and What You’ll Gain
By supporting this team, you’re not just sponsoring athletes—you’re becoming part of a movement that challenges what South Africa believes is possible.
We’re not asking for charity. We’re inviting you to be part of a powerful, historic story—one that rewrites the narrative for para-athletes in South Africa and inspires inclusion nationwide.
What Your Partnership Means
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Be Part of a First: Your brand will be tied to the first-ever mixed para cycling team to compete in the Double Century. This is a rare and meaningful association.
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Visibility Across Channels: Recognition on our website, social media, newsletters, and post-event media.
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Branding Opportunities: Prime logo placement on cycling kits, tandem bikes, banners, and support vehicles.
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Emotional Connection: Meet the team. Hear their stories. See the direct impact of your support.
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Recognition & Tax Benefits: Retina SA is a registered NPO and PBO. All contributions qualify for Section 18A tax receipts.
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Long-Term Impact: Your investment powers not just one race, but Retina SA’s 5-year para sport strategy, creating a legacy of inclusion.
This isn’t charity.
It’s partnership. It’s leadership. It’s impact.
Funding Requirements – R500,000
Our goal is to raise R500,000 to make history as South Africa’s first mixed para cycling team takes on the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century in November 2025.