Stellenbosch-based mountain biking team the Fairtree Imperial Cannondale Racing Team is rebranded the Fairtree DP World Cannondale Racing Team, following DP World’s acquisition of Imperial Logistics (Imperial) in March 2022.
The announcement was made on Thursday 23 March at a media launch and is a natural progression of the partnership with Imperial and the Fairtree Cannondale Racing Team that began in 2021.
“We place a strong emphasis on empowering and supporting the local people and communities in which we operate, while delivering sustainable and inclusive growth,” says Esha Mansingh, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations at Imperial, a DP World Company. “Taking over the naming rights of the Fairtree Cannondale Racing Team is part of DP World’s commitment to developing and driving business, sports and culture in sub-Saharan Africa.”
The accomplished mountain biking teamsters are rising stars on the global stage and are committed to making a difference to their world; their prize winnings, for example, have gone towards enabling three children from their local community to attend a private school, and they look forward to contributing in a similar manner this year.
Chris Norton, Team Manager of the Fairtree DP World Cannondale Racing Team, added: “We are grateful for the ongoing support from our partners, which ensures the team is able to perform optimally. The team will ride the renowned Cape Epic this weekend in their new kit featuring DP World branding. This race is the most televised mountain-bike race, and it is also one of the most physically gruelling and mentally challenging in the world.”
To ensure the sustainability of its team the Fairtree DP World Cannondale Racing Team have begun a touring operation where five team members are officially accredited tour guides, taking companies and groups on mountain biking tours through the Cape Winelands. This gives the riders the opportunity to ensure a regular income, using their skills to deliver a service to the community and bolstering tourism in the region.
