Zwift’s association with Team Dimension Data and Qhubeka has developed further in 2016, starting with an innovative fundraising campaign inside Zwift’s 3D cycling environment. Starting Tuesday 19 July, Zwift users can unlock the Team Dimension Data training kit and a Qhubeka branded Cervelo S5 bike for their in-game avatars, to show support for Qhubeka’s mission of mobilising the rural communities of South Africa through the #powerofbicycles.
“Team Dimension Data and our partners are united in promoting Qhubeka’s mission. In this respect, Zwift provides a perfect focal point for us. Buying a bike in Zwift to provide a bike for someone in Africa is a super cool idea!” says Doug Ryder, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka’s Team Principal. “On a year-round basis we will use the Zwift platform to engage with cyclists around the world, to educate people about Qhubeka’s work and to inspire charitable fundraising. Our riders like Zwift, it’s great fun and a good training tool, but crucially it’s an accessible way to help us build the biggest fan base in cycling.”
The Team Dimension Data training kit and Qhubeka branded Cervelo S5 bikes will cost $25 and $183 USD, respectively, to activate. The $183 for the Cervelo bike represents the cost required to assemble and deliver a Qhubeka Buffalo Bicycle to communities in need.
“Team Dimension Data and Qhubeka bring a fantastic feel good factor to Zwift. Their mission will inspire our users, so utilising the Zwift platform to support Qhubeka is a perfect fit for all parties. And it’s an authentic story, when you have guys like Edvald Boassen-Hagen regularly riding our platform,” says Eric Min, Zwift CEO and co-founder. “Qhubeka, alongside their parent organisation, World Bicycle Relief, will be our charity partners from 2016. Their work is in tune with our user base and it will be the cornerstone of the social responsibility work Zwift wants to advocate.”
“We’re thrilled to have Zwift on board the Qhubeka project. Their technology platform provides the perfect intersection for Team Dimension Data, their partners and fans. Zwift will amplify this connectivity and can only be good news for inspiring people to become part of Qhubeka’s mission,” says Anthony Fitzhenry, Qhubeka Founder.
Team Dimension riders were amongst the first World Tour riders to adopt Zwift, with Edvald Boasson Hagen being their most high profile ‘Zwifter’. “It’s great fun and a super training tool. I’ve clocked up over 2000km on Zwift which, equates to 2 days and 10 hours on the trainer. I love the community angle, the time flies by, it keeps me coming back and I get a great workout. Right now I’ve reached Level 15 in Zwift which I’m quite happy about!” he says.
Team Dimension Data’s partnership with Zwift was announced on a live Zwift group ride led by Doug Ryder during the second rest day of the Tour de France.
To give to Qhubeka and unlock virtual goods to use in Zwift, donors should go to https://www.givengain.com/cc/zwift5000/.
