Axis Bikes supports Anton Hammerl Cape Epic Initiative

[Matt]

Axis Bikes, a new global bicycle brand, has thrown its support behind Team Anton Hammerl, two South African photographers riding the ABSA Cape Epic mountain bike stage race to raise awareness and funds for the children of Anton Hammerl, the award-winning South African photographer who was killed during the war in Libya last year.

 

Hammerl, whose body has never been recovered, left behind his wife and three small children. Media from around the world have rallied to support his family largely through fundraising efforts. Fellow photographers, Kim Ludbrook and Dino Lloyd, will do their bit when they contest the Cape Epic, an eight-day international mountain bike stage race in the Western Cape province of South African from 25 March–1 April.

 

Axis Bikes has given the two experienced mountain bikers each an Axis A10 29ER bike and fitted them with Maxiss tubeless tyres to ensure minimal puncture risk over the rugged 781km route.

 

Kim Ludbrook has one ABSA Cape Epic under his belt and is looking forward to tackling his second on the Axis A10 29ER.

 

Axis Bikes has also donated R20 000 to the Anton Hammerl fund, which is used specifically to fund the education of Hammerl’s three children.

 

“We will also donate R2-00 for every follower we have on our twitter account @Axis_Bikes by midnight on 1 April, the final day of the 2012 Cape Epic,” said Brandon Els, Managing Director of Scott Sports Africa and India, the company that owns the Axis brand.

 

“Most of us have children and can really relate to this valuable cause. We never knew Anton, but admire how through his amazing work, he successfully portrayed, the plight of victims of conflict,” said Els.

 

“By Dino and Kim using their participation in the Cape Epic to raise awareness and funds for the Anton Hammerl fund, we are able to offer support through our business and we appeal to other businesses in the sports and healthy lifestyle sector to pledge their support too.”

 

Els pointed out that the Cape Epic will be a good test for the new Axis mountain bikes.

 

“With Dino and Kim riding Axis bikes, we are also giving this new brand some ‘street cred’ in showing that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a bike to complete this tough event.”

 

Dino Lloyd is looking forward to his first ABSA Cape Epic and says he's impressed at how well the Axis A10 29ER handles.

 

South Africa’s only mountain biking magazine, TREAD, has also thrown its support behind the initiative and will be running a daily online blog for Team Anton Hammerl during the Cape Epic to ensure their cause gains maximum exposure.

 

“What a great gesture these guys are making,” said TREAD Editor, Sean Badenhorst. “We had no hesitation in helping them with exposure and assisting them to find sponsors. They have been preparing meticulously for the Cape Epic, one of the toughest sports events in the world, and we look forward to sharing the experience through their daily blog.”

 

To find out how to donate directly to the Anton Hammerl Fund, visit: http://www.friendsofanton.org/cycling-for-anton-hammerl/

 

To track the progress of Team Anton Hammerl before and during the ABSA Cape Epic, follow @antonhammerl and @Axis_Bikes on twitter; or visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-photographer-Anton-Hammerl/180764838637385

 

To find out more about Axis Bikes, visit http://www.axis-bikes.com

 

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