L’Étape South Africa

[Nick]

Official release from the event, including refund processes: https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/news/road/sa-road-cycling/postponement-of-letape-south-africa-r6356

[Frosty]

just received mail from L`Etape organisers (or what appears to be), appears if entry fee paid for by credit card we expect refund from Cycle Events via payment reversal:

 

L’Etape South Africa’s event organisers, Buyu Sport & Entertainment and Cycling South Africa met last week.  Having assessed the conditions of the roads, which have been under a road rehabilitation program, and some of the compliance issues required, it was concluded that the road surface for the proposed route will not be in a satisfactory state for riders by the race date, the 2nd of April 2017.

 

Both parties agree that the safety of riders is of utmost importance and cannot be compromised and have therefore come to a mutual agreement to postpone the event to a future date to be agreed upon.

 

L’Etape South Africa would like to apologise to all cyclists. We are cognisant of the financial, emotional and physical investment that has gone into preparing for a cycling event of this magnitude.

 

Race entry refund policy, process and timeline

 

We will be refunding you the fully paid entry fees.  

If you paid via Credit Card: Cycle Events will facilitate the refund process to all participants who paid via credit card. Once the refund transaction has been reversed back into the credit card that was used for the entry, it will take 4 working days to reflect in the riders account. The payment gateway system will notify the card holder of this transaction once processed.

 

If you paid via EFT: Octagon South Africa will facilitate the refund process to all participants who paid via EFT. Once the refund transaction has been reversed back into the account that was used for the entry, it will take your normal bank working days to reflect into your account.

 

We are committed to responding to all your queries. Please be in touch with us using the below methods:

 

For further Information and EFT queries:

L’Etape South Africa:

Email: info@letapesouthafrica.com

 

For Credit Card Refunds:

Cycle Events:

Email: queries@cycleevents.co.za

Race Office number: 087 820 4210

Social media: Twitter: @LetapeSA. Instagram: @letapesa. Facebook: L’Etape South Africa @letapesouthafrica

This was the email sent (on behalf of the club) to the PR Machine, after seeing the initial post here:

 

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: Fwd: RE: LetapeSA Date: 2017-03-27 12:08 From: Germiston Wheelers  To: caroline@theprmachine.co.za

 

Hi Caroline,

 

We've seen your "statement" that was posted on the Bikehub.  At this point the best you can do, is get the organisers to make that statement that puts the cyclists mind at ease. They need to issue a statement that:

1. Apologises for the cancellation/postponement - first priority;
2. Gives the process for the refund, and possible timing (a few days, a week, or how long?);

Currently, the statement says to contact Cycle Events for a refund. We know Cycle Events well, as we use them for the race we organise - they have been thrown in the deep end and cannot reply on behalf of the organisers. 

 

The statement should be a simple SMS/Email to every participant, that will do more for the situation than just keeping quiet. Don't use social media, as many participants aren't on social media, and it also opens up the chance for comments - which left unanswered appears as "ignorance".

 

If you need anything else, please let us know.

 

Regards,

Gerald

on behalf of

GERMISTON WHEELERS

the club that cares

Twitter | Instagram | Website | Facebook

[Frosty]

Hi Admin!!

 

Are you okes going to make an appearance this weekend?  This can't be a hub ride without some admin.  Who am |I going to tattle tale to when some poep does not point out every hole?

It's a long way for us to come but Gerald seems to be more than up to the task   

I see an opportunity here... #appearancefee 

[buchanan]

What a joke . I've paid thousands of rands for airfare from and return to Cape Town and for 3 nights accommodation in Durban and Howick. Non refundable. Nice of the organizers to decide with a few days to go that the roads aren't good enough. No problem taking the money last week though.  Very well done organizers. 

[Gen]

This was the email sent (on behalf of the club) to the PR Machine, after seeing the initial post here:

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Fwd: RE: LetapeSA Date: 2017-03-27 12:08 From: Germiston Wheelers To: caroline@theprmachine.co.za

Hi Caroline,

We've seen your "statement" that was posted on the Bikehub. At this point the best you can do, is get the organisers to make that statement that puts the cyclists mind at ease. They need to issue a statement that:

• Apologises for the cancellation/postponement - first priority;
• Gives the process for the refund, and possible timing (a few days, a week, or how long?);

Currently, the statement says to contact Cycle Events for a refund. We know Cycle Events well, as we use them for the race we organise - they have been thrown in the deep end and cannot reply on behalf of the organisers.

 

The statement should be a simple SMS/Email to every participant, that will do more for the situation than just keeping quiet. Don't use social media, as many participants aren't on social media, and it also opens up the chance for comments - which left unanswered appears as "ignorance".

If you need anything else, please let us know.

 

Regards,

Gerald

on behalf of

GERMISTON WHEELERS

the club that cares

Twitter | Instagram | Website | Facebook

Ja I am still not happy with them.. all I want to see is a mail from them that says refund will be made in 48hrs, pls state preference of payment, credit card refund, ETF or ewallet[emoji39] ..just pay back my flippen money...why the hell should I go after them to get my money back.

[Short T]

What a joke . I've paid thousands of rands for airfare from and return to Cape Town and for 3 nights accommodation in Durban and Howick. Non refundable. Nice of the organizers to decide with a few days to go that the roads aren't good enough. No problem taking the money last week though.  Very well done organizers. 

i think you should still come down and enjoy the "training" ride.

[Gen]

i think you should still come down and enjoy the "training" ride.

L'eBikehub tour..

[Patchelicious]

What a joke . I've paid thousands of rands for airfare from and return to Cape Town and for 3 nights accommodation in Durban and Howick. Non refundable. Nice of the organizers to decide with a few days to go that the roads aren't good enough. No problem taking the money last week though. Very well done organizers.

I would seek compensation from the organizers.

[Frosty]

Ja I am still not happy with them.. all I want to see is a mail from them that says refund will be made in 48hrs, pls state preference of payment, credit card refund, ETF or ewallet[emoji39] ..just pay back my flippen money...why the hell should I go after them to get my money back.

I'm also not happy with them - I'm just not going to rant about it here on this forum, or on social media - it's not the right platform. Unless of course it's something that could benefit everyone affected, i.e. like successfully being able to claim other expenses incurred (part or whole).

 

They've unfortunately learnt the hard way, and might find it hard to get the same 1000 entries the next time (if there is a next time) - assuming they've learnt anything from this.

 

The email I sent may have prompted them to issue an apology, but it's up to me to acknowledge that apology - then to forget about it. The sooner that happens, the sooner I can move on to something else - like enjoying Sunday's ride with some good company, which would be even better if we could get you to join us. 

[PygaSchmyga]

I would seek compensation from the organizers.

If only!  I have paid up accommodation for the weekend which is non-refundable - I checked today.  Fortunately I did not have flight bookings like to poor sods from CT.  Still, this has cost me an extra R5K.  I am sure the total wasted cost for all entrants runs into the collective millions.  Nice one Octagon!

 

My only hope is that if L'Etape are serious about their brand and growing this worldwide race which is actually quite cool, they think VERY carefully about who holds the franchise.  This bunch of clowns don't seem able to run a bath.

[buchanan]

I tried to phone Octagon, but nobody senior was available to take my call.  Receptionist said everyone was in 'meetings' and to call back some other time.  I'm pretty sure this organization will be out of business soon.  I just hope they do in fact refund our entrance fees.  As for flights, accommodation, etc....

[PygaSchmyga]

I tried to phone Octagon, but nobody senior was available to take my call.  Receptionist said everyone was in 'meetings' and to call back some other time.  I'm pretty sure this organization will be out of business soon.  I just hope they do in fact refund our entrance fees.  As for flights, accommodation, etc....

Are these the guys behind the Durban commonwealth games fiasco?  Check out the screenshot from their website?

 

Seriously?

[Spirog]

CTCT set the benchmark i guess,

 

i should start thinking about organizing a race soon, i need the cash injection

With respect, your comment is not fair...

 

If CTCT had been allowed to start, cyclists would have been injured with the possibility of deaths. Then, the Hub would be full of abuse and recriminations against the organisers. That wind was a freak of nature over which the organisers had no control.

 

This event has been cancelled because of fraud or incompetence or stupidity. Time will tell.

Not even a close comparison...

 

With respect, Meezo...

[Gen]

I'm also not happy with them - I'm just not going to rant about it here on this forum, or on social media - it's not the right platform. Unless of course it's something that could benefit everyone affected, i.e. like successfully being able to claim other expenses incurred (part or whole).

 

They've unfortunately learnt the hard way, and might find it hard to get the same 1000 entries the next time (if there is a next time) - assuming they've learnt anything from this.

 

The email I sent may have prompted them to issue an apology, but it's up to me to acknowledge that apology - then to forget about it. The sooner that happens, the sooner I can move on to something else - like enjoying Sunday's ride with some good company, which would be even better if we could get you to join us.

Gerald.. always the gentleman [emoji39]

[Ozzie NL]

Are these the guys behind the Durban commonwealth games fiasco?  Check out the screenshot from their website?

 

Seriously?

Yip, same crew

[Patchelicious]

Yip, same crew

You spell it with UNTS not REW.