Mopani’s star cyclist ends season on a high note

Mopani is proud to be a sponsor of Hennie Kriek who recently came second overall at the MTN National Marathon Series.

Hennie Kriek, a Nelspruit based cyclist sponsored by Mopani Pharmacy, recently achieved a second place overall in the MTN National Marathon Series. He also won the sub vet category of the series.

The MTN series is a yearlong event which includes eight races in towns across South Africa. Riders accrue points at every race with the best five points to count for overall position.  This year was Hennie’s fifth time participating in the event and his best result yet.

In fact, he says 2012 has been his best cycling season ever with highlights being his MTN Series result and earning his SA colours in July at the South African XC (Cross Country) Championships.

He credits hard work and a healthy lifestyle for his successes. “It takes commitment, dedication and focus to keep on achieving. I however also try to maintain a balance between training and rest days. It’s important not to over train.”

Hennie has been doing mountain biking for seven years now and has no intention of slowing down. “I never tire of it. Being outdoors and being active keeps me motivated.”  He is planning to participate in a seven day stage race next year in the Swiss Alps and says his ultimate MTB dream is to represent South Africa at a world championship in his category.

Hennie also wishes to thank his sponsors for their support and enabling him to race all over South Africa; Rob from Mopani Pharmacy, Mankele and Endecon Ubuntu Engineers.

Das Auto MTB Race 4 Update

Mopani’s presence at the fourth race in the Das Auto MTB Series.

Mopani’s involvement with the Das Auto MTB Series continues with us manning yet again a water point at the fourth race on 11 August. It was indeed a glorious day for cycling with clear skies and no wind. Our two Mopani cyclists, Bertus van der Linde and Louis Botha, also participated. Bertus finished first in the 25km sub veteran men category and Louis second. The next race in the series will be on Saturday, 1 September. Visit Lowveld Cycling’s website for more information – Mopani Pharmacy is pleased to be involved with the local cycling community’s activities.

Mopani’s presence at Das Auto MTB Series

Mopani’s distinctive blue and white water point at the Das Auto MTB Series.

Mopani Pharmacy once again manned a water point on Saturday, 16 June at The Fountains Das Auto MTB Series in White River. Our point was situated so that we could serve the 15km, 25km and 50km participants and according to race organizers some 400 cyclists passed us! The next race in the series will be on the 7^th of July – Mopani’s team is already looking forward to it. We’re also proud to report that our Mopani cyclists, Bertus van der Linde and Louis Botha, came 2^nd and 4^th respectively in the Sub Veteran Men 25km category and Russell Lewis came 1^st in the Senior Male 25km category.

Mopani Pharmacy supports local cycling enthusiast

Jonathan Mashigo with his new mountain bike sponsored by Mopani Pharmacy.

Jonathan Mashigo, a local aspiring mountain cyclist, was recently treated to a big surprise when he was given a mountain bike by Mopani Pharmacy. Mashigo, who works at The Grove Spar’s deli, says his interest in the sport was sparked by the cyclists frequenting the store for coffee after their training sessions.

Louis Botha, one of Mashigo’s customers and also a Mopani sponsored cyclist, heard of Mashigo’s desire to take up the sport and consequently informed the pharmacy. Mashigo wishes to thank Mopani and Louis and added that he is excited to now start practicing in all earnestness and is looking forward to doing his very first race.