Absa Cape Epic | JAG All-Stars Challenge

JAG All-Stars Challenge

2009-02-10

Some of South Africa’s best-known sporting celebrities have been lured out of retirement, each encouraged to step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself. Riding in the 2009 Absa Cape Epic are Breyton Paulse, Mark Fish, Braam van Straten, Marius Hurter, Mike Bayly alongside Owen Hannie of 5FM and Absa Cape Epic veteran Linus van Onselen. All this is for a good cause of course, in support of the JAG Foundation.

On 29 October last year the Absa Cape Epic announced a second official charity, the JAG Foundation, and launched the JAG Allstars Challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to engage the public and raise awareness and funds for South Africa's underprivileged youth, which the JAG Foundation develops through sport and education. Awareness will be raised for the Mighty Metres programme where R200 enables one child to participate on the programme for one year.

“Completing the Absa Cape Epic is a serious challenge,” comments JAG Foundation CEO, Elana Meyer, herself an Olympic medallist. “We are delighted to have these sporting heroes take on this challenge on our behalf.”

Mark Fish, who recently also completed the Cape Odyssey in support of JAG, was optimistic. “While I might not be a born cyclist, I’ve always been passionate about sport, whether on the soccer pitch or on a bicycle. I’m not a natural runner so completing the Odyssey was a huge personal challenge for me. Completing the Absa Cape Epic, however, is a more difficult trial – I’m aware that the Epic is one of the world’s most punishing tests of endurance.”

All-Stars Introduced:

Marius Hofmeyr Hurter

Known for his strength and stability on the rugby field, Marius Hofmeyr Hurter is one of South Africa’s most prominent ex rugby players. Starting his rugby career at the age of 21, Hurter has represented Western Transvaal, Blue Bulls, Western Province, Newcastle Falcons and South Africa. More than just brawn, Hurter is studying towards his degree in sport and labour law as well as coaching the U/19 Lions and consulting for both the Bulls Super 14 and Currie Cup teams. Marius recently rode and successfully finished the incredibly tough Attakwas Challenge with a time of 9 hours and 6 falls to show.

Mark Fish

Renowned Bafana Bafana soccer player is trading his soccer boots for cycling shoes this year. Mark made his international debut at the tender age of 19, representing South Africa at the African Nations Cup, the World Cup in France and the Four Nations Cup to name a few. He was affectionately known throughout his playing career as "The Big Fish." Notable successes in Mark’s career include 62 caps for South Africa, being selected as an ambassador for the 2010 World Cup and also being part of the victorious eleven that won the African Cup of Nations in 1996.

Above Right: Owen Hannie training with his partner, Mark Fish

Born on 28 September 1971, Braam Van Straaten, known for both his explosive left and right boot, made his debut to the international rugby scene in 1999. With flair to play either fly half or centre, Braam represented the Springboks in 21 tests, scoring 221 points. Making a relatively late start to professional rugby, Van Straaten has thrilled the international rugby community with his prolific and unforgettable goal kicking.

Owen Hannie

Former professional cyclist, well known SuperSport presenter and 5FM DJ, Known for his quirky on air personality, Owen presents the sports section of 5FM’s renowned Drive Time show with DJ Fresh.

Linus van Onselen

Mountain biking legend, Linus van Onselen will be amongst the sporting celebrities joining the JAG AllStars for the Absa Cape Epic 2009. With more mileage on him than a 1993 Chevy, Linus carries with him a wealth of cycling experience and knowledge.

Breyton Paulse

Breyton Paulse is known for two things - lightning speed on the rugy field, and his ability to outrun any of his competitors and turn almost any play into points. Breyton is one off South Africa’s most respected and well-loved sporting heroes
He launched himself on the international stage with his Springbok debut in 1999.
His refreshing style has dazzled fans from day one and averaged just over a try per match at provincial level. With 62 caps to his name, Paulse is undoubtedly one of the most recognised and dynamic players that South Africa has ever produced.

Right: Breyten Paulse at Absa's Training Camp

Mike Bayly

Best known as the former coach of the Blue Bulls, Mike Bayly has been in rugby circles since the day he first tossed a rugby ball. Mike cut his proverbial teeth at Boland in 1996 and 1997, as part of Nick Mallet’s coaching staff. When Mallett landed the Springbok coaching job in 1998, Mike took his place in charge of the Cavaliers. In 2001, Mike joined the Bulls squad, working as a backline coach, assistant coach and head coach.. He also coached the Blue Bulls junior side, the ‘Baby’ Bulls in the Vodacom Cup.