The 'Tough One', as it is widely known, starts at Port Elizabeth and will follow a scenic route all the way to the finish line in Plettenberg Bay.
"This will be our second year as the main sponsor of the PE Plett mountain bike race and we are excited to continue our partnership on our home ground, Port Elizabeth," says Craig Uren, Isuzu Truck South Africa chief operating officer.
Showcasing the versatility of its trucks, Isuzu Trucks has customised an FTR850AMT truck into a bicycle carrier. AMT is based on a manual transmission that is treated to a wet-type multi-clutch disc and advanced fluid coupling, which essentially combines the fuel saving benefits of a manual transmission with the ease-of-use of an automatic transmission.
With AMT Isuzu Trucks brings to market a range of models that retain the performance, durability and fuel economy usually associated with a manual transmission. The truck will also be converted daily and double up as a media and internet centre.
Under their list of ten sponsored teams, this year Isuzu Trucks adds the Iron Man development team, a ladies team, and Reuben van Niekerk, a journalist and seasoned one leg-amputee cyclist who completed the Cape Epic in 2014 and will be participating in the Isuzu Trucks PE Plett race for the first time.
"The Eastern Cape has been the home for Isuzu Truck South Africa production plants since the early seventies. We are committed to investing in and having a lasting impact on communities and our involvement in the PE Plett race affords us this opportunity," adds Craig.
Introducing the solo category for all those who want to test their stamina and bike skills, the Isuzu Trucks PE Plett bike race is expected to attract over 250 mountain bike enthusiasts. The race will stretch 340km from The Gamtoos Ferry Hotel outside of PE and end with a dramatic finish as the riders cross the Keurbooms River by floating bridge and onto the finish line at Forever Resorts in Plettenberg Bay.
"We have committed three years to this exciting and thrilling adventure which attracts mountain bike riders from all over the country. Through our participation, we expect the race to grow from strength to strength," says Uren.
