From 8 to 10 May 2025, two heart transplant recipients will line up alongside their teammates to take on one of South Africa’s most iconic mountain bike stage races – the KAP sani2c.  Covering 265 kilometres over three days from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the event is known for its tough terrain, stunning scenery, and relentless pace. But this year, one team will be racing with more than just medals in mind.

Team Change of Heart is made up of two heart transplant recipients – Billy Macleod (56) and Pedro Basson (20) – and their two experienced cycling partners: Steph Bester, CEO of AllLife, and long-time cycling companion Guy Dudley. Together, they’re not just riding to finish – they’re riding to inspire.

“This is more than a race – it’s a celebration of life and second chances.”

Billy, once an accomplished cyclist and triathlete, was sidelined for six years by heart disease and given just two weeks to live before receiving his transplant.

He made a remarkable comeback in 2024 when he became the first South African heart transplant recipient to complete the KAP sani2c. This year, Billy returns with a renewed purpose – not just to ride, but to support 20-year-old Pedro through his very first stage race. For Billy, this ride is about passing the baton of hope and helping another transplant recipient believe in the impossible.

Pedro, the youngest team member at just 20 years old, will be attempting his first-ever mountain bike stage race. Having received his transplant as a teenager, Pedro’s journey to recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Taking on sani2c is a bold and symbolic step, one he hopes will encourage other young people with chronic health conditions to dream big and push boundaries.

“This is more than a race – it’s a celebration of life and second chances,” says Steph Bester, who was set to ride alongside Billy last year but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a sudden illness. “Missing out in 2024 was heartbreaking for me, especially because this cause and this team are so close to my heart. I can’t wait to finally be on the bike with them this year. Billy and Pedro are living proof that your story doesn’t end with a diagnosis. At AllLife, we believe in the power of resilience, and this team embodies that belief. It’s an honour to support them – not only on the bike but in sharing their powerful message with the country.”

The team will be riding on e-bikes, enabling them to manage pace, terrain, and energy levels more effectively while still tackling the full challenge of the race. For Pedro, who has never raced before, the support of his three teammates – all experienced sani2c finishers – is crucial.

“Knowing I have a team behind me who understands the journey and is there to support every climb and descent makes all the difference,” Pedro shared. “It’s not just about the bike – it’s about proving to myself that anything is possible.”

AllLife is using this race to raise awareness for Hero777, a non-profit foundation focused on increasing organ and tissue donor registrations in South Africa. The foundation is deeply personal to the AllLife family as they deal with so many people in need of transplants daily.

Pedro will ride an e-bike generously sponsored by Cannondale, allowing him to tackle this life-affirming challenge alongside his team.

Team Change of Heart is ready to show what’s possible when you ride with purpose, passion, and a second chance at life.

Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook.

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