When you line up for a mountain bike race like the Old Mutual go2berg, preparation is everything. Riders check their tyres, fine-tune their gears, and make sure their bodies and minds are ready for the challenge ahead. For rider Rudi Joubert, that lesson runs far deeper than just the trails.

Rudi is a husband, father, and engineer whose life changed in an instant when a workplace accident resulted in the loss of his leg. In the aftermath, it would have been easy to see only the obstacles. But his story is one of foresight, resilience, and proof that preparation can make all the difference.

The foresight that changed everything

Years before his accident, Rudi had acted on the advice of a financial adviser and secured income protection. At the time, it felt like a routine decision, but when the unexpected happened, it became a lifeline. It gave Rudi and his family the financial breathing space to focus on recovery and adaptation, instead of being weighed down by financial stress.

It’s the same principle that applies to cycling: you don’t wait until you’re stranded on the side of a trail to start wishing you had checked your bike. Preparation is key to a successful ride.

Start with a solid once-over

Before a big race, cyclists do a full inspection, looking for worn parts or small cracks that could become big problems later. In the same way, a financial “once-over” means checking your budget, assessing your debt, and making sure your emergency fund is healthy. These basics are like your bike’s frame: they hold everything together and give you a stable ride.

Strap on your protective gear

Helmets or gloves… you might not plan to fall, but you’re ready just in case. In the financial world, that protection comes in the form of risk cover, like life and disability insurance. Your ability to earn an income is what keeps your entire life moving forward, and an unexpected illness or accident could throw you off course fast.

Old Mutual’s range of risk solutions can be tailored to your unique journey. Whether you need a lump sum payout to cover big expenses or a monthly income to keep daily life on track, having the right protection means you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of worrying about what could go wrong.

Plan your route with a pro

A smart cyclist doesn’t just point their wheels toward the horizon and hope for the best. They study the route, know where the tough climbs are, and prepare for hazards. A financial adviser does the same for your future. They help you identify risks like illness, injury, or loss of income, and ensure the right safety nets are in place.

With an expert by your side, you can adjust your plan as life changes. Just like a water point during a race, regular check-ins help you reset, refuel, and keep your momentum, giving you peace of mind no matter what lies ahead.

Back on the bike – and stronger than ever

With determination, the support of his family, and the help of a prosthetic leg, Rudi returned to cycling. Today, he rides some of South Africa’s toughest trails – including go2berg – proving that obstacles don’t define us; preparation and resilience do. His journey shows that true strength comes from more than just mindset. It’s about having the right systems in place, from training and gear checks to financial planning and protection, so you can keep moving forward when life throws you off balance.

Preparing for life’s climbs

Old Mutual understands that, like a race, life comes with unpredictable climbs and technical descents. That’s why their range of personal risk solutions is designed to give South Africans the protection they need – whether through income protection (disability income cover), life cover, or disability cover. With the right plan in place, you can focus on the ride ahead, knowing that you and your loved ones will be supported if the unexpected happens.

Write your own story

Whether you’re chasing a finish line, a personal milestone, or simply the freedom to ride without worry, preparation is vital. Rudi’s journey shows how foresight and resilience can transform even the toughest challenges into stories of triumph.

This year’s Old Mutual go2berg race is filled with riders like Rudi – ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Their stories remind us that when we prepare, we’re capable of more than we ever imagined.

Find and speak with one of Old Mutual’s licensed financial advisers today, and start preparing for your own journey – on the bike, and in life.

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Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.

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