The Top 5 entries in the #ConquerAsOne competition have been named – all sharing their inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles in the saddle, and all dead-set on winning that entry to the Absa Cape Epic in 2019.

#ConquerAsOne

Absa’s #ConquerAsOne competition celebrates the spirit of teamwork and perseverance, and recognises those who’ve overcome the most gruelling challenges on the bike.

From beating punctures, mud and injuries, to fighting diseases and recovering from accidents – these riders have worked together to #ConquerAsOne and have been chosen as finalists. With your help, one of them will win their entry to the Absa Cape Epic in 2019!

How it works

Your vote will help one of these teams get one step closer to touching Absa Cape Epic soil in 2019. The winning team will go head-to-head with the #ConquerAsOne heroes chosen at the 2018 Absa Cape Epic in March – and the best of these teams will walk away with that Absa Pride team entry.*

Top 5 teams

1. Cecil Bosman

Cecil and his riding partners cycled from Marrakech, Morocco to Knysna, South Africa – covering 18 500km without any support. They used the trip as a platform to raise funds for AIDS orphans. Overcoming many obstacles along the way, they supported each other to stay motivated and true to their cause. This led to an inseparable bond between these riding mates.

Cecil would like to take on the 2019 Absa Cape Epic with his brother.

Read Cecil Bosman’s full entry.

2. Elrine Oostehuizen

Cycling is Elrine and her husband Erick’s life, but a disastrous accident landed Erick in hospital where he spent five weeks in ICU, five days on a ventilator, he had 14 fractures, one temporarily paralysed upper limb, one missing leg, 10 visits in theatre, a wheelchair, ultimately spending three months in hospital, two weeks in rehab, numerous falls and endless medical bills put their riding trips on hold. This couple is determined to get back in the saddle and hope to use the 2019 Absa Cape Epic as their motivation to start riding again.

Read Elrine Oostehuizen’s full entry.

3. Francois Esterhuizen

Francois rides with his visually impaired cycling partner Gavin, who has fought incredibly hard to achieve his goals on the bike. Gavin holds a Bronze medial in track cycling (on a tandem) at the Beijing Paralympics. Together the pair take part in various MTB events to prepare for their dream ride: The 2019 Absa Cape Epic!

Read Francois and Gavin’s full entry.

4. Graeme Duane

Graeme and his riding partners were declared missing on a ride in the Himalayas during one of Nepal’s worst trekking disasters. At 4 500m above sea level, with temperatures dropping below -5°C, and with 39 other people in the area dying, Graeme and his mates fought hard for their survival.

Read Grame’s full entry.

5. Warrick Kernes

Warrick Kernes and his wife Camilla have been cycling for many years. One of their favourite ride adventures is cycling from Joburg to Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Qhubeka. The couple cycled the entire distance on Buffalo bikes – the bicycles the Qhubeka charity donates to kids to ride to school. It took them 10 weeks to make it to the foot of Mount Kili and together they raised R157,000 for charity.

Post-ride, Camilla was diagnosed with a blood clot and a pulmonary embolism, bringing her training to a complete halt. After months of recovery, Camilla is finally ready to hit the bike again, and hopes to use the 2019 Epic as motivation.

Read Warrick Kernes’ full entry.

VOTE: Who should win the #ConquerAsOne Top 5?

**The voting tool has been removed as voting is now closed**

*Terms & Conditions

Voting closes at midnight on 11 March 2018. The judges will consider the overall story and the amount of votes when making their decision. The judges’ decision is final. Winners will be announced on Facebook and will go head-to-head (in another round of voting) with winners of the Conquer as One rider competition taking place at the Absa Cape Epic in 2018. Winners of Top 5 vote will be given a trip to the 2018 Absa Cape Epic Finale. The overall winning team (winning the final round of votes against the winners of the 2018 Absa Cape Epic Rider competition) get an Absa Pride Entry into the 2019 race, while the runners up walk away an Epic Trippers experience. No correspondence will be entered into. The directors, members, partners, agents, advertisers, employees or consultants of Media24, or any associated partner of the company and their families are not eligible to enter. Winners must reside in South Africa. Prize is not transferable and may not be converted into cash. If email addresses are provided, you will receive promotional information from Media24. Winners will be notified by telephone or email, and will forfeit prize if unreachable or if prize is not claimed within seven days of notification. For our full terms and conditions, click here.

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