The funds raised through this partnership will allow Qhubeka to distribute 500 bicycles to communities that are in desperate need of them (All photos: Breitling)
After a two-year hiatus, watch house Breitling is back to raise money for South Africa-based global charity Qhubeka. The not-for-profit organisation helps people who live in remote communities by equipping them with bicycles, a life-changing item that is crucial for those with limited transport options.
On Nov 26, Breitling’s Triathlon Squad members, CEO Georges Kern and some of the world’s most celebrated cyclists, competed in the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century race in Swellendam, South Africa, in support of Qhubeka.
It was in 2018 that Breitling first joined the event, which is a gruelling 202km cycling endurance race. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the brand could not participate in 2020 and 2021.
Kern says, “Being back in South Africa with such an incredible team is a pleasure and a privilege. We’re all passionate about what we can do on behalf of Qhubeka. Seeing the difference a bicycle can make in someone’s life is amazing. Imagine: it means an individual can attend school or get medical care for a family member.”
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The Breitling Triathlon Squad includes three famed cyclists: Germany’s Jan Frodeno, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist, three-time Ironman World Champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion; Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf, a five-time Ironman 70.3 world champion and five-time Ironman world champion; and Australian Chris “Macca” McCormack, a two-time Ironman world champion and former ITU long distance world champion.
The day after the race, the competitors attended an event where bicycles were distributed to the students of Thembelihle High School. Since Breitling’s partnership with Qhubeka in 2018, it has funded more than 2,500 bicycles to disconnected communities in South Africa.
This article first appeared on Dec 5, 2022 in The Edge Malaysia.
