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Supporting Healthy Lifestyle

02 May 2013 – Johannesburg – Bestmed, one of the largest healthcare medical schemes in South Africa, tested the leg power of their recently launched cycling teams as they stroke their pedals at the famous and challenging MTN Panorama Tour from 27th to 30th April 2013.

The race over four stages covered a distance of 335 kilometers, with stage 1 and 3 at 115 and 113km respectively. The strength of hearts, mind and legs were tested greatly as over 5.5km of the route was an ascent.

18 Bestmed team members took to the Panorama route in Mpumalanga to participate in the first 4-day stage event to be launched in the cycling sport. The Open Women, Vets 40 - 49 and Masters 50+ teams was represented by four teams from Bestmed of 2 each and the Open Men 30 – 39 were represented by 6 cyclists. The mixed and open men teams had 8 and 2 participants respectively.

Christopher van Rooyen, who is at the helm of the Bestmed social and mountain biking teams, says that these events allow an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of team work and strength in this sport. “Cycling is not about one person, it is about teams. As much as every participant is competitive, the ultimate goal is to finish the race at a set time and overcome the road challenges. It is truly about endurance, healthy living and wellness,” says van Rooyen.

Among the participants at this race was An-li Kachelhoffer, former team MTN Khubeka cyclist, who now heads up the Bestmed ASG professional team. The 25 year old won the Bestmed Epic women’s race in March this year.

According to Kachelhoffer, cycling as a sport can be seen as a way of empowering women. “I am a firmer believer that every woman has the strength to participate in this sport, which was predominantly a male sport. My sporting career launched when I was in high school and I was a road running athlete until an unfortunate accident. I stopped running and went into cycling. My goal is to be involved in cycling full-time at some point,” says Kachelhoffer.

“Moreover,” says Kachelhoffer, “being a part of a team that is led by people who understand the dynamics of this sport and support you is priceless. Bestmed encourages healthy lifestyle through their strategic wellness pillars, namely: Be Active, Be Safe, Be Nutri-Wise and Be Happy. In cycling you are as good as the food you eat. You need the stamina and a healthy mind to be able to participate in this sport. As it is an accessible sport to everyone, families can join in by cheering or participating. It is really a sport for the young and old who want to live longer and healthy lives.”

In conclusion, Bestmed’s Executive Head of Marketing, Communication and Distribution, Alan Frits commented that, the scheme continues to seek opportunities to empower the nation, its members and non-member to take charge of their lives. “We have committed funds to the sponsorship of the Bestmed cycling team in a bid to demonstrate that we are serious about wellness and preventative healthcare. As South Africans, we have a heritage of producing world-class athletes and it is our role as a business to support our talent.. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community,” says Fritz.

Ends/

Notes to editor

About An-li Kachellhof’s achievements

Outside of cycling

• Diploma in Sport Science
• World Biathle Champion 2005
• World Duathlon Champion 2007

Inside cycling – International achievements

• 2nd African Champs RR & TT 2012
• 3rd Harlue Belgium

2012 Season

• 1st Kremetart, Vasbyt, EPR, Gauteng North RR champs, Jock stage 1, Emperors Classic, Silver Oaks
• 2nd OFM, Dome to dome, Berge & Dale, Carnival City, Jock overall, Gauteng North TT champs
• 3rd Carousel, SA Champs TT

2013 Season

• 1st Edenvale Serengeti Classic
• 1st Bestmed Tour de Boland
• 2nd  SA Road Championships
• 2nd Fast One
• 2nd Berge & Dale,
• 3rd Macsteel Carnival City Road Cycling Classic

Best Achievements on the road:

• 2nd SA championships Road - 2013
• 3rd SA Championships Time Trial -  2012
• 1st Bestmed Satellite Classic -  2011
• 2nd Highveld 94.7 -  2009
• 2nd OFM Classic -  2012
• 3rd Harlue Belgium

About Bestmed

With 49 years of experience under its belt and delivering healthcare benefits to more than 170,000 beneficiaries throughout South Africa,Bestmed is one of the oldest and most established medical schemes in South Africa and trusted as the scheme of choice to access quality healthcare.

Bestmed now provides medical benefits to second–generation dependents who have opted to become principal members. The company is one of the few schemes in South Africa that has succeeded in keeping its administration service levels close on 87%, and is one of the fastest paying schemes in the industry.

Based in Pretoria, Bestmed has representation in most of the country’s provinces. The scheme has nine benefit options that serve the total healthcare market.

Issued on behalf of Bestmed

For further information contact:

Bestmed                                                                                       P and P Communications
Sasja La Grange                                                                           Nono Matuwane
Group Communications Manager                                             Tel: 011 447 3511
Tel: 012 818 9076
Website: www.bestmed.co.za                                                  nono@pandp.co.za