Oakley South Africa Announces Sponsorship

Oakley South Africa has announced their official eyewear sponsorship of the Absa Cape Epic, the toughest mountain bike race in the world. 

Oakley, recognised as one of the most coveted brands in performance technology and lifestyle eyewear since 1975, will be joining in many of the country’s and some of the world’s best cyclists in looking beyond their limits and igniting the fire of true sportsmanship as approximately 600 teams of two compete in this challenging 8-day race. 

Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser of 360ne Songo Specialized chase the pack during stage 4 (time trial) of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held at the Worcester Gymnasium in Worcester, South Africa on the 31 March 2011 © Photo by Nick Muzik/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICSLast year, elite Oakley athlete Burry Stander won this coveted event with partner, Christoph Sauser.  Burry was excited to hear about Oakley’s involvement and shared his thoughts on the race.  “To me, the Absa Cape Epic is the ultimate adventure.  It tests every aspect of your performance as a rider, from your physical capability to the integration between body and technical equipment. You need to last, and to do this you and your partner needs trust in your equipment and each other. It’s the most painfully fun thing I ever encountered!” 

Stage winners Lukas Fluckiger and Mathias FLuckiger of Trek World Racing during the final stage (stage 7 ) of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held from Oak Valley to Lourensford, South Africa on the3rd April 2011 © Photo by Sven Martin/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICSOakley identified the Absa Cape Epic as the perfect brand sponsorship opportunity, “We can clearly relate to the passion and determination it takes to create the best mountain bike event on the globe,” said Luxottica Marketing Director Gwen van Lingen.  “The Absa Cape Epic also presents a great local opportunity to contribute to the progression of mountain biking as a sport and going where no one has gone before.  Look at any pair of Oakley eyewear and this same philosophy is clearly evident: our stress-resistant frame material, our High Definition Optics and our superior protection and comfort.  As a global leader in performance eyewear technology it makes sense for us to align with an event that attracts the world’s best cross-country and marathon mountain bikers, bar none. The Absa Cape Epic is the epitome of risk takers and adventurists, those with a passion to redefine what is possible and seek to defy their own limits.  This really is what Oakley is all about.” 

All Oakley eyewear has been field-tested, with aggressive design technologies captured in groundbreaking materials. Decades of Oakley innovation have been awarded more than 540 patents that elevate physics to the level of art. Technologies transcend sports to enhance the lives of consumers, and more than 110 countries now enjoy a full array of market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories. 

With relentless terrain and fast changing light conditions, Oakley eyewear is set to be an important part of cycling equipment during the race. Good news for the many Oakley riders who will be taking part.  In addition, the Oakley Brand team will be present throughout the race to offer superior sunglass services and product technology clinics. Oakley have committed to a three-year eyewear sponsorship until 2014.