Biogen recently reaffirmed its support of South Africa’s passionate local mountain biking community by renewing its partnership with Dryland Event Management for three more years.

The updated partnership agreement, which runs through 2026, includes presenting sponsorship rights for Dryland’s three iconic mountain biking events – the Attakwas Extreme, Tankwa Trek and Cape Pioneer Trek mountain bike races – and nutrition and hydration support at all ten events in the Dryland stable.

READ MORE | From The Township To Tackling Attakwas Extreme

Powerful partnership grows mountain biking

The announcement also coincides with the decision by Momentum Medical Scheme to retain the title sponsorship rights for the Attakwas Extreme, Tankwa Trek and Cape Pioneer Trek mountain bike races for three more years.

These commitments from Biogen and Momentum Medical Scheme will provide the support needed to continue growing these events as local and international acclaimed races.

READ MORE | Become A Better Climber To Boost Your Performance

Passionately supporting cycling in South Africa

The gravitas of having two of South Africa’s most respected health and wellness brands associated with the events is significant. It showcases both Momentum Medical Scheme and Biogen’s belief in mountain bikers as key clientele, as well as their faith in the local event industry.

This is further exemplified by Biogen’s recent announcement of their sponsorship of Olympian Candice Lill and the Valley Electrical Titan Racing cycling team.

READ MORE | Pure Grit: When Simply Getting To The Start Line Is The Biggest Challenge

A long-term commitment

Biogen’s sponsorship support dates back to 2016 when the leading local supplement brand joined as a presenting sponsor of those three events.

“Since day one of our partnership, we have had exceptional working relationships with Momentum Medical Scheme and Biogen, the people who manage them and who activate at our events,” explained Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management.

“We have launched exciting projects together, worked tirelessly side by side to grow the events and deliver real value for participants.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the teams and we look forward to continuing to innovate and elevate the Momentum Medical Scheme, presented by Biogen, events.”

Supporting MTB events through tough times

“As Dryland Event Management we are also exceptionally grateful for the support both companies showed us during the last few years,” added Rademeyer.

“The period from 2020 to mid-2022 was exceptionally difficult for mass-participation sports events. The understanding that the executives at Momentum and Biogen showed is a hallmark of the ethical manner in which they conduct their business. With partners like these, we can only look ahead positively to the next three years.”

Creating world-class endurance events and experiences

“As we head into our seventh year of collaboration, Biogen is thrilled to renew our partnership with Dryland Event Management for a third sponsorship term,” stated Brandon Fairweather, General Manager at Biogen.

“The relationship goes above and beyond basic brand positioning as we share a common desire to create world-class endurance events and experiences for the sporting community.

“We see a deep alignment in values and ethics, underpinned by a mantra of adding genuine value to all athletes, and motivating them to not only challenge themselves but, more importantly, nurture their health and wellness through the beauty of sport.”

Fuelled by Biogen

Biogen’s support for Dryland Event Management’s races extends beyond the three events for which they hold presenting sponsors rights.

Biogen will stock every water point at each of the 10 events in the Dryland event stable with various premium products, including Biogen Cytogen Race Mix sports drink and Biogen Energy Oats high performance bars.

Participants also have access to unlimited Biogen ELECTROlite Zero Sugar hydration drinks, which help athletes rehydrate between stages at mountain bike or trail running events.

Promoting mountain biking together

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Momentum Medical Scheme and Biogen for their continued support of mountain biking,” added Rademeyer.

“I know I not only speak for Dryland Event Management, but the participants in our events and the industry in general when I say that their commitment to the sport is invaluable. Partners from beyond cycling help us grow it to reach a wider audience and promote mountain biking as a healthy activity, which one can practice virtually throughout your life.”

For more information on Dryland Event Management’s full calendar of races visit www.dryland.co.za.