Zwift users donating to Qhubeka will unlock limited-edition in-game equipment and fund efforts to send 5 000 Buffalo Bikes to mobilise people in Africa with bicycles.
(Berne, Switzerland 19 July 2016) Zwift’s association with Team Dimension Data and Qhubeka has developed further in 2016, starting with an innovative fundraising campaign inside Zwift’s 3D cycling environment. Starting Tuesday 19 July, Zwift users can unlock the Team Dimension Data training kit and a Qhubeka branded Cervelo S5 bike for their in-game avatars, to show support for Qhubeka’s mission of mobilizing the rural communities of South Africa through the #powerofbicycles”.
“Team Dimension Data and our partners are united in promoting Qhubeka’s mission. In this respect, Zwift provides a perfect focal point for us. Buying a bike in Zwift to provide a bike for someone in Africa is a super cool idea!” says Doug Ryder, Team Dimension Data’s Team Principal. “On a year round basis we will use the Zwift platform to engage with cyclists around the world, to educate about Qhubeka’s work and to inspire charitable fundraising. Our riders like Zwift, it’s great fun and a good training tool, but crucially it’s an accessible way to help us build the biggest fan base in cycling.”
The Team Dimension Data training kit and Qhubeka branded Cervelo S5 bikes will cost $25 and $183 USD, respectively, to activate. The $183 for the Cervelo bike represents the exact cost required to assemble and deliver a Qhubeka Buffalo Bike to communities in need.
“Team Dimension Data and Qhubeka bring a fantastic feel good factor to Zwift. Their mission will inspire our users, so utilising the Zwift platform to support Qhubeka is a perfect fit for all parties. And it’s an authentic story, when you have guys like Edvald Boassen-Hagen regularly riding our platform,” says Eric Min, Zwift CEO and co-founder. “Qhubeka, alongside their parent organisation, World Bicycle Relief, will be our charity partners from 2016. Their work is in tune with our user base and it will be the cornerstone of the social responsibility work Zwift wants to advocate.”
“We’re thrilled to have Zwift on board the Qhubeka project. Their technology platform provides the perfect intersection for Team Dimension Data, their partners and fans. Zwift will amplify this connectivity and can only be good news for inspiring people to become part of Qhubeka’s mission,” says Anthony Fitzhenry, Qhubeka Founder.
Team Dimension riders were amongst the first World Tour riders to adopt Zwift, with Edvald Boasson Hagen being their most high profile ‘Zwifter’. “It’s great fun and a super training tool. I’ve clocked up over 2 000km on Zwift which equates to 2 days and 10 hours on the trainer. I love the community angle, the time flies by, it keeps me coming back and I get a great workout. Right now I’ve reached Level 15 in Zwift which I’m quite happy about!” he says.
Team Dimension Data’s partnership with Zwift was announced on a live Zwift group ride led by Doug Ryder during the second rest day of the Tour de France.
To give to Qhubeka and unlock virtual goods to use in Zwift, donors should go to https://www.givengain.com/cc/zwift5000/.
About Zwift
Built on a long-standing passion for the sport of cycling, Zwift is a company of dedicated cyclists that also happen to be experienced software and video game developers. Combining that passion and deep understanding of the cycling world, Zwift is the first company to use massive multiplayer gaming technology to bring the outdoor cycling experience indoors. Athletes from around the globe can ride with each other in rich, 3D-generated worlds simply by connecting their existing devices (e.g. trainers, power meters, heart rate monitors, etc) wirelessly via open industry standard ANT+ and Bluetooth. From friendly competition to casual group rides & structured training programs, Zwift is building a community of like-minded athletes united in the pursuit of a better social cycling experience. Zwift rides can be uploaded to third-party fitness apps such as Strava, TrainingPeaks & TodaysPlan.
About Qhubeka
Qhubeka is an Nguni word that means “to progress”, “to move forward”. Qhubeka is part of the global non-profit, World Bicycle Relief. World Bicycle Relief is dedicated to advancing education, health and economic opportunities by providing simple, sustainable transportation. Since World Bicycle Relief’s founding in 2005, it has delivered more than 275 000 specially designed, locally assembled bicycles to people in need.
For more information, visit www.qhubeka.org
About Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka was founded in 2007, steadily working its way up from a regional team to now being a World Tour team with bases in South Africa and Italy. It’s also known as Africa’s Team due to its focus on helping African talents to the world stage of cycling. The team races to raise funds for the Qhubeka Charity to mobilise people on bicycles in Africa. To contribute to the #BicyclesChangeLives Campaign, click here.
Dimension Data (dimensiondata.com) uses the power of technology to help organisations achieve great things in the digital era. As a member of the NTT Group, we accelerate our clients’ ambitions through digital infrastructure, hybrid cloud, workspaces for tomorrow, and cybersecurity. With a turnover of USD 7.5 billion, offices in 58 countries, and 31,000 employees, we deliver wherever our clients are, at every stage of their technology journey. We’re proud to be the Official Technology Partner of Amaury Sport Organisation, organiser of the Tour de France, and the title partner of the cycling team, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka.
