Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka - ‘We ride for a cause’

Cycling is an activity that has appealed to a broad range of people and had a significant impact on social development over the course of history.  Those who have extolled the virtues of cycling include: 

• US presidents; “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” – John F Kennedy
• authors; “Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race.” -  HG Wells 
• and scientists; “Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” - Albert Einstein 

One of the ways we support this sport, and make an impact that matters, is through our sponsorship of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, the first African-based professional cycling team to reach UCI World Tour status. This supports all the benefits of cycling – freedom, empowerment, development and wellness. We believe it’s a good fit because cycling, like consulting, is about passion, commitment, and teamwork. 

About Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka

Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka is the first African-based professional cycling team to reach UCI World Tour status. The team draws strength from a diverse group of 28 riders from 15 different countries – including Australian riders Mark Renshaw, Cameron Meyer and Nathan Haas, as well as Mark Cavendish from the UK, who recently won an Olympic silver medal in Rio.

Nathan Haas ensured the team started the 2017 season on the podium, by claiming 3rd place in the Australian Road Championships. In the 2016 Tour de France, the team had five stage victories. In the 102nd Tour de France in 2015, the team made history as the first African registered cycling team to compete in the race – finishing 5th out of 22 teams, and Eritrean rider, Daniel Teklehaimanot, became the first African rider to wear the prestigious King of the Mountain jersey. 

The team also rides with purpose - to assist in developing cycling on the African continent. Their goal is to give talented African riders a path into the pro peloton while raising funds for the Qhubeka charity.

About Qhubeka

Qhubeka (an Nguni word that means ‘to carry on’ or ‘to move forward’) is World Bicycle Relief’s program in South Africa and is changing the lives of African school children through their #BicyclesChangeLives campaign. This program is about providing people with greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity through mobilising them with bicycles.

Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, known as Africa's team, is unprecedented in the cycling world for its commitment to giving back to the community. As they ride to promote and develop cycling on the African continent, Team Dimension Data changes the lives of school children and families, paving the way for a brighter future.

How we’re making an impact that matters 

Deloitte has been a major sponsor of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka since 2016. 

In partnership with the title sponsor, Dimension Data, we are working on advancing cycling, and sports more broadly, through technology. The team's guiding principles align with our commitment to diversity, social responsibility, and health and well-being. 

We successfully helped Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka raise funds for 5,000 bikes in 2016 and aim to double this to 10,000 bikes in 2017. Deloitte has already committed 2,097+ bicycles globally. Australia has raised $2000 towards this, and plans to triple this in 2017. As Deloitte Global CEO Punit Renjen pointed out in his blog post, “this [sponsorship] really does change lives.”

Donate to the Qhubeka cause

If you'd like to donate to this great cause, donations can be made directly to Qhubeka’s #BicyclesChangeLives program at givengain.com/cc/deloitte. Thank you for your donations! Every cent helps us to make an impact that matters to children in Africa and is greatly appreciated. 

Santos Tour Down Under race

Join us in cheering on Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka as they ride more than 250 race days across the globe.

Follow the team’s progress at this year’s Santos Tour Down Under 14-22 January. Follow #ImpactThatMatters and #BicyclesChangeLives on social to see the team in action.

If you have any queries or are interested in finding out more about our sponsorship or the Deloitte cycling community, please contact us at cycling@deloitte.com.au.