This year’s iconic annual Mother City cycle tour saw the return of an excess of 30,000 riders – both domestic and international – for the 46th edition of the world’s largest individually timed race. 

In the days leading up to the event, ProVeg had its own stand at the event expo at the Cape Town Stadium to promote plant-based alternatives as a healthy way to boost athletic performance to competitors, and to showcase these products to the general public. Many thousands of samples were handed out kindly provided by The Fry Family Food Co. in the form of their Chicken-style nuggets and Plant-based popcorn – and a range of plant-based milks from the newly released Jungle oat milk drinks. A large portion of visitors to the stand were not familiar with plant-based meat or milk alternatives and were pleasantly surprised by their experience; frequently asking about where these products are available for purchase and the health and environmental benefits of switching to plant-based diets. 

The Premiere of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, visited the ProVeg stand on the second day of the expo to endorse our work and discuss the possibilities of future community projects in collaboration with the Western Cape Government. Winde also recently participated in a diabetes study by the Physicians Association for Nutrition in South Africa whereby type 2 diabetes patients were placed onto a plant-based regime for several weeks, which resulted in the reduction of their need for medication and weight loss. 

Cycling professional and influencer Grant Ralph also made a turn at our display to show his support and lend his celebrity as an event ambassador for ProVeg. He has been 90 percent plant-based for the past two years and is a strong advocate for a whole foods plant-based diet – as a result of the obvious improved performance, recovery time, increased immunity and overall greater energy levels he experiences.

In a recent article he was quoted saying: “Prioritising gut health through a plant-based diet is the way I know how to eat and live, and I absolutely love it. I love feeling healthy and energetic. I can work long hours, cycle well, recover more quickly, give more of myself to family and friends, and I am happy.” 

On race day Kent Main and Tiffany Keep, both South African, won their respective men and women’s categories – a proud moment for local supporters given the high level of competition. 

ProVeg South Africa has been making efforts to endorse plant-rich diets for athletic performance, addressing myths regarding protein and other nutritional needs, and masculine precepts that may dissuade some from making a transition away from animal products.