Belgian businessmen who raced in the recent Absa Cape Epic have raised over R700 000 to buy 320 bicycles for disadvantaged South Africans.

The businessmen are behind the development of the Devonbosch Lifestyle Estate, near Stellenbosch, which partners with Qhubeka to donate bikes to disadvantaged communities as “tools of change”.

Devonbosch fielded four teams in the Cape Epic, including pro riders Frans Claes from Belgium and SA’s HB Kruger who finished in the top 20.

“These businessmen are passionate about this country and about cycling and they want to give back. They have raised just over R700 000 which translates into 320 bicycles,” said property expert and Devonbosch spokesman, Toni Enderli.

He said the 80-hectare lifestyle and commercial hub, near the junction of the R304 and Bottelary Road, had set up a legacy programme to donate bicycles to Qhubeka to connect rural communities to schools, clinics and jobs.