Entering the Cape Town Cycle Tour, a team of 20 riders will use the iconic 109km race to raise funds, visibility and support for families living with MND.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 January 2026) – The Motor Neuron Disease Association of South Africa (MNDA SA) will take to the road in 2026, using the iconic 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour to raise awareness and funds for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
According to MNDA SA Vice Chair Romany Sutherland, the decision to take part in the cycle tour was about visibility as much as fundraising. She said the aim was “to get us out there” and to help people understand that families affected by MND are not alone.
“There are not many people who know about this disease. So we need to educate people and let them know that help is available.”
MNDA SA has put together a team of 20 riders, made up of a mix of experienced cyclists and first-time participants. Romany admitted that training has already become a talking point among the group.
“It’s all sorts of people. From business people, physiotherapists, and community members. There’s a lovely camaraderie. We’re just trying to get each other through the pain and the strain, but also to enjoy every minute of it.”
“I think a lot of them are quite angry with me right now,” she joked. “The training has to start quite quickly this year.”
Despite this, she feels the mood within the team is positive and supportive.
More experienced cyclists will ride ahead, while newer riders support one another at the back, all working towards the same goal.
“There’s quite a lovely camaraderie. It’s all fun, and we’re just trying to get each other through the pain and the strain.”
She added that the Cape Town Cycle Tour was chosen because of its strong community energy and wide exposure, both locally and internationally. Taking part in such a well-known event allows MNDA SA to reach new audiences and start important conversations about MND.
The campaign’s message, “Turning courage into kilometres, and kilometres into care”, reflects the heart of the initiative. Every kilometre cycled helps raise funds for wheelchairs, hospital beds, breathing machines, counselling services and home visits by trained advisors.
“Every rand raised goes straight back into supporting families who are facing this disease.”
Help MDNA SA reach their goal by donating here.
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