The Absa Cape Epic was a gruelling eight day, 718km race, with a climbing height of 14 850m. Despite some challenges and wet weather at stage two the headline sponsor’s team, the Sasolracing Cycling Team was the first South African team to cross the finish line in the women’s category. The team comprised Yolande de Villiers and Ischen Stopforth, while team mates, Yolandi du Toit and Leana de Jager followed close behind.

“I am thrilled with our achievement and proud to fly the South African flag.  Our goal was to finish in the top 10 and we accomplished it,” said de Villiers, who was the Absa Cape Epic winner in 2007.

For the team, Stage 2 was the toughest day, as they awoke to heavy rainfall and had to ride for about half of the 103km stage in thick, muddy ground that caused mechanical problems with their bike’s chains and brakes. The team was also victim to influenza and stomach flu.

Sasol equalised the women’s prize money for the 2014 Absa Cape Epic cycle event - making it the highest women’s prize money for cycling, in the world. Transformation and women empowerment are key focus areas for Sasol, accelerating the diversity of women not only in the work environment, but also in the sporting arena.

“We truly feel that women put in as much effort and dedication as their male competitors, and should be rewarded equally. With a growing need for gender equality, Sasol proves to be a catalyst for change. This partnership aligns with Sasol’s strategy to provide growth opportunities for women. We salute the Sasolracing Cycling team on a great finish,” said Zolile Ntukwana, General Manager: Corporate Affairs, Sasol Oil.

“The prize equalisation is something that women’s cycling will cherish. For many years, women had to compete at the top of cycling with as much sacrifice and devotion, without full recognition. This sends a strong message about equality in global cycling,” concluded de Villiers.

Sasol’s empowerment of women extends beyond cycling to the soccer field. Last year, South African women’s football received a huge boost, as Sasol signed a four-year deal with the South African Football Association (SAFA). This entitled Sasol to a headline sponsorship of the national women's team, Banyana Banyana, and its continued support of the Sasol League, the country's leading women's football league.

Ends

Thabiet Booley (General Manager: Sales and Marketing, Sasol Oil), Yolande de Villiers, Nolitha Fakude (Executive Director at Sasol) and Ischen Stopforth

Issued by:

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager

Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;

alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication

Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;

jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com