BERNE, Switzerland (BRAIN) — Zwift, the online indoor riding platform, is working with the Team Dimension Data pro road cycling squad on a promotion intended to send 5,000 Buffalo Bikes to villages in South Africa.
Zwift and Dimension Data, which is competing in the Tour de France this month, are working with Qhubeka, a World Bicycle Relief program.
Zwift users can support the program by purchasing special clothing or a bike that their avatar will use online while riding Zwift. Unlocking the virtual Team Dimension Data Qhubeka training kit will require a $25 donation. Unlocking the team Cervélo S5 bikes will cost $183, which is the cost of one Buffalo Bike.
"Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka and our partners are united in promoting Qhubeka's mission. In this respect, Zwift provides a perfect focal point for us. Unlocking a bike in Zwift to donate a bike for someone in Africa is a super cool idea!" said Doug Ryder, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka's team principal. "On a year-round basis we will use the Zwift platform to engage with cyclists around the world, to educate about Qhubeka's work and to inspire charitable fundraising. Our riders like Zwift, it's great fun and a good training tool, but crucially it's an accessible way to help us build the biggest fan base in cycling."
Eric Min, Zwift's CEO and co-founder, said, "Qhubeka, alongside their parent organization, World Bicycle Relief, will be our charity partners from 2016. Their work is in tune with our user base and it will be the cornerstone of the social responsibility work Zwift wants to advocate."
The company said Team Dimension for Qhubeka riders were among the first World Tour riders to adopt Zwift, with team member Edvald Boasson Hagen being their most high profile user.
To give to Qhubeka and unlock virtual goods to use in Zwift, donors should go to givengain.com/cc/zwift5000.
