Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) today announced the continuation of its partnership with the South Africa-based Qhubeka Charity (Qhubeka) as an official charity supported by the Tour de France for the race in 2022 (taking place from 1 to 24 July). Qhubeka will be supported by the 2022 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift race (taking place from 24 to 31 July).
Qhubeka has been supported by the Tour de France for several years now. This has led to the distribution of over 500 bicycles to schoolchildren directly funded by A.S.O. through their donation of one bicycle for every rider in the race (around 180 per year). Alongside this, many more through donations made by the public during the race from promotions run by both A.S.O. and Qhubeka.
A.S.O. and Qhubeka also announced that with the launch of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift race in 2022, Qhubeka will become an official charity of this race also. Through this partnership, there will be a specific distribution of Qhubeka bicycles to a group of female schoolchildren this summer.
Anthony Fitzhenry (Qhubeka Founder):
“The announcement of this continued partnership with the Tour de France, and extension to the fantastic Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, is great news for us here at the Qhubeka Charity. It will allow us to continue to reach many people and move their lives forward through access to a bicycle. The bicycle really can change lives.”
Yann Le Moenner (Amaury Sport CEO):
“The Tour de France, and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, have a responsibility which goes well beyond that of sporting competition, we amplify a message to promote bike use globally. We are convinced that this is important worldwide and mobility has to be encouraged by all means. Our long-term partnership with Qhubeka allows cycling to be put forward as part of the solution for young people in unfortunate circumstances. Cycling a path for the future is what drives us”.
Marion Rousse (Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Race Director):
“When I was a little girl, I watched the Tour de France on television with admiration. I was very proud to be asked to take charge of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift because we want to do our utmost to make it a dream for girls to participate. By partnering with the Qhubeka Charity, we are also making it possible for girls to get to school, get better grades, improve their lives, and maybe even race bikes one day.”
