Steph Bester CEO of AllLife with Billy Macleod

Four Cyclists Take on the 2025 KAP sani2c to Inspire South Africans with a Message of Hope

By Liesl Viljoen, Head of Marketing

From 8 to 10 May 2025, four cyclists will take on one of South Africa’s most iconic and challenging mountain bike stage races – the KAP sani2c. Covering 265 kilometres over three days from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the event is known for its tough terrain, stunning scenery, and relentless pace. But this year, one team will be racing with more than just medals in mind.

Team Change of Heart is made up of two heart transplant recipients – Billy Macleod (56) and Pedro Basson (20) – and their two experienced cycling partners: Steph Bester, CEO of AllLife, and long-time cycling companion Guy Dudley. Together, they’re not just riding to finish – they’re riding to inspire.

Billy, once an accomplished cyclist and triathlete, was sidelined for six years by heart disease and given just two weeks to live before receiving his transplant.

Guy Dudley

He made a remarkable comeback in 2024 when he became the first South African heart transplant recipient to complete the KAP sani2c. This year, Billy returns with a renewed purpose — not just to ride, but to support 20-year-old Pedro through his very first stage race. For Billy, this ride is about passing the baton of hope and helping another transplant recipient believe in the impossible.

Pedro Basson

“This is more than a race – it’s a celebration of life and second chances,” says Steph Bester, who was set to ride alongside Billy last year but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a sudden illness. “Missing out in 2024 was heartbreaking for me, especially because this cause and this team are so close to my heart. I can’t wait to finally be on the bike with them this year. Billy and Pedro are living proof that your story doesn’t end with a diagnosis. At AllLife, we believe in the power of resilience, and this team embodies that belief. It’s an honour to support them – not only on the bike but in sharing their powerful message with the country.”

The team will be riding on e-bikes, enabling them to manage pace, terrain, and energy levels more effectively while still tackling the full challenge of the race. For Pedro, who has never raced before, the support of his three teammates – all experienced sani2c finishers – is crucial.

“Knowing I have a team behind me who understands the journey and is there to support every climb and descent makes all the difference,” Pedro shared. “It’s not just about the bike – it’s about proving to myself that anything is possible.”

AllLife is once again using this race to raise awareness for Hero777, a non-profit foundation focused on increasing organ and tissue donor registrations in South Africa. The foundation is deeply personal to the AllLife family as they deal with so many people in need of transplants daily.

It takes a community that truly understands both the unique challenges individuals face and the deep love for cycling to make something like this possible. The team is incredibly grateful for the support from AllLife, the wider cycling community, and especially race founder Glen Haw (Farmer Glen). Pedro will ride an e-bike generously sponsored by Cannondale, allowing him to tackle this life-affirming challenge alongside his team.

Whether it’s climbing steep hills or sharing laughs around the campfire, Team Change of Heart is ready to show that with support, courage, and a whole lot of heart – anything is possible.

Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AllLifeSA and https://www.instagram.com/alllife_sa), and visit www.odf.org.za to learn more about organ and tissue donation or register as a donor today.