The Fundsmith Colin Mayer Tour, as a highly popular event in the Mauritian sporting calendar for cycling enthusiasts, was held from 12 to 15 October 2023. In its eighth edition, this year’s event was held in a two-rider team format, which took participants through some of the island’s most scenic coastal tracks to dense woodlands, covering breathtaking slopes, beach crossings, traditional salt pans and new areas to explore within private game farms.
From the race village in Cascavelle, the competition began with a prologue on the afternoon of 12 October, with the three stages of the competition unfolding from 13 to 15 October. The South African duo Frank Van Zyl and Tristan Norte, who entered as the Toyota Specialized/Imbuko Giant team, won all stages of the competition, with a total time of 7h29’17.
The runners up were Team BRSC/Insect Science, composed of Alexandre Mayer and Keagan Bontekoning, with a total time of 7:44’10, while the SOZ Serye Team, composed of William Piat and Torea Célestin finished in third position overall, with a time of 8:20’32. Kids’ races were also held on 14 October, with categories for different age groups, and a relay race for under 14s won by The VSP 974.
Speaking at the end of this year’s competition, Tom Armstrong, Partner at Fundsmith, as the main sponsor of the event, said:
“Fundsmith is proud to continue our long-running support of what has become a world-class multi-day stage race that now attracts the very best riders from Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa and Europe.”
“Equally important is that the race remains inclusive and open for all, with family and community at the centre of what has become a highlight of the Mauritian sporting calendar. We look forward to supporting the race for many years to come,” he added.
Colin Mayer was a “one of a kind” sports legend who inspired an entire generation of Mauritian cyclists, including the members of the Committee, Pascal, Sebastien, Michel and Christophe.
Passionate for sports since a young age, and inspired by his uncle Luc Bax de Keating, who was himself a multi-sport icon, Colin only started cycling at the late age of 30 and very soon became a leading figure in the local peloton. His family and close friends commemorate Colin through this event, which serves to inspire riders and aspiring riders throughout Mauritius to push themselves beyond their limits, the way Colin did.
