The 2013 MiWay Big5 MTB Series Started at the Mtunzini Country Club

Johannesburg, South Africa - Kicking off the 2013 MiWay Big5 MTB Series, the first race at the Mtunzini Country Club was an interesting start to the series. Although the KZN north coast showered the race with its worst weather experience in 16 years; it seemed nothing could dampen the turn out.

"We were very happy with the 800+ turn-out for the race this year, especially for the 10km Challenge, which was in its inaugural year as part of the overall Series Challenge," said Shane Webster of Big 5 Marketing. "The 10km Challenge attracted over 200 participants alone, proving yet again the need for more timed races short enough for the up-and-coming youth, but also for beginners looking to compete in their first race!"

A sugarcane single-track, dense indigenous forest and boardwalks through mangrove swamps formed the backdrop to the race. Course designer Frank Uzzell took four months to prepare this Zini Buffalo Classic course, which had cyclists in awe. Equally impressed was award-winning photographer Jacques Marais, who has decided to include the course in his upcoming MTB TRAIL GUIDE for 2013, which showcases the best mountain bike trails in South Africa.

Short-term insurer MiWay has supported local mountain biking since 2009, shortly after the company launched. "We've always been big supporters of mountain biking and followed its phenomenal growth in South Africa and abroad," says Max Huggins from MiWay. The company not only supports the sport, but also has products to support its participants. "It seemed natural for us to develop a standalone bicycle insurance product that appealed specifically to the cycling community – because we understand that for some people a bicycle isn't simply a line item on a bigger policy," says Huggins.

The Zini Buffalo Classic's 50km, 25km and 10 km challenge results are available on the MIWAY MTB website (mtb.miway.co.za). Photographs of the event can be viewed on the MiWayMTB Facebook page (Facebook.com/miwaymtb)

Looking forward to the second race of the MiWay Big5 MTB series? The 23rd of June marks race day for the Pick n Pay Elephant Classic Eshowe. For further details please see mtb.miway.co.za

Catch the latest MiWay Mountain biking show on SuperSport, or follow MiWayMTB on Facebook (Facebook.com/miwaymtb) and Twitter (@MiWayMTB). Visit mtb.miway.co.za for more information on MiWay's standalone bicycle insurance – covering you for theft, fire and accidental damage during AND en-route to training and races.

MiWayMTB is an initiative by direct insurer MiWay, to encourage broad participation in MTB. As well as developing niche insurance products for this fast-growing community, MiWayMTB sponsors races, events and a dedicated SuperSport TV show - MiWayMTB. Community interaction is encouraged through the group's Facebook page at facebook.com/MiWaymtb, where MTB enthusiasts can also find news, product reviews, event details and race results.

About MiWay
MiWay is one of South Africa's leading direct, short-term insurance companies. Our business objective is to give our customers great value-for-money insurance products and offer a comprehensive range of short-term insurance products including car insurance, household and homeowners insurance and add-on products like motor warranties and liability cover. MiWay also offers motorcycle insurance, bicycle insurance and motorcycle insurance.

We offer flexible, innovative and affordable insurance that suits your pocket and gives you peace of mind. MiWay also rewards clients with a one-of-a-kind loyalty programme called MiRewards. MiRewards is a cash reward paid directly into the bank account of our clients and is given to all clients that have been insured with us for at least 3 years – regardless of whether they have claimed or not.

With a staff complement of over 1000 people, we are committed to providing superb customer service and are transparent in all our dealings with our clients. MiWay has also been voted the best company to work in the 2012 Deloitte Survey.

MiWay offers complete home and car insurance quotes online, the ability to earn rewards and save on joining fees by buying car insurance policy online. We also offer self-management of your insurance portfolio without ever having to fill out a form or calling us as well as 24/7/365 lodging and tracking of claims. Contact MiWay or call us directly on (+27) 860 64 64 64.