He is a sport and exercise physician at the Morningside Sports Medicine Centre and is also an enthusiastic cyclist who is the team doctor for the MTN Qhubeka pro-cycling team that will be competing at the cycle challenge on 16 November at Steyn City.
“The 947 is a cyclist’s dream because of the complete road closures, affording us (cyclists) the opportunity to ride a big Jozi loop without fear of motorists or traffic lights,” he said.
“Even the pot-holes are marked with bright paint. I have competed in the race a few times and I enjoy the support the cyclists get on the day.” He has been cycling since 2009. This year at the challenge he hopes to complete two laps of the course. He currently trains at the Cradle of Humankind to increase his ability on his mountain bike abilities.
Dr Van Zuydam explained why he is ultimately riding for a purpose and went into detail with regards to the specific charity the team has chosen.
“The Ride For a Purpose initiative is an amazing opportunity for cyclists to give back to the community while doing the sport they love. Our chosen charity is Qhubeka,” he said.
Qhubeka helps people move forward and progress by giving bicycles in return for work done to improve communities, the environment or academic results. “Having a bicycle changes lives by increasing the distance people can travel, what they can carry, where they can go and how fast they can get there,” he said.
Dr Van Zuydam will be joined by his fellow team mates on the big day, who will be adorning their Qhubeka jerseys.
Currently the team has raised R100 000 which equates to around 45 bikes for the foundation. All proceeds will go directly to the foundation,
