MULTISPORT
Mac is determined to use his platform to promote cyclist safety in SA
Images : Courtesy Mac Moleli , Carte Blanche , Piehl Family , Promise to Andre Campaign
More time on the legs with another training run with the coach
sustained severe deformity after being dragged about 400 metres under the car , and was declared deceased on the scene . Je ’ an was found to have sustained critical injuries and required advanced life support intervention to stabilise his condition , before he was airlifted to hospital .
Andre was a devoted husband , and father to teenaged twins , Tyler and Axel , and worked as a senior executive for Famous Brands . HE was also well known in cycling and triathlon circles , and had competed in Ironman events for a number of years , including taking on the Ironman World Champs event
Mac often joked with Andre that one had to be crazy to do the Ironman
in Kona , Hawaii . He was a popular and well-liked person , both professionally and socially , and even now , nine months later , Mac openly admits that he still has not fully come to terms with what happened that day .
“ I had met Andre many times at work and social functions , and I would always tease him that he was mad to do Ironmans . I think he had done six or eight , or something like that , and I joked that he needed to get other hobbies ! But one day , I said to him , you know what , China ? One day when I ’ m stupid , when I ’ m crazy enough and old enough , I ’ ll do an Ironman with you … but now I ’ ll never be able to do it with him . So that ’ s the reason why I ’ m doing the Ironman in March 2023 , to live up to that promise and to honour Andre , and the other road users that have lost their lives to reckless , negligent and drunk drivers . This is to commemorate his life , but also to raise awareness about road safety , especially for cyclists and for runners ,” says Mac .
Reason to Tri
To achieve this , Mac has vowed to not only complete an Ironman race , but also to launch a campaign to raise awareness around cyclist and runner safety , and to improve motorists ’ behaviour around cyclists and other non-motorised road users in general . The ‘ Promise to Andre ’ campaign will therefore aim to raise funds to support the improvement of cyclist and pedestrian road signage and markings , introduce more cycle tracks along urban roads , and promote traffic and speed management schemes such as speed zones . Most importantly , it will focus on changing motorist behaviour through information , training and law enforcement , and driving the focus of policymakers and professionals responsible for cyclist safety , but also influencing cyclist behaviour and attitudes .
“ We ’ re launching the campaign at the beginning of December by focusing initially on trying to make the Cradle of Humankind safer . Normally we are comfortable to cycle and train for triathlons when we ’ re in the Cradle , because that ’ s almost like our safe space , but Andre ’ s accident was a horrific wake-up call . After that we ’ d like to expand it into other areas throughout South
The late Andre Piehl was an avid Ironman triathlete
67