Toyota SA has announced that it is to be the the official vehicle sponsor to the establishment of the Freedom Trail, a mountain bike trail across Southern Africa as well as title sponsor of the country’s longest and most demanding cycle race.

With its range of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and off-road vehicles, Toyota SA is perfectly poised to deliver the best range of 4x4 vehicles to the 2008 Toyota Freedom Challenge Race. These vehicles will be used to, amongst others, transport media, marshals, event management team, logistics crew and event equipment. The vehicles include Hilux Diesel bakkies and Quantum panel vans. Toyota SA also supports the Freedom Challenge’s objectives of local job creation and conservation.

The race takes place on the Freedom Trail, a breathtaking mountain bike trail that links nature reserves and wilderness areas extending from Pietermaritzburg to Cape Town, many of which are hardly known or utilised because of their remoteness. As meals and accommodation are locally provided, participants in this race also contribute to the economic upliftment of the local communities en route.

Participants are given twenty-six days in which to complete the 2300 kms of this non-stop race; after the initial start each biker is at liberty to stop and start as he or she wishes. Riders not wanting to take on the full 2008 Toyota Freedom Challenge Race can share in the atmosphere of the race and get a taste of the trail by cycling the first 550 kms in the “Ride to Rhodes.“

Read the full press release at the ToyotaSA Newsroom and visit www.freedomchallenge.org.za to for more informtaion on the Freedom Challenge.