Centurion cyclist rides again after heart transplant
Billy Macleod (56), a cyclist from The Reeds in Centurion, recently participated in the KAP sani2c mountain bike stage race from May 8 to 10.
The event covered 265km over three days from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
The race held profound significance for Macleod as it marked his second year after a heart transplant.
'This race meant a lot to me. It was a chance to show that life after a transplant is amazing.'
He said that last year?s experience was incredible, and now, two years post-transplant, he is tackling a challenge many believed impossible.
Macleod rode alongside 20-year-old Pedro Basson, who, like him, is also a heart transplant recipient.
He shared that their team became a powerful symbol of unity, and determination.
'Pedro's presence made the race even more meaningful,' he said.
'Being able to ride with another heart transplant recipient, especially someone as young as Pedro, was emotional.'
Macleod said Basson's energy and determination helped keep him going through the most gruelling parts of the race.
'He's young; it was his first time, but he showed incredible strength.'
Macleod explained how preparing for the event wasn't just physical.
He described how he had to train through the gym, focusing on long rides and time in the saddle while also keeping his mind sharp.
'We wanted to be the first team of heart recipients to complete this challenge. Our goals were simple: go slow, stay safe, avoid trouble, stay hydrated, stay fed, and stay on the bike.'
Despite his decades of experience, Macleod admitted that the journey wasn't easy.
He said one of his biggest concerns about the race was crashing.
'I had to remember that I have a new organ and needed to be careful and grateful. Every day is a gift from my donor.'
Macleod's journey began in Carletonville, where he grew up before joining the military and eventually settling in The Reeds, Centurion.
He began cycling at the age of 20 after serving in the military and participated in major events for over three decades.
'My achievements included completing ten Ironmans and racing in the prestigious Epic races in 2012, 2013, and 2014.'
However, everything changed in 2014 when he discovered he had heart disease.
He recounted the devastating moment when a doctor recommended a pacemaker due to his low heart rate, leading to a series of health challenges that forced him to pause his passion for cycling for six years.
He felt he had lost a crucial part of his identity.
'I didn't want to believe it at first, but I eventually got the pacemaker in 2015, and for two years it worked well, and I was back on the bike,' he said.
That return was short-lived. In 2017, Macleod began experiencing blackouts.
'Doctors thought I had a brain tumour. I had to turn off the pacemaker for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and they installed an ICD [a device that shocks the heart back into rhythm].
He said his battle with heart disease was marked by numerous hospital visits.
He described the experience as incredibly isolating.
'My wife and daughter stood by me, but I felt so alone sometimes. People say they support you, but unless they're really in it with you, they don't understand.'
Macleod faced dark times filled with depression and a feeling of burdening his family.
Yet, amidst this struggle, he found hope and made peace with his situation.
'In July 2022, I made peace with the idea that I might not see Christmas.'
Then everything changed.
In September 2022, Macleod received a new heart. And with it, a new life.
'I woke up three hours after surgery, talking to my doctors. Most patients go into a coma or need ventilators, but I was alert. It felt like a miracle.'
The former cyclist then achieved his first ride on January 5, 2023, and set his sights on participating in the World Transplant Games, where he qualified for the South African team.
He also opened a business at the Red Barn to promote organ donation, sharing his story to inspire others.
'I'm proud to represent people like me and to show that we're still capable of amazing things.'
Macleod said his story isn't about racing or medals.
'I want people to know there's hope. Life can be tough, but there's always something good. Gratitude is everything. Waking up and taking a breath is already a success.'
He added he's met many people in dark places who just needed a little encouragement.
'Don't give up. There's always a positive side. Look for someone who gives you hope. And be that person for someone else, if you can.'
ALSO READ: Pairing of paint and wine adds a splash of joy to Mother's Day
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
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The Citizen
18-05-2025
- The Citizen
Centurion cyclist rides again after heart transplant
Billy Macleod (56), a cyclist from The Reeds in Centurion, recently participated in the KAP sani2c mountain bike stage race from May 8 to 10. The event covered 265km over three days from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The race held profound significance for Macleod as it marked his second year after a heart transplant. 'This race meant a lot to me. It was a chance to show that life after a transplant is amazing.' He said that last year?s experience was incredible, and now, two years post-transplant, he is tackling a challenge many believed impossible. Macleod rode alongside 20-year-old Pedro Basson, who, like him, is also a heart transplant recipient. He shared that their team became a powerful symbol of unity, and determination. 'Pedro's presence made the race even more meaningful,' he said. 'Being able to ride with another heart transplant recipient, especially someone as young as Pedro, was emotional.' Macleod said Basson's energy and determination helped keep him going through the most gruelling parts of the race. 'He's young; it was his first time, but he showed incredible strength.' Macleod explained how preparing for the event wasn't just physical. He described how he had to train through the gym, focusing on long rides and time in the saddle while also keeping his mind sharp. 'We wanted to be the first team of heart recipients to complete this challenge. Our goals were simple: go slow, stay safe, avoid trouble, stay hydrated, stay fed, and stay on the bike.' Despite his decades of experience, Macleod admitted that the journey wasn't easy. He said one of his biggest concerns about the race was crashing. 'I had to remember that I have a new organ and needed to be careful and grateful. Every day is a gift from my donor.' Macleod's journey began in Carletonville, where he grew up before joining the military and eventually settling in The Reeds, Centurion. He began cycling at the age of 20 after serving in the military and participated in major events for over three decades. 'My achievements included completing ten Ironmans and racing in the prestigious Epic races in 2012, 2013, and 2014.' However, everything changed in 2014 when he discovered he had heart disease. He recounted the devastating moment when a doctor recommended a pacemaker due to his low heart rate, leading to a series of health challenges that forced him to pause his passion for cycling for six years. He felt he had lost a crucial part of his identity. 'I didn't want to believe it at first, but I eventually got the pacemaker in 2015, and for two years it worked well, and I was back on the bike,' he said. That return was short-lived. In 2017, Macleod began experiencing blackouts. 'Doctors thought I had a brain tumour. I had to turn off the pacemaker for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and they installed an ICD [a device that shocks the heart back into rhythm]. He said his battle with heart disease was marked by numerous hospital visits. He described the experience as incredibly isolating. 'My wife and daughter stood by me, but I felt so alone sometimes. People say they support you, but unless they're really in it with you, they don't understand.' Macleod faced dark times filled with depression and a feeling of burdening his family. Yet, amidst this struggle, he found hope and made peace with his situation. 'In July 2022, I made peace with the idea that I might not see Christmas.' Then everything changed. In September 2022, Macleod received a new heart. And with it, a new life. 'I woke up three hours after surgery, talking to my doctors. Most patients go into a coma or need ventilators, but I was alert. It felt like a miracle.' The former cyclist then achieved his first ride on January 5, 2023, and set his sights on participating in the World Transplant Games, where he qualified for the South African team. He also opened a business at the Red Barn to promote organ donation, sharing his story to inspire others. 'I'm proud to represent people like me and to show that we're still capable of amazing things.' Macleod said his story isn't about racing or medals. 'I want people to know there's hope. Life can be tough, but there's always something good. Gratitude is everything. Waking up and taking a breath is already a success.' He added he's met many people in dark places who just needed a little encouragement. 'Don't give up. There's always a positive side. Look for someone who gives you hope. And be that person for someone else, if you can.' ALSO READ: Pairing of paint and wine adds a splash of joy to Mother's Day Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- The Citizen
IN PICTURES: KAP sani2c Adventure and ‘OG'
IN PICTURES: KAP sani2c Adventure and 'OG' The KAP sani2c Adventure and 'OG' - two versions of the 21st edition of the KAP sani2c - took place last week, with about 1 000 riders per event riding 270 kms over three days. A competitor gestures while riding through a sunflower field. Over the three days, riders are also taken throug indigenous forest, farmlands, tribal lands and nature reserve. The race takes place from Glencairn farm near Underberg down to Scottburgh on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Pictures by Devin Paisley and Anthony Grote Heading out on stage one from near the base of the Sani Pass, the 'OG' KAP sani2c sees the UCI 'pro' riders following a Ford vehicle through a neutral zone before the racing begins. Crossing the PG Bison Floating Bridge across the Mossbank Dam near Pevensey. From Pevensey the route winds through the Donnybrook area to Mackenzie Club in Creighton, near Ixopo, where 'Farmer Glen' Haw, the founder of the event, greets riders – along with the Lynford School learners who hand out chocolate milks and other refreshments. Lynford School was the original beneficiary that the race was started to fund, and over 20 years later there are over 23 beneficiary schools and community organisations. Most riders behind them are out to enjoy a challenging ride and not race through the beautiful scenery, passing through midlands dairy farms and forestry plantations. Riders are encouraged along the way by many community members, especially excited children. The iconic cabbage tree seen during the famous descent into the Umkomaas Valley known as the 'Umko Drop'. This descent and its spectacular views, are two of the big reasons KAP sani2c is on most mountain bikers' bucket lists. Much of the route is singletrack. Stoked! At the start of stage 2, ahead of the 'Umko Drop'. After the 'Umko Drop' riders face the Unitrans Iconic Climb, using a water station and refuel stop before the challenge. Nature's bounty greets at every turn through a mountain biking singletrack heaven. Lifeguards on duty at Scottburgh beach greet tired riders, who, after crossing the Hansgrohe floating bridge across the lagoon onto the beach, have just a kilometre or two to go to the Scottburgh Golf Club finish line. That finish line feeling. After a final push up the fairway, a rider reacts enjoying the sea views, ready for a chocolate milk and a burger. MORE PICTURES: ABSA Cape Epic a true endurance test and Is the Cape Town Cycle Tour the world's most beautiful race?
The South African
09-05-2025
- The South African
Imbuko ChemChamp and Safari Essence Titan Racing take Stage 1 wins at sani2c
Imbuko ChemChamp 'A' team's Tristan Nortje and Marco Joubert showed why they podiumed at the Cape Epic, stamping their authority on Stage 1 of the KAP sani2c 'OG' in a time of 02:59:46. Bianca Haw and Danielle Du Toit had another strong day for Safari Essence Titan Racing, finishing in 03:42:59 and extending their overall lead to just over four minutes. The 'OG' riders left Glencairn on Thursday morning to race 89km to Mackenzie Club in Creighton, near Ixopo. KAP sani2c is now a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 2 marathon stage race, attracting a much larger elite field this year. Imbuko ChemChamp 'A' finished about a minute and a half clear at the line. Insect Science Cycling's Keagan Bontekoning and Arno Du Toit (03:01:26) rode consistently to maintain pressure, resulting in PYGA Euro Steel slowing in the final 15km. Despite a surge from Marc Pritzen and Wessel Botha (Team Honeycomb 226ers), who took third (03:02:28), Insect Science secured second place on the stage and climbed to second overall on GC. PYGA Euro Steel placed fourth in a time of 03:02:47. Marco Joubert was really happy with how they rode: 'We made it tough for ourselves and everyone else. From about 12km in, we pushed hard wherever the course allowed and got a gap. Riding in a group at high speed is always easier, but Tristan and I work well together, so we kept the pressure on, and the gap grew.' Tristan Nortje said their goal was to make the race hard from the start: 'We knew it would be a three-hour day, not a 40-minute prologue. We pushed hard from the first singletrack and the teams split up – one rider with us and their partner behind – so we just kept the pressure on, hoping the elastic would snap. The pace was so high that even gaining 20 to 30 seconds was difficult. But we knew that after two hours, things would crack. 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The last 20km were key, and Wessel was super strong pulling on the flats and drags. That helped us catch up when we started seeing the guys in front. The longer, harder stages are still to come, and we're looking forward to making a move. Mountain biking is never over until it's over.' The race is far from decided, with two more days of tight racing still to come. Danielle Du Toit and Bianca Haw had a strong day to claim the first stage and extend their lead. Image: Maryann Shaw It was another strong, focused day for Safari Essence Titan Racing's Bianca Haw and Danielle Du Toit, who finished in 03:42:59. They now hold a four-minute overall lead – a tough gap for second-placed Efficient Infiniti Racing (03:45:42) to close, but in stage racing, anything can happen. The Toyota Fortress team of Ila Stow and Cherise Willeit lost time due to a wrong turn, but were determined to hold onto third place, pushing hard to make up ground. They crossed the line in 03:53:56. Sonica Klopper and Tania Bugarin Ortiz (Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team) were pleased to retain fourth (03:59:08), and Roxanne Kemp and Janice Fourie (EPT Racing) stayed in the top five with a time of 04:06:28. Danielle Du Toit said: 'We had no strategy going in. At one point Bianca took the front and was clearly putting in a big effort. When we looked back and saw a gap, we knew we had to commit and go for it. It's tough to hold back on such a fast day. I just trusted Bianca and kept momentum in every pedal stroke. She even gave me a push at one stage – she's incredibly strong.' Bianca Haw said: 'The plan was to see how things unfolded. I ended up on the front, slowed the pace, but then noticed Sam and Sarah and realised we had to go. Once you're out of sight, it becomes real – it was motivating, especially catching some of the UCI guys.' Sarah Hill said: 'Just after 75km, I started cramping badly. There's not much you can do when that happens, and Sam was amazing. She slowed down and paced me home.' Samantha Sanders said: 'We raced well and tried to keep the tempo high from the start to shake up the bunch. We worked hard to open gaps, but couldn't drop Bianca and Danielle. It wasn't for lack of trying. Tomorrow's another day – we'll go again.' Ila Stow said: 'We took a wrong turn near Water Point 2 and lost about three minutes, but we regrouped and stayed focused. The route was long and tough, always pushing, even on the flats, but Cherise kept us steady all day. We tried to stay with Bianca and the Efficient team as long as we could, but they were just too strong.' Cherise Willeit said: 'That wrong turn was frustrating – we climbed the hill in the wrong direction and had to backtrack. It could've been worse, but Ila stayed calm and helped us look on the bright side.' Tania Bugarin Ortiz said: 'My partner Sonica was so strong today – I couldn't stay on her wheel and she had to slow down for me, so I'm very happy we kept fourth place. It was a fast, hard race, and I loved it.' The 86km Queen Stage on Friday descends into the Umkomaas Valley and climbs the Unitrans Iconic Climb, finishing at the Kings Harvest Academy after 1 896m of climbing. Riders overnight at Jolivet Farm. KAP sani2c Adventure: 7-9 May KAP sani2c 'OG': 8-10 May, with Prologue 7 May for UCI registered riders. Imbuko ChemChamp A (Tristan Nortje / Marco Joubert) – 02:59:46 Insect Science Cycling (Keagan Bontekoning / Arno Du Toit) – 03:01:26 Team Honeycomb 226ers (Marc Pritzen / Wessel Botha) – 03:02:28 PYGA Euro Steel (Michael Foster / Philip Buys) – 03:02:47 Toyota Specialized (Travis Stedman / Johan Van Zyl) – 03:03:42 Safari Essence Titan Racing (Bianca Haw / Danielle Du Toit) – 03:42:59 Efficient Infiniti Racing (Samantha Sanders / Sarah Hill) – 03:45:42 Toyota Fortress (Ila Stow / Cherise Willeit) – 03:53:56 Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team 1 (Sonica Klopper / Tania Bugarin Ortiz) – 03:59:08 TEAM EPT RACING (Roxanne Kemp / Janice Fourie) – 04:06:28 1. Imbuko ChemChamp A (Tristan Nortje / Marco Joubert) – 03:41:04 2. Insect Science Cycling (Keagan Bontekoning / Arno Du Toit) – 03:43:05 3. Team Honeycomb 226ers (Marc Pritzen / Wessel Botha) – 03:43:44 4. PYGA Euro Steel (Philip Buys / Michael Foster) – 03:44:01 5. Toyota Specialized (Travis Stedman / Johan Van Zyl) – 03:45:33 1. Safari Essence Titan Racing (Bianca Haw / Danielle Du Toit) – 04:36:22 2. Efficient Infiniti Racing (Samantha Sanders / Sarah Hill) – 04:40:32 3. Toyota Fortress (Ila Stow / Cherise Willeit) – 04:48:58 4. Tshenolo Pro Cycling Team 1 (Sonica Klopper / Tania Bugarin Ortiz) – 04:54:14 5. TEAM EPT RACING (Janice Fourie / Roxanne Kemp) – 05:03:34 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
