Trevor Hardouin (29) from Yellowwood Park recently participated in South Africa’s oldest classic cycle race, the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2015, held on Sunday, October 18th.
Kicking off from Pietermaritzburg City Hall, Hardouin cycled the gruelling 106 km race donning Team Tracey cycling kit in support of his friend, Tracey Massey Hicks (45), who is currently fighting her own gruelling battle against cancer.
In February 2014, Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer. After 6 months of chemotherapy and surgery followed by radiation, she finally went into remission in October, however in August 2015 she was again diagnosed, but this time it had spread to her neck, spine and a spot on her liver, sternum and ribs and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment with 10 left to go.
“The reason I chose to ride for Tracey is not only because she has been like family to me for many years, she is also a very strong woman who won’t give up. She never complains or says, ‘why did this happen to me?’ and is still outgoing, happy and full of laughter. It’s like nothing is wrong. She also uses her time as a volunteer at the CANSA association, talking to other people with the same condition,” Hardouin said.
As Hardouin’s 4th 106 km Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic, he added that this year’s race was by far the hottest and most challenging as he had minimal training leading up to the race.
On completion of the ride, Hardouin was thankful for the support of his family and friends and handed over his medal to Tracey as a token of appreciation for her bravery and acknowledgement of his support. “This race was very significant for me. I persevered through the race and handing my medal over to her serves as an emblem of her perseverance through her illness. It was also an encouragement for her to keep on fighting which seems fitting as we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness this month,” he said.
